Body of 84-year-old college co-founder recovered from Visalia canal, deputies say

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- An investigation is underway after deputies found the body of a local college co-founder in a canal in Visalia.

The Tulare County Sheriff's Office found the body in a canal east of Road 124 just after 7 pm Sunday.

Officials identified the body as Robert Perry.

Perry was the co-founder of San Joaquin Valley College.

In a statement, the school's communication manager said Perry had a commitment to providing accessible and quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.

He and his wife founded the college in Visalia in 1977.

It is not known what led to Perry's death at this time.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.