Missing Paso Robles man found dead in Kern County crash, police say
A Paso Robles man who was reported missing from his home on Aug. 7 was found dead in his vehicle in Kern County on Aug. 21, according to police.
A news release from the Paso Robles Police Department said Caltrans personnel found David Peterson’s 2014 Honda Ridgeline in a ravine near Highway 58 and 7 Mile Road in Kern County, east of San Luis Obispo County.
When Paso Robles police arrived on scene, they identified a body in the car believed to be Peterson, the release said.
Peterson, who was 86 years old, was originally reported missing by a neighbor on Aug. 7. Investigators learned that Peterson left his home on Aug. 5 between 9:37 p.m and 10:36 p.m., according to police.
No foul play was suspected, the release said.
The California Highway Patrol was investigating the crash, according to the release.
This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 10:11 AM.
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