Don Pedro, CA…On September 11, 2024, at approximately 12:00am, 64-year-old Donald Baker from Modesto drove his 2015 Kia sedan to the Flemming Meadows boat ramp area at Lake Don Pedro. Mr. Baker backed his vehicle down an embankment towards the water line and for an unknown reason, the vehicle suddenly accelerated backwards into the water. While the vehicle was in the water, Mr. Baker called 911 for help.

Sonora CHP officers responded to the area along with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office Boat Enforcement unit, Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Dive Team and the Calaveras County Sheriff Office. Upon their arrival, the vehicle was no longer visible from the bank of the lake and the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office deployed an underwater robot. The robot located a possible object matching a vehicle, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Dive Team went into the water.

The dive team confirmed the vehicles location and while under water they located the driver, who was deceased. The events of this crash are still under investigation by the Sonora CHP Office.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this crash.