Two men died when their car launched into the Canal waterway at a high rate of speed on Sept. 16. The men were trapped underwater and both died at the scene. Alcohol is believed to have been involved.
They were identified as Jose Vasquez Gonzales, 21, and Denison Gaytan Hernandez, 21, both of San Rafael.
Just after 7 a.m. San Rafael Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call. A witness reported that a vehicle had driven into the Canal waterway at the end of Canal Street in the 500 block.
San Rafael Police and Fire personnel responded to the scene. Upon arrival, a witness reported that they had observed a vehicle going about 70 mph on Canal Street headed toward the waterway. The witness then heard a splash in the water. Officers went to the dead-end of Canal Street and observed skid marks in the gravel and a vehicle submerged in the water.
SRPD’s rescue boat and the Southern Marin Fire Department Dive Team responded to the scene. Two occupants were removed from the water, and paramedics attempted life-saving measures to no avail.
SRPD Major Accident Investigations Team (MAIT), along with the Marin County Sheriff’s Dive Team, were called to the scene and began an investigation into what occurred. Surveillance video of the incident was also reviewed by investigators. During the investigation, the vehicle was removed from the water.
In the preliminary investigation, it is believed that alcohol may have been a factor. SRPD will be working with the Marin County Coroner’s Office to obtain toxicology reports for both victims.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000.
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