Longtime Rancho Santa Fe resident Peter Fletcher dies

Longtime Rancho Santa Fe resident and local developer Peter Fletcher, 80, was found dead Dec. 11 at 9:54 p.m. at the Wormwood Canal in the Imperial Valley, according to Imperial Valley Deputy Coroner Jesus Lara.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death will be held Dec. 14, but Lara said it appears that Fletcher accidentially fell into the canal while searching for his dog. His dog was later found in the area. Fletcher had been on a hunting trip in the region and when he did not return home the local sheriff’s department was notified and a search conducted. More information to come.