Bakersfield Police Department: Former McFarland City Manager John Wooner's death related to a "collision"

MCFARLAND, Calif. — A reward has been paid in the death of former McFarland City Manager John Wooner. He was identified as the man found in an SUV that was pulled out of the Kern River in July.

According to Sgt. Nathan McCauley of the Bakersfield Police Department $1,000 of an advertised $5,000 reward was paid out to an individual who reported seeing the SUV in the river.

In addition, the BPD said that Wooner's death was related to a collision. However, authorities are waiting on the coroner to determine if his death happened as the vehicle went into the river, or after his vehicle hit the water.

This is a developing story. We will have more information as it becomes available.