Driver dies after slamming into tree next to Memorial Drive

A motorist who veered off Memorial Drive east of downtown and struck a large tree has died from his injuries, police say.

The Volkswagen sedan appeared to be travelling normally in an eastbound lane when, according to witnesses, the driver suddenly went off the road near the Bridgeland-Memorial C-Train station, said Det. Andy Nguyen.

"We believe it was caused by a medical condition," he said.

The man, believed to be in his 70s, had to be extracted from the vehicle, which hit the tree with such force that the tree toppled on top of the car.

He was taken to Foothills hospital where he died from his injuries.

The Calgary police traffic unit is continuing to investigate the crash.

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