Man found dead in Merced canal identified by coroner

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office has identified a man found dead in a Merced canal on Thursday as 62-year-old Rafael Valencia, according to Deputy Alexandra Britton.

Authorities responded to the area of Tyler Road and East Childs Avenue at about 8 a.m. Thursday after a passerby reported seeing a body in the canal. Sheriff’s office detectives and dive team personnel responded and recovered the man’s body.

According to Britton, a cause of death remains unknown as authorities await the results of an autopsy. It also remains unclear how the man ended up in the canal. According to Britton, the death remains under investigation and may have been accidental.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7472. Tips can remain confidential.