HAYWARD — The man who perished after his sports car crashed into a mausoleum at a local cemetery was identified by authorities Monday as Michael Joseph Eleazarraraz, 51, of Newark.

Hayward police investigators also are seeking the public’s help in tracking down the driver of another car involved in the accident, said police spokesman Lt. Reid Lindblom.

Eleazarraraz died Sunday after he crashed his 1967 Corvette convertible at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd. His mother was buried at the cemetery about a week ago, and authorities said they believe he was bringing flowers to her grave when the accident occurred.

Detectives have learned through interviews with several witnesses that Eleazarraraz was traveling north on Mission Boulevard, near Harder Road, around 9:17 a.m. when the driver of a black Mercedes-Benz Kompressor convertible abruptly pulled in front of the Corvette.

After the two exchanged words, the driver of the Mercedes motioned to Eleazarraraz to turn into the cemetery, authorities said.

Eleazarraraz followed the Mercedes into the cemetery, with both cars traveling at excessive speeds, Lindblom said. The Corvette skidded around a corner, struck a mausoleum pillar and slammed into two crypt lockers.

Police said although Eleazarraraz was wearing a seat belt, his chest struck the steering wheel and his head hit the windshield. He died a short time later at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley.

Lindblom said road rage could have been a factor in the accident.

Authorities said the driver of the Mercedes fled the scene following the crash and is wanted for questioning by Hayward police. Lindblom could only describe the driver as a white male.

“We’re still very interested in finding the other driver, because I’m sure that person could shed some light on what happened,” Lindblom said.

Tracking the driver down could prove difficult, however, since witnesses were unable to provide officers with the vehicle’s license plate number.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Hayward Police Department at (510) 293-7051.

Ricci Graham can be reached at (510) 293-2469 or rgraham@dailyreviewonline.com.