Man killed in crash was from Newport

A 46-year-old Newport Beach man died after the SUV he was driving lost control on the 55 Freeway, officials said Tuesday.

Steven Olson was driving south on the 55 near Paularino Avenue about 12:21 p.m. Monday when his Jeep Grand Cherokee drove off the freeway and struck a tree, according to California Highway Patrol and the Orange County coroner.

The Jeep hit a shoulder on the 55 before heading over the asphalt curb and then down an embankment, where it struck a pine tree, according to a CHP report.

Olson died at the scene, according to the coroner’s office.

It was unclear how fast Olson was traveling when the Cherokee went into the embankment, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing, according to the CHP.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30