San Rafael, CA – On 09/16/2023, the San Rafael Police and Fire Departments responded to a solo-vehicle car crash that went into the Canal waterway.  Tragically, the two trapped occupants in the vehicle were killed.  The identity of the deceased occupants will be released by the Marin County Coroner’s Office.

Just after 7:00 AM, SRPD Dispatched received a 9-1-1 call where 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 travel at an estimated 70 MPH on Canal Street headed toward the waterway and dead-end of the street.  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 solo 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.  Unfortunately, neither victim was able to be saved. 

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.  

The identity of the victims will be released by the Marin County Coroner's Office.

SRPD sends its condolences to the families and loved ones of this tragic incident and understands that these cases have impacts on our community.  We will work to thoroughly investigate and determine the cause of this collision.  

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000. Tips can also be made online at http://www.srpd.org/tips.