Groveland, CA…On 02-19-2019 at approximately 1441 hours, CHP Officers were notified by a citizen of a possible vehicle over the side of State Route 120, east of Grizzly Creek. CHP Officers arrived in the area, and after an extensive search, located a 2003 Honda Accord, approximately 200 feet down the embankment. The Honda had suffered major collision damage. The vehicle was registered to a reported missing person out of the city of Lodi. While continuing to search the area, CHP Officers located the body of a deceased male nearby. The identity of the deceased male has not been confirmed. The collision is still under investigation and it appears that the seatbelt as not worn. The identity is pending confirmation and notifications. Nelson A. Valdez the registered owner of the vehicle was reported missing on January 24. A local Groveland resident out on a hike, saw what he believed was a car down the embankment. Using binoculars, he noticed the vehicle was a newer model and notified CHP. It is unknown when the collision occurred.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a part in this collision, pending autopsy.