Authorities release name of man killed in accident near Shellsburg

Benton County authorities have identified the man killed in a single-vehicle accident Friday as Larry J. Michel, 34, of Brandon.

Sheriff Randy Forsyth said Michel died after his vehicle went off 32nd Avenue about three miles north of Shellsburg and went down a steep ravine. A volunteer fireman discovered the crash around 1:30 p.m. Friday after he noticed skid marks leading off the highway.

Michel, who was the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined Michel's southbound vehicle went off the right side of the roadway as he went into a curve, and when over-corrected, the vehicle went off the other side of the highway. The vehicle went down the ravine and struck several trees, authorities said.

Forsyth said an investigation was still continuing, but said it appeared speed was a factor in the crash.