Kirkland man dies in Eastside crash

Alcohol and speed were to blame in the crash that killed a 30-year-old Kirkland man early this morning who lost control of his car on Avondale Road Northeast, struck several trees and landed on the side of the road, police said.

Investigators determined the man was driving more than 100 miles an hour and not wearing a seat belt, police said.

The victim was traveling south on Avondale shortly before 3 a.m., when residents heard a crash and called 911, police said.

Police department spokesman Jim Bove said the white Cadillac came to rest on the east side of Avondale Road along Bear Creek, facing the northbound lanes, after it had sheared off several trees and was ripped into sections by the impact of the crash.

The car left a lengthy trail of skid marks before leaving the roadway, said Bove.

"Basically, it did a 360," he said

Investigators originally were concerned that someone may have been ejected from the vehicle and a baby seat was found in the back seat of the Cadillac, said Bove, but a search was done and no other occupants were found.

Avondale Road has a 40-mph speed limit and was closed for more than seven hours as the investigation was conducted.