Tracy, CA – On the morning of Friday, September 19, 2025, William J. Doyle, 52, and Roland M. Penamante, 48, died, and a female passenger sustained injuries when a Chevrolet Silverado crashed into the Delta Mendota Canal, according to KCRA.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 8:00 AM near Interstate 5 and Highway 132 in San Joaquin County.
The woman who survived the crash managed to climb out of the submerged Silverado. She reached the edge of the interstate and attempted to flag down passing vehicles for help. Drivers who noticed her condition called emergency responders.
When officers arrived, they found her shaken and injured. Medical personnel evaluated her at the scene and provided treatment for the injuries she suffered in the collision.
Authorities said the woman told them she had been riding as a passenger when the vehicle left the roadway and entered the canal. She explained that Doyle and Penamante had remained inside the truck as it went underwater. Investigators later confirmed her account after locating tire tracks and broken vehicle parts leading directly to the water’s edge.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office dive team began searching the canal shortly after officers arrived. Divers located the Silverado submerged in the center of the waterway. When they checked the inside of the truck, they found no one inside. This prompted a broader search effort that lasted into the weekend.
On Sunday, September 21, search teams recovered the bodies of Doyle and Penamante in Stanislaus County, downstream from the crash site. Authorities confirmed that both men died from the injuries sustained when the Silverado entered the canal and submerged.
Investigators continue to review evidence to determine why the Silverado veered off Interstate 5.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
