Sorrento Valley Off Ramp Closed After Crash

A fatal crash near the I-5 freeway closed an off ramp in Sorrento Valley Thursday morning, CHP said.

A 37-year-old man identified as Joseph Ludwick reportedly drove between 40 to 50 MPH into a retaining wall at the Sorrento Valley Blvd, off ramp just before 5 a.m. Thursday.

A San Diego Police Department officer witnessed Ludwick driving over the train tracks on Sorrento Valley Blvd. and then heard a crash.

The officer did not see Ludwick's brake lights as he drove at a high rate of speed toward the wall. He was pinned inside the black Ford Explorer and not breathing.

Authorities confirmed his death on the scene due to obvious traumatic fatal injuries, according to the medical examiner.

Sorrento Valley Blvd. from Roselle St. to Sorrento Valley Rd. was closed for several hours following the crash.

By 9 a.m. the roads were re-opened.