Fresno County DUI Crash Into Friant-Kern Canal Leaves 25-Year-Old Woman Dead

A woman died after a suspected DUI crash sent a vehicle into the Friant-Kern Canal late Thursday night, authorities said.

At approximately 11:25 p.m., the California Highway Patrol Fresno Communications Center received a report of an injury collision involving a Dodge Challenger that entered the Friant-Kern Canal on Jensen Avenue, just east of Navelencia Avenue in Fresno County.

CHP officers responded to the scene and determined there had been three occupants in the vehicle when it entered the water. Two male occupants were able to exit the canal, but a female rear passenger was reported missing.

CalFire personnel deployed a water rescue team and located the woman downstream. She was removed from the water, and lifesaving measures were initiated before she was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. She was identified as a 25-year-old woman.

The driver, Alexander Alcocer, 22, was contacted at the scene and determined to be under the influence of alcohol, authorities said. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle had been involved in reckless driving in a nearby dirt lot, where dust created limited visibility. Investigators said the impaired driver then mistakenly drove into the canal.

The crash remains under investigation.

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