A Roanoke Rapids man died Saturday in a single vehicle crash on Highway 46 in the Gaston area.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sergeant L. Bynum said, according to a preliminary report by Trooper W.H. Wheeler, Jerry Cornelious Clemonts, 60, was traveling east shortly before 2 p.m. on the highway when he traveled left of center and went off the roadway. The vehicle collided with a light pole and continued through private property where it struck a detached garage.

Clemonts was transported to ECU North Hospital where he was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.

While Bynum said the crash remains under investigation, he said it appears the contributing factor is Clemonts traveling across the roadway.

A passenger in the vehicle did not sustain any injuries.

According to an Instagram post by the Gaston Volunteer Fire Department the garage was located on North Russell Street.

Upon their arrival responders found an SUV inside the walls of the garage with the driver and passenger trapped.

Firefighters breached through the walls and gained access to the vehicle. 

The female passenger refused medical treatment.