A Franklin man died in an early-morning crash on West Franklin Road on Saturday.

John Emerson, 51, was discovered by a passerby in a 2010 Silver Chevy Aveo that had come to rest on its roof near 45 West Franklin Road at around 1:08 a.m. When state troopers arrived on the scene, Emerson had died, according to Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

An initial investigation indicates that Emerson crossed the centerline before leaving the roadway. Emerson’s vehicle struck a rock before rolling onto its roof. Officials believe speed was a contributing factor in the crash.

Correction: An earlier version of this report misstated John Emerson’s age.

Leela Stockley is an alumna of the University of Maine. She lives in northern Maine with her two pugs and a cat. Send videos and photo submissions to lstockley@bangordailynews.com.