(July 6, 2006) -- LBPD says a midnight, multiple-rollover crash in ELB at Studebaker Rd. and Los Coyotes Diagonal cost a driver his life...and six hours later across town, a car flew off the 710 freeway leading into downtown LB, plunging 40 feet to the ground below, killing its driver at about dawn.

In the first accident, LBPD says its preliminary investigation indicates that on July 5 at about 12:00 a.m., a 1998 Ford Ranger driven by Patrick Snyder, 22, of LB was heading southbound on Los Coyotes Diagonal "at a high rate of speed."

LBPD's release says Mr. Snyder "failed to stop for a red light while merging onto southbound Studebaker Road and collided with a 1998 BMW. The BMW had a green light and was traveling lawfully through the intersection northbound on Los Coyotes Diagonal."

LBPD says Mr. Snyder's vehicle rolled multiple times...and police say he wasn't wearing his seat belt and was ejected. "Officers who witnessed the accident immediately rendered first aid to Snyder until the Long Beach Fire Department transported him to a local area hospital." He did not survive. The two occupants of the BMW were not injured.

About six hours, another fatal crash occurred...this time on the 710 freeway entering downtown LB.

LBPD says its preliminary investigation indicates that at about 6:00 a.m., a 2002 Ford Focus heading southbound on the 710 where it merges onto Ocean Blvd. drove up and over the cement guard rail, then plunged 40 feet to the ground below.

The vehicle landed behind 170 North Pico Street; the driver was pronounced dead at the scene; identity is withheld pending notification of next of kin.

LBPD is investigating the cause of the latter accident...and anyone with information about either accident is asked to contact LBPD Accident Investigations Detective David Lauro at (562) 570-7355.