Sheriff’s office investigating death of man found inside Merced canal

Authorities are investigating the death of a man who was found in a Merced County canal Thursday.

At about 8:02 a.m., Merced County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Tyler Road and East Childs Avenue after receiving a report from a passerby about body in a canal, according to Deputy Alexandra Britton.

Sheriff’s office detectives and dive team personnel recovered the man’s body from the water and his death is currently under investigation. According to Britton, it is unknown how long the man had been in the canal or what led to his death.

According to authorities, anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7472. Callers can remain anonymous.