One Person Dies in Lakeside Crash; Victim ID’d.

Last Update: 10:01 am

LAKESIDE – A driver who crashed into a tree in Lakeside, killing a passenger, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and drunken driving early Tuesday.

An off-duty police officer came upon the crash in the 14000 El Monte Road about 1 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

The 34-year-old passenger in the wrecked 1990 Volvo 240 DI, who was identified by the Medical Examiner’s office as Patrick Michael Elerding, died at the scene, according to CHP Officer Larry Landeros. Elerding lived with his parents in Santee, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

The driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, he said.

The driver’s name was withheld.