Charlie Gilstrap, a Class of 2010 Oakdale High School grad, died in a solo vehicle accident late night July 4.

He was driving his 1998 Pontiac on Central Avenue, north of East Taylor Road west of Keyes about 11:30 p.m. when the vehicle, for an unknown reason, drifted off the roadway and onto the dirt shoulder, where the front of the vehicle struck a utility pole. The vehicle continued off the roadway in a northeasterly direction, according to the CHP report, and into a cornfield, where it overturned. Gilstrap was subsequently ejected from the vehicle and came to rest within the cornfield. He was pronounced deceased on the scene of the crash; the CHP report indicated he was not wearing his seatbelt.

Gilstrap was a standout athlete at OHS.

Members of the Class of 2010 are planning a candlelight vigil for him for Friday evening, July 6 at the Oakdale Community Skate Park; those planning to attend are asked to arrive starting at 8 p.m., with the lighting of candles scheduled at 8:30 p.m.