Fatal Crash Highway 4, Old River Bridge Near Discovery Bay

Deadly Crash on State Route 4 in San Joaquin County

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2025) — One person was killed Friday morning near Discovery Bay after a vehicle plunged into the water and overturned along Highway 4 near the Old River Bridge, southwest of Stockton, authorities said.

The crash was reported on Jan. 2nd at approximately 9:30 a.m. in the area of SR-4 near the Old River Bridge, according to a California Highway Patrol incident log. Initial reports indicated the vehicle overturned and came to rest on its roof in the water.

Bystanders rushed to the scene and attempted to help remove the driver from the vehicle. A 12-year-old passenger told dispatchers that his father had gotten out of the vehicle to assist another party involved in the crash. Multiple witnesses reported that between 10 and 15 people were trying to pull the driver from the submerged vehicle.

Medical personnel arrived and began performing CPR, but the driver was later pronounced dead at the scene. Both individuals involved were reported to be out of their vehicles.

Witnesses told authorities the vehicle had been driving recklessly and was attempting to pass another vehicle shortly before the crash. Fire crews from the Clements Fire District responded, and Patriot Towing was called to recover the vehicle.

All lanes of SR-4 were reopened by approximately 10:30 a.m. The identity of the victim was not immediately released, and the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).