Driver Dies When Car Goes Down Embankment Into Pond Near Napa

NAPA COUNTY, CA — A Paso Robles man died early Thursday when he drove his SUV down an embankment and into an irrigation pond in an unincorporated area of Napa County, the California Highway Patrol said. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the incident that happened just after 3:30 a.m. on a private roadway in unincorporated Napa County, CHP Officer Marc Renspurger said.

The 30-year-old Paso Robles man whose name was not released by the CHP was driving eastbound at 2253 Dry Creek Road when for unknown reasons he went off the road and ended up in the water, CHP Officer Marc Renspurger said.

The man's 2007 FJ Cruiser became fully submerged in the water, Renspurger said.

A 27-year-old Napa man who was also in the car was able to free himself.

The driver, however, had to be removed from the SUV by emergency personnel.

He was taken by ambulance to Queen of the Valley Medical Center, where he was declared deceased, Renspurger said.

"The crash is under investigation and alcohol does appear to be a factor," Renspurger said.