Police Believe Death Of Trucker Who Mysteriously Went Missing Was "Accidental"

Police Believe Death Of Trucker Who Mysteriously Went Missing Was “Accidental”

Merced County, California – Merced County officials do not suspect foul play in the death of a truck driver who went missing last week.

One day after Merced County officials confirmed the body recovered last weekend from the Delta-Mendota canal is 54-year-old truck driver, Satwant Bains, of Fowler, they are now indicating his death is likely “accidental.”

Mr. Bains’ body was recovered approximately 2 miles downstream from where his semi was found last Wednesday, May 15, along Interstate 5 and Whitworth Road near Santa Nella.

The coroner’s office indicated drowning to be the possible cause of death as they await toxicology results.

Meanwhile, police continue working to piece together what happened.

Investigators believe Mr. Bains was alone when he exited his truck.

“We do not believe this is a homicide investigation. It appears accidental, “ Undersheriff Jason Goins told the Merced Sun-Star on Tuesday.

Police were called to the scene last Wednesday at approximately 5 a.m. after receiving a report that a semi pulling a refrigeration trailer was sitting idle on the freeway and partially blocking the northbound right lane.

While on scene, officers discovered the truck’s engine running and the doors were unlocked with no one inside.

Authorities also found a cell phone and wallet inside the truck belonging to Bains.

Bains was reportedly hauling a load to Fairfield, California at the time of his disappearance.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445.

Transportation Nation Network will continue to follow this story.

If you enjoyed this article, please help us grow by sharing it. Thank you!