Lambertville driver dies after car hits utility pole

9/29/2005

A Michigan man was pronounced dead yesterday less than 45 minutes after his car drifted off Jackman Road near Berkshire Place and slammed into a utility pole, Toledo police said.

Lyle Palan, 67, of Lambertville was pronounced dead at 11:22 a.m. at Toledo Hospital. The Lucas County Coroner's Office is to perform an autopsy today.

The driver's side of his vehicle was damaged severely about 10:45 a.m. when his car went off the right side of the road and hit the pole, Officer Chuck Turner said.

He said Mr. Palan may have suffered a heart attack or other medical condition, which may have led to the accident. A witness told police Mr. Palan, who was wearing a seat belt, was slumped at the wheel before the vehicle hit the pole.

Relatives told police Mr. Palan had been on his way to play pool.