Wetumpka man pursued in chase dies in crash

State troopers are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the lift of a Wetumpka man.

The crash happened around 6:16 p.m. Friday on private property, near the I-65 Service Road and Real Life Church in Millbrook.

Troopers say 45-year-old Mark Patterson was fatally injured when the 2014 Ford 150 he was driving, left the roadway and continued traveling on a private road before overturning in a ravine. Troopers say Patterson was being pursued by a deputy with the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office before the crash occurred.

ALEA says Patterson was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene.

ALEA has not said why the deputy was pursuing Patterson initially.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is investigating the accident.