At a Glance
- The body of 29-year-old Kale Gonick-Hallows was found inside his blue Tesla submerged near Schoolhouse Bay, California, on January 20.
- Gonick-Hallows had been missing from Rohnert Park since January 5, with police stating he appeared to be experiencing a mental-health crisis.
- Authorities located the vehicle after a CAL FIRE LNU alert prompted an aerial search by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter H-1.
- No foul play is suspected, according to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.
A two-week search for a missing Northern California man ended tragically when his Tesla was discovered underwater with him inside. The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety (RPDPS) confirmed the recovery on Tuesday, January 20, after coordinating a multi-agency response near Schoolhouse Beach in Bodega Bay.
Discovery of the Vehicle
RPDPS detectives first learned of a possible submerged Tesla on Friday, January 17, when CAL FIRE LNU issued an alert about a vehicle sighting near Schoolhouse Beach. Detectives immediately requested assistance from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter H-1 to scan the rugged coastline.
During the aerial sweep, the crew spotted a blue Tesla matching the description of Gonick-Hallows’ 2023 Model Y. The car was completely underwater. Dive teams from California State Parks Lifeguards joined RPDPS, CAL FIRE, and the helicopter unit at the scene. A deceased individual was found belted into the driver’s seat.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | Gonick-Hallows reported missing; last seen near Bodega Bay driving his bright blue Tesla, license plate 9HOS517 |
| Jan 5, 2026 evening | Vehicle observed on Sonoma Coastline; search zones included Armstrong Redwoods, Russian River, and adjacent reserves |
| Jan 17 | CAL FIRE LNU alerts RPDPS to submerged vehicle near Schoolhouse Beach |
| Jan 20 | Body officially identified as Kale Gonick-Hallows; authorities state no indication of foul play |
Mental-Health Concerns
From the outset, investigators believed Gonick-Hallows was in the midst of a mental-health crisis. The initial missing-person bulletin urged the public to watch for the distinctive bright blue electric SUV and cautioned that he might seek secluded wooded or coastal areas. After the recovery, RPDPS reiterated the importance of mental-health support.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Kale Gonick-Hallows during this difficult time,” the department said in its release.
Investigation Status
Authorities have not released details about how the Tesla entered the water or how long it remained submerged. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s helicopter provided crucial aerial reconnaissance, but the final recovery required coordination with specialized underwater units. Once the vehicle was winched from the surf, forensic teams confirmed the driver’s identity and found no external signs of trauma or suspicious activity.
RPDPS continues to ask anyone with information about the events of January 5 to contact detectives. Meanwhile, the department encouraged community members experiencing mental-health challenges to reach out for help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Key Takeaways
- The multi-agency effort combined aerial, marine, and dive resources to locate the submerged Tesla within three days of the initial alert.
- Officials underscored that Gonick-Hallows’ disappearance highlights the importance of rapid response when mental-health issues are suspected.
- With the recovery complete and no foul play indicated, the case now shifts to supporting the family and reviewing water-safety measures along the Sonoma coastline.
