Driver dead after car plunges into pond

Jason Chlapek

jason.chlapek@granitemediapartners. com

A 77-year-old Elgin man died last week after the car he was driving left a parking lot and ended up submerged in a nearby pond, police said.

Andrew Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene Nov. 5. following recovery efforts at a pond near the Bastrop County Tax Office, 1125 Dildy Drive in Elgin. Officials said an Elgin Police Department officer was alerted around 10:14 a.m. to a car that had driven through the tax office parking lot, struck a dumpster enclosure and continued into water on an adjacent property.

The officer and a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper entered the pond to search for occupants but were unable to locate anyone due to poor visibility in the murky water, according to reports.

Dive teams from the Milam County and Williamson County sheriff’s offices were called to assist in recovery efforts. About 1 p.m., divers located and removed a black Buick Grand National from the pond and found Campbell’s body inside.

Bastrop County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Larry Dunne ordered an autopsy after pronouncing Campbell dead.

Authorities had not determined what caused the vehicle to enter the pond as of press time.

The Elgin Police Department is leading the investigation.

Acadian EMS and North Bastrop/ Travis County Emergency Services District No. 1 also assisted at the scene.

More information to come in the Courier as it becomes available.