Google Maps image of Seventh Street at Pepper Tree Lane. 

An elderly man died and the 22/405 onramp temporarily closed this morning when a single vehicle hit a light pole at East Seventh Street and Pepper Tree Lane.

According to Sgt. Bradley Johnson of the Long Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched at 3:55AM to the area near Cal State Long Beach regarding an injury traffic accident.

When officers arrived, they found an elderly man’s car, a 1994 Mercedes Benz, had hit a signal light pole. The man was determined deceased at the scene.

Upon investigation, witnesses said they saw the car stop in the middle of the intersection at Seventh Street and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for no apparent reason. Moments later, witnesses saw the vehicle continue eastbound on Seventh Street at about 25 miles per hour before veering into the signal light pole and Pepper Tree Lane.

It is possible the driver experienced a medical emergency prior to the accident, according to Johnson.

The investigation is ongoing. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the driver pending notification of next of kin. 

The Post will update this story was more information emerges.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Brian Watt of the Collision Investigation Detail at 562.570.5520. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous, may call 1.800.222.TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

This story was updated on January 22, 2015 at 2:54PM.