30-year-old Brandon Bates, of Lewiston, died in a single-vehicle crash on the Maine State Turnpike on Friday. Around 5 a.m, Maine State Troopers responded to the scene of the crash at mile marker 56, northbound in Falmouth.  Troopers discovered a 2019 black Toyota Highlander had struck the Hurricane Road overpass bridge abutment.

Troopers preliminary investigation indicated that the vehicle left the roadway, traveled 200 feet on the grass part of the shoulder behind the guardrail, and then struck the bridge.  Troopers also believe that Bates fell asleep at the wheel.  He was the only occupant in the vehicle.

The crash remains under investigation.