Update: CHP identifies Orangevale man killed when SUV crashed into tree

A man died Friday morning when his sport-utility vehicle spun out of control and hit a tree, ending up with its hood pointing into the air in a Fair Oaks yard. He was identified by the California Highway Patrol as Leonard Moreno, 58, of Orangevale.

The California Highway Patrol said Moreno was driving a 2012 Nissan Xterra southbound on Winding Oak Drive near Windsock Avenue at 8:41 a.m. when he lost control of the SUV.

The vehicle left the roadway on a curve, striking several garbage cans and a transformer box. It hit several landscape rocks, which caused the SUV to roll and momentarily become airborne. The vehicle tumbled up a small hill into a tree in a private yard, according to Officer Tommy Riggin, CHP spokesman.

The SUV ended up against the tree in a vertical position on its trunk. The vehicle also struck the northeast corner of the residence, but Riggin said the tree may have saved the resident’s life by preventing the SUV from crashing into the house.

Firefighters placed a ladder against the SUV and cut open its roof to extricate the driver. Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene.

CHP officials said alcohol appears to have been a factor in the crash.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 11:08 AM.