Groveland, CA — The C.H.P. has identified 24 year old Jonathan Blakeley of Cherry Lake Rd. in Groveland as the victim of a single vehicle accident Thursday afternoon on Old Priest Grade.

According to reports, Blakeley lost control of his 1994 GMC pickup truck, causing it to slide down the grade for a distance of some 200 feet, where it impacted the embankment on the south side of the roadway.

The vehicle then slid across the roadway and went over a steep embankment on the opposite side where it became airborne for approximately 40-50 feet.

Upon recontacting the embankment, the pickup rolled numerous times ejecting Blakeley who was not wearing a seatbelt.

The Highway Patrol says alcohol may have been a factor. Old Priest Grade was closed for several hours.

Written by Bill Johnson