PORT HUENEME : Man Dies in Truck Plunge Near Buellton

A Port Hueneme man was killed when his truck plunged down the side of the Ventura Freeway near Buellton, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Billy G. Russell, 58, was crushed to death Sunday when his 1990 Chevrolet pickup landed on its top after rolling down the embankment into a creek bed, said CHP spokeswoman Joan Griggs.

He was traveling south on the highway at 55 to 60 m.p.h. when the truck suddenly ran off the side of the road, Griggs said.

Investigators did not know why Russell lost control, she said.