The death toll from traffic-related crashes continues to soar this week, as traffic investigators logged the seventh fatality of the year in unincorporated Fayette County.

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office Traffic Enforcement Division is investigating a one-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a north Fayette County man.

According to reports, Kennith L. Gatlin, 44, of Jonesboro, the driver of a 1997 Jeep Cherokee, was traveling north on Corinth Road off Ga. Highway 85 North about 3:30 p.m. Monday. Gatlin lost control of his Jeep while attempting to round a sharp curve at the intersection of Corinth and Carter roads.

"Mr. Gatlin lost control of the Jeep and left the roadway on the left side of the road after the curve," Hannah said. "The Jeep overturned and struck a tree, coming to rest on the Jeep's top. Mr. Gatlin, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene as a result of severe head trauma. He was the only occupant of the vehicle."

Fayette County Sheriff's Office Traffic Enforcement Division Director Lt. Col. Wayne Hannah said Gatlin might have been traveling too fast to safely negotiate the sharp curve at Corinth and Carter roads. The accident is still under investigation.