One killed in crash near downtown Raleigh

A Raleigh man died early Friday when his car crashed into a utility pole and a fire hydrant near downtown, police said.

The driver, Jonathan Brite Brothers, 31, of 5752 Poolside Dr., was ejected from his vehicle and died at the scene around 1 a.m., Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue said.

According to the police report, Brothers was traveling north on St. Mary's Street when he ran off the right side of the road and struck the utility pole and fire hydrant near Lakeview Drive, north of Glenwood Avenue.

Speeding was likely a factor in the crash, according to the report. Brothers was driving about 55 mph in a 35 mph zone. It was not immediately clear if alcohol or drugs were involved.

Utility crews closed both sides of St. Mary's Road between White Oak Road and Lake Drive while they worked to repair downed power lines. Progress Energy's Web site reported that power had been restored to most customers by 8:30 a.m.