Investigators believe driver fell asleep before crashing into creek; Driver's ID released

FOX CHAPEL, Pa. — Investigators said they believe a driver fell asleep at the wheel moments before crashing into a creek Friday morning in Fox Chapel.

"It appears that what happened is he fell asleep and literally drove right off the road and into the creek," said Fox Chapel’s Chief of Police David Laux.

Officials said Roger Griffith, 71, of Allison Park was approaching the intersection with Field Club Road when he fell asleep, veering his car left, striking a tree and overturning into the creek.

The impact was so great that firefighters said they couldn’t open the door and had to cut the roof off to get Griffith out.

Nearby maintenance workers working at the park across the street reacted after witnessing the accident.

Authorities said they brought over a backhoe and were able to upright the Mercedes Benz and keep the driver calm until emergency crews arrived.

"The way that he landed in the creek, he was sitting well above the water. He was conscious and alert. We took him to the hospital just to be checked out, and we have no other reason to believe that this is anything other than the fact that he fell asleep today," said Laux.

Police said Griffith was wearing a seat belt, and they do not believe the car had any mechanical problems.

While the car was a total loss, Griffith only suffered some cuts and scrapes.

WPXI