A driver was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash early Wednesday.

Mark E. Smith, 50, of North Lewisburg, died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred on East U.S. Route 36 at 5:20 a.m.

According to Champaign County Sheriff Matt Melvin, Smith was operating a 2013 Kia Rio westbound on Route 36, east of state Route 814. A 2015 Honda Civic driven by Jeffery Foster, 54, of Bellefontaine was traveling eastbound on Route 36 and reportedly swerved to miss a deer, but still struck the deer.

An initial investigation revealed Foster traveled left of center, colliding with Smith’s vehicle. Smith was wearing a seat belt and airbags were deployed.

Champaign County Assistant Coroner Dr. Barry Paxton responded to the scene where Smith was pronounced dead.

Foster was transported by Urbana EMS to Mercy Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Mechanicsburg Fire and EMS also responded to the scene.

The crash is under investigation by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.