Nov. 17 Angels Camp accident victim dies at Modesto hospital

An Arnold man injured in a car accident on Nov. 17 died of his injuries Saturday at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Robert Bernhard, 79, was a passenger in a 2005 Cadillac driven by William Votaw, 82, also of Arnold. They were traveling south on Highway 49 near Deer Creek Road in Angels Camp at 2:33 p.m. when the vehicle began to drift off the edge of the road, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Rebecca Myers.

According to Myers, Votaw probably hit the accelerator instead of the brakes, because the car traveled 250 feet through a field before striking an oak tree.

Votaw suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment.

Bernhard sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Doctors. He died of his wounds four days later.