HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Hernando County Sheriff’s Detectives are conducting a death Investigation in Dade City after a body was found in the Withlacoochee River.
“The preliminary investigation into the body that was discovered floating in the Withlacoochee River revealed foul play was involved in the death,” said Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Late this afternoon, detectives learned the identity of the deceased. The identity of the deceased will not be provided, as per Marsy’s Law. Next of kin notification has been made.
The investigation is still very active and fluid, deputies say.
Please note, this case is in no way related to the Death Investigation on Darts Street in Weeki Wachee.
On Sunday just before 1 p.m., Hernando County deputies and Hernando County Fire Rescue were dispatched to 33038 Ranch Road in Dade City (Hernando County), after a caller reported a body floating in the Withlacoochee River .
In the news: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Intros U.S. House Bill To Avoid Government Shutdown
Upon arrival deputies met with the caller, also a resident on Ranch Road, who said while in his back yard, he was flagged down by two individuals who were canoeing down the river.
The individuals in the canoe told the caller they spotted a body in the river. After providing this information, the pair continued down the river.
With the use of an airboat (Hernando County Fire Rescue), the individual was removed from the water and transported to the shore at 33038 Ranch Road. The individual, an adult male, was pronounced deceased.
The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) was enlisted to check the river in an attempt to locate the original reporting parties (in the canoe). The FWC met with negative results.
The HCSO Marine Unit also responded to the area with an airboat to conduct a search of the riverbank for any evidence related to the death.
In the news: SUV Runs Stop Sign Killing 18-Year-Old Spring Hill Man Killed On Motorcycle
Detectives and Forensics Specialists determined the body had been in the water for some time, as it was in the advanced stages of decomposition.
An autopsy is scheduled Monday to determine the cause of death.
Detectives are actively working to identify the deceased individual and have been in contact with both the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, as the area in question is just a few feet from the Pasco County line.
Hernando County Crime Stoppers / Anonymous Tips
If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous!
Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.
- You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .
- You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps