Fatal car crash on Rt. 872

A Potter County man died Thursday evening when his car veered off Rt. 872, between Austin and Coudersport, and smashed into a tree. The victim, 44- year-old William Brown of Galeton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to state police from Denton Hill, Brown was northbound at about 6:10 when his sedan drifted off right side of the highway and traveled about 180 feet along a bank before striking a tree. The crash occurred in Homer Township, just north of the Heth Road intersection.

Police are still trying to determine why Brown lost control of the car.