Law enforcement agencies are investigating after a body was found in a canal along the Tempe–Mesa border early Saturday morning. The person was recovered from the waterline in the area just west of University and Dobson roads at roughly 1 a.m., authorities said. Officials have not released the identity of the deceased, and the circumstances that led to the person being in the canal remain unclear.
The canal near the Tempe–Mesa border where deputies say a body was recovered early Saturday; scene pictured just west of University and Dobson roads.
Tempe police officers were the first on scene and conducted the initial recovery of the body from the canal. Following that recovery, officers contacted the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, which has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Authorities cited the location of the discovery as the reason for the jurisdictional handoff; deputies are now leading the active inquiry into what occurred.
A Maricopa County medical examiner will examine the remains to establish the cause and manner of death. Officials confirmed that the medical examiner’s office will complete the necessary examinations before releasing further details. At this stage, investigators have not made any determinations about how the person died and are awaiting the medical examiner’s findings.
Investigators have not released the name of the person recovered, and no further identifying details were provided. Law enforcement has kept other specifics sparse as the investigation remains ongoing. At this time, detectives are continuing to gather information at the scene and undertake follow-up work as part of the county-led probe.
The canal where the body was located runs along the boundary between Tempe and Mesa, and the recovery point was noted as being just west of the intersection of University Drive and Dobson Road. Deputies and police personnel were on site during the early morning response, and steps were taken to recover the individual from the water and secure the area for investigative purposes.
After the body was taken from the canal, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office officially took over investigative responsibilities. That office will coordinate the next steps in the inquiry, including processing the scene, canvassing for potential witnesses, and working with the medical examiner. Officials have not announced any suspects or persons of interest and have not issued requests for public assistance in the matter at this time.
At present, the investigation is active and ongoing. Authorities stated that more information will be released as it becomes available, pending the medical examiner’s report and additional investigative steps. For now, the circumstances surrounding the discovery remain under review by county investigators.
Tempe police say a bystander discovered the person in the Tempe Canal and called officers at about 12:25 a.m., prompting the initial response.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said deputies were dispatched at about 1 a.m. after Tempe officers recovered the body and notified the sheriff's office.