Jamestown, CA…On July 2, 2021, at approximately 4:25pm, 45-year-old Michael Bowers of Sonora was driving a 2001 Ford Focus westbound on Rawhide Road, west of Pulpit Rock Road with his passenger 34-year-old Samantha Tarango from Sonora. Mr. Bowers allowed his vehicle to travel off the north shoulder where it crashed into a tree. After striking the tree, the Ford Focus continued down an embankment where it eventually came to rest.

Mr. Bowers succumbed to his injures at the scene. His passenger sustained major injuries and was flown to Memorial Medical Center by air ambulance.

It was determined both occupants were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. This crash is still under investigation and alcohol and drugs are suspected to be a factor in this crash.