PHOENIX — An investigation is underway after the body of a 38-year-old man was found near his submerged vehicle in Scottsdale on Saturday morning, authorities said.
Ander J. Pallares Polanco’s body was found by the Scottsdale Police and Fire Department after flood waters receded following Friday’s heavy storm activity.
According to the Department of Public Safety and Scottsdale police, Polanco’s family last heard from him around 6:15 p.m. on Friday while he was delivering food.
Details on Polanco’s body being found in Scottsdale
Officers responded to a call regarding a vehicle submerged in rushing water at Vista Del Camino Park, near 77th and Roosevelt streets, around 7:46 p.m. on Friday, according to Scottsdale police.
Upon arrival, police and fire officials used drones and helicopters to examine the vehicle that was submerged in 8 to 9 feet of water, but due to how murky the water was, no signs of life were discovered. In addition, the inside of the vehicle was fully flooded with only the trunk visible above water, police said.
Police said attempts were made to contact Polanco but they were unsuccessful.
Fire and police officials reportedly decided to monitor the vehicle overnight as water levels receded.
According to Scottsdale fire, around 6 a.m. water levels had dropped 4 to 5 feet and allowed crews to safely access the area.
Rescue crews discovered Polanco’s body pinned beneath a walkway bridge that was submerged in around 6 feet of water outside the vehicle.
Polanco’s body was removed from the water using the fire department’s swift water rescue boat around 7:40 a.m.
The death investigation is underway and a cause of death will be determined by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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