Missing Man, 29, Found Dead Inside Submerged Tesla 2 Weeks After He Vanished in Calif.

A 29-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks was found dead inside a Tesla discovered submerged near Schoolhouse Beach in Bodega Bay, California, authorities said.

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety (RPDPS) confirmed in a press release that the deceased person found in the driver’s seat of the vehicle was identified as Kale Gonick-Hallows.

Detectives said they received an alert from CAL FIRE LNU on Friday about a Tesla located near Schoolhouse Beach. Investigators then requested the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter H-1 to search the area.

“During the aerial search, a blue Tesla vehicle matching the description of Kale Gonick-Hallows’ Tesla was located submerged in the water,” the release stated.

Authorities said RPDPS responded to the scene alongside CAL FIRE, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter unit, and California State Parks lifeguards. A deceased individual was found in the driver’s seat of the submerged vehicle, officials said.

Investigators added that there was no indication of foul play.

Gonick-Hallows, of Rohnert Park, was reported missing on Jan. 5, according to an earlier RPDPS release. At the time, officials said he was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis and was likely driving a bright blue 2023 Model Y Tesla (California license plate 9HOS517).

“Kale’s vehicle was last seen near Bodega Bay on Monday evening, January 5th, 2026,” the earlier statement said, adding that he was believed to be along the Sonoma coastline or possibly in wooded areas within Sonoma County.

In the most recent release, RPDPS encouraged anyone struggling with mental health concerns to seek support.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Kale Gonick-Hallows during this difficult time,” the department said.