El Dorado County man drowns after car goes into American River

A Silver Fork man was on his way to work in Pollock Pines Friday when it is believed his vehicle crashed into the American River, sending him and his vehicle into the water.

Digger Gooch, 37, was westbound on Highway 50 February 10 when deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) believe he crashed into the river which was moving rapidly due to heavy rains in the area.

A person driving by the Randall Tract near Whitehall saw his body tangled up in some brush on the side of the river. It is believed Gooch crashed about 3/4 of a mile up river from where his body was located, EDSO Sgt. Tasha Thompson told South Tahoe Now.

Investigators found evidence of a vehicle accident entering the river upstream, but have yet to locate the vehicle.

The California Highway Patrol flew a helicopter up the canyon on Sunday but was still unable to locate Mr. Gooch's vehicle.