San Diego, CA - The victim of a DUI related accident in San Diego that happened early this morning has been identified as 34 year old Patrick Michael Elerding, the San Diego Medical Examiner's Office announced.

The accident occurred around 1 a.m. on El Monte Road. Mr. Elerding was a passenger in a 1990 Volvo 240 DL wagon. The vehicle was traveling westbound when the driver, Nico Faulk of San Diego ran into the north shoulder and then crossed the center yellow lines and collided with a large tree.

The accident was discovered by an off duty San Diego police officer, who called paramedics, who pronounced Eldering dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, Faulk was taken to a hospital for treatment of lower back pain. He is facing felony drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter charges.