February 6, 2012 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident at 12800 Kurland about 10:15 a.m. on Sunday (Feb. 5).

The male victim, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant B. Rogers and Officer I. Jefferson reported:

The victim was driving a red Ford pickup truck eastbound on Kurland at a high rate of speed when he lost control, struck the curb and drove into a retention pond. Witnesses stated they heard the vehicle racing down the street and then a loud noise. When the witnesses went to the pond, they saw the vehicle in the pond and the victim in the water. A good samaritan dove into the pond and attempted to save the driver. As he attempted to pull the driver to the edge, the driver's weight overcame him and he had to let him go in order to make it to the bank himself. The HPD Dive team responded to the scene and recovered the victim and his vehicle from the pond. There were no other vehicles or persons involved in this traffic accident.

The investigation is continuing.

JKS/VHS 2-6-12
Inc. #15397612-Q