1 dead, 2 hurt after van collides with tree in Sacramento County

One person died and two others were injured in a crash along Auburn Boulevard in Sacramento County on Wednesday, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol responded to Auburn Boulevard near Morse Avenue shortly before 4 p.m., discovering a van had crashed into a tree.

Sacramento Metro Fire also responded to the scene, saying four people were trapped in the vehicle and required extrication.

The vehicle's front passenger was declared dead at an area hospital and has since been identified by the Sacramento County Coroner's Office as Lincoln resident Aaron Daniel Safrans Sr., 38.  

The driver, who suffered major injuries, reported that they may have fallen asleep, officials said Wednesday.

As of Thursday evening, the CHP said the driver, who has only been described as an adult man, could face manslaughter charges. The CHP also noted that DUI was not a factor, but said that the investigation remains open.

Among the passengers was a 6-month-old. Officials initially indicated on Wednesday that the baby had also been injured in the crash but have since clarified that the child was not hurt.

The baby's mother was sitting on the floorboard at the time of the crash and suffered major injuries, the CHP said.

It's unknown if any seatbelts were worn at the time of the crash.