FAIRFIELD (CBS13) – A vintage tank ran over and killed a man near Fairfield on Saturday afternoon, authorities say.

The accident happened on a private open field near Abernathy Road, west of Fairfield, a little before 2:30 p.m.

California Highway Patrol says 55-year-old Kevin Wright of Suisun City was riding on the front edge of a 1944 M-5 tank at a reunion when the vehicle started going downhill. Wright fell off and was run over.

Emergency crews were called to the scene, but Wright was soon pronounced dead.

The tank’s driver has been identified as 62-year-old Vacaville resident Dwayne Brasher.

Sunday, the Herman Rowland family released a statement about the incident.

“An invited guest at our family reunion tragically lost his life when he was involved in an off road vehicle accident on private property. Our family is grieving over this tragic loss. The gentleman involved in this accident was a passionate person, always ready to lend a hand and we shared the same deep rooted love of history. To have him die so tragically during our family reunion is impossible to comprehend.”

Rowland is the chairman of the board of the Jelly Belly company.

CHP is still investigating the incident.