On Thursday, just after 3 PM, Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the 2000 south block of US 35, in rural Pleasant Township, reference a single vehicle crash. The crash investigation revealed a Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle was traveling north on US 35. While doing so, the vehicle left the northbound lanes for an unknown reason, traveled off the east side of the roadway and struck a large tree. The driver was freed from the vehicle after a short period of time. Immediately after being removed from the vehicle, emergency personnel provided medical attention to the driver. After a period of time, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 41 year old Joseph A. Freese of La Porte. According to LaPorte County Coroner Bob Cutler, Freese died as the result of “blunt force trauma.” Toxicology test results are pending. The matter remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office.