SWANTON – Swanton Police are investigating a single-car crash that claimed the life of a 62-year-old Swanton man on Friday evening.

Marlin Morton, formerly of St. Albans, was driving westbound on Vermont 78 when his 2012 Jeep Liberty went off the road about 5:35 p.m., village police said.

Sgt. Kyle Gagne said the Jeep struck a tree and landed upright in the Missisquoi River.  

Missisquoi Rescue transported Morton to the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, where he later died from his injuries, Gagne said.

Franklin County Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Diane Wheeler requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death.  It is expected to be conducted Monday in Burlington at the office of Vermont’s Chief Medical Examiner.

Gagne said speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash.