Man dead after car crashes down Merced County ravine

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Investigators are trying to figure out how a man in his 20s crashed down a 30-foot ravine and died Saturday.

The fatal accident happened Saturday at Oakdale Road and Shaffer Road in Merced County, just north of Winton. But the California Highway Patrol isn't sure exactly when the driver died because his body was found by a passerby almost a full day later.

Authorities said it appears the man was coming around a curve and crashed into a tree. He was ejected and landed on a dried up creek and his car fell down the ravine as well.

At this point, it's unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.