Man dies when van strikes tree - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

Man dies when van strikes tree

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A Columbia man is dead after a single-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon.

According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, the accident happened in the 500 block of Skyland Drive around 5 p.m.

Watts said 68-year-old James J. Mitchell was the driver and only occupant of a van that left the roadway and struck a tree.

Mitchell was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene, according to the coroner.

An autopsy on Sunday showed that Mitchell died from trauma associated with the collision.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate.

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