FROG POND – A Franklin County man was killed early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash on Franklin 52, officials said.

According to the Alabama State Troopers, Michael Anthony Blanton, 35, from Red Bay, was killed when the 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck he was driving left Franklin 52 and struck a tree. Reports indicate the wreck occurred at 2:20 a.m. in the Frog Pond community.

Troopers said Blanton was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Franklin County Coroner Elzie Malone said Blanton suffered blunt force trauma and injuries to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said it appeared Blanton lost control of his vehicle, but troopers said the cause of the wreck is still under investigation.

Blanton was originally from the Red Bay area but lived in Spruce Pine with his wife. He is also survived by two sons. He was a builder at Gates Rubber Company in Red Bay.