On Saturday January 20, 2024, at approximately 4:45 PM it was reported to 9-1-1 a rollover vehicle collision had occurred within the 5800 block of Nave Drive, Novato. It was learned an SUV style vehicle being operated by the subject, who was travelling at highway speeds northbound on State Highway 101, for reasons unknown and remain under investigation, lost control of his vehicle, exited the highway striking multiple objects until finally coming to rest on the frontage road north of Hamilton Parkway.  First Responders were immediately dispatched to the scene, who arrived a short time later and discovered the subject entrapped unconscious and unresponsive inside his rolled over vehicle.  The subject was extricated from the heavily damaged vehicle and was determined to be in cardiopulmonary arrest. Paramedics provided resuscitative aid and the subject was transported emergently to an area hospital for additional life-saving treatment. Regrettably, the subject succumbed to his injuries and passed a short time after arriving at the hospital. At the time of the collision the weather was notably inclement with wet roadways.

The decedent has been positively identified as:                                           

Thomas Wayne Powell, a 74-year-old male from Cotati, CA.

A forensic postmortem examination with routine toxicology testing is being completed later this week. The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the California Highway Patrol – Marin Office and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office - Coroner Division. No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation. Any further questions regarding the incident should be directed to the California Highway Patrol – Marin Office.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office and personnel of the Coroner Division offers our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Powell.

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043