Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Oscar Gutierrez
File # C230240028
Details:
On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 5:24 PM, deputies from the Thermal Sheriff's Station responded to the area of Costa Mesa Drive and Avenue 68, in North Shore, regarding a drowning in the canal. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and his two friends were fishing along the canal when the victim accidentally dropped a cellphone into the canal. The victim dove into the canal to retrieve the cellphone; however, he was unsuccessful and, in the process, became submerged underwater for an extended period. The victim's friends called 911 when the victim did not resurface. Deputies responded to the area where the victim was last seen diving into the canal; however, they could not locate the victim due to low daylight.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 7:54 AM, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office – Dive Team and Search and Rescue Team responded and recovered the victim's body. The victim's name is being withheld, pending next of kin notification.
As a reminder, fishing in the canal is dangerous and prohibited by law anywhere in the Coachella Valley. Anyone wishing to fish should look for an authorized fishing location.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Navarro of the Thermal Sheriff's Station by calling 760-863-8990. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341-7867.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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