BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 76-year-old Palmdale man died Saturday afternoon after crashing his vehicle into a canal near Bear Mountain Boulevard and Rockpile Road within the property of the Arvin Edison Water Storage District.
The California Highway Patrol said on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at around 4:04 p.m., officers were called to Bear Mountain Boulevard, east of Rockpile Road, for a report of a crash into a canal that resulted in one death.
According to CHP, a preliminary investigation found that a 76-year-old man from Palmdale was driving a black 2006 Cadillac DTS northbound within the property of the Arvin Edison Water Storage District at an undetermined rate of speed.
The driver made an abrupt and unsafe turning movement to the west and traveled directly into the canal, where the Cadillac became fully submerged, according to CHP.
The driver was found in the driver’s seat by emergency personnel and removed in an effort to perform lifesaving measures. The driver, and sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.
CHP said at this time, it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the CHP Bakersfield Area Public Information Officer at 661-396 6600.