NewsLocal News

Actions

Autopsy report provides new details in death of former McFarland city manager John Wooner

Posted
and last updated

New details are emerging in the death of former McFarland city manager John Wooner, more than half a year after his body was pulled from the Kern River.

23ABC has obtained the official autopsy report from the Kern County Coroner's Office. Wooner was reported missing on May 14, 2019. His body was pulled from the Kern River after his city-issued Dodge Durango was found by a passerby.

According to the autopsy report, Wooner's body was "in advanced stages of decomposition and beyond recognition."

When his body was taken to the coroner's office for a forensic examination, the coroner "attempted to fingerprint (Wooner) but he did not have any ridges on his fingers due to the length of time under water."

Wooner's death was ruled an accident. The coroner's office said drowning and blunt force were the causes of his death.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Monday

06/30/2025

Clear

-° / 72°

0%

Tuesday

07/01/2025

Clear

102° / 71°

0%

Wednesday

07/02/2025

Clear

101° / 72°

0%

Thursday

07/03/2025

Clear

101° / 69°

0%

Friday

07/04/2025

Clear

96° / 67°

0%

Saturday

07/05/2025

Clear

96° / 68°

0%

Sunday

07/06/2025

Clear

99° / 70°

0%

Monday

07/07/2025

Clear

101° / 71°

0%