Body found in canal in Fresno County, deputies say

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- An investigation is underway after a body was found in a canal in Fresno County.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office says the body was found near American and Cherry avenues at about 8 am.

Monday morning, authorities blocked off portions of the intersection after an irrigation worker doing routine checks spotted what looked like a body in the canal.

Fresno County Sheriff's deputies responded and confirmed a man was dead.

"We have determined that there is no foul play here, it looks like the body may have been in the water for a little while," FCSO Spokesperson Tony Botti said.

This incident comes just one day after first responders launched a body recovery operation in Central Fresno.

Just after 6 a.m. Sunday morning, officials say a man was swept away in the Dry Creek Canal near Abby Street and Olive Avenue.

The sheriff's office contacted Fresno police about that case - and also checked with the CHP about two recent cars found in the canal at Barstow and Floyd.

Investigators do not believe the man who recovered Monday is connected to any of those incidents, and they are still working to get answers.

"Right now, our coroner and ID techs are working to identify this person, then, hopefully, once we have that, we can trace it back and match it up against any missing person reports," Botti said.

With the series of storms earlier this year and ongoing snowmelt, many waterways are high and flowing faster than normal.

Officials said canals are never a place for anyone to go into - and they are extremely dangerous, no matter what they look like on the surface.

"Because of the shape of the canal, once you get in, it's almost impossible to get yourself out. There are lots of hazards, things you can't see below that you can get caught up in. So please do not go in canals as a swimming hole," Botti said.

Authorities also remind you to pay close attention when you're driving around canals.

"If you veer off and don't pay attention, you can find yourself in a situation where you are submerged ..realize if you get stuck in there, it could cost you your life."

Deputies are still investigating what led up to the incident.

This is a developing story. Stay with Action News for updates.

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