Ketchikan man, 78, dies after his vehicle leaves North Tongass Highway near Mile 13

A 78-year-old Ketchikan man died Saturday after his vehicle went off North Tongass Highway north of town, Alaska State Troopers said.

Troopers identified him as John Olson. He was driving south by himself near Mile 13 when his vehicle left the road, according to the troopers' report. Troopers were called at 3:19 pm.

North Tongass EMS crews reached Olson first and took him to a Ketchikan hospital, where he died a couple of hours later. A family member was at the hospital when he died, troopers said.

Olson was reportedly wearing a seat belt but was seriously injured in the crash, according to troopers. They have not said what caused the vehicle to leave the road.

His body is being sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.