70-year-old man dies after crashing into pond on New Year's Eve in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

A 70-year-old Port Charlotte man died after the vehicle he was driving went airborne and landed in a pond along Tamiami Trail near Stratford Drive in Charlotte County.

The crash happened at approximately 11:46 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man lost control of the 2015 Toyota as he approached a curve near the Stratford Drive intersection.

Troopers said the vehicle collided with an embankment, landed in a small pond and collided with a large water pipe before becoming halfway submerged.

The man was pronounced dead on the scene, and FHP said the crash is under investigation.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.