The body of a missing 19-year-old has now been found in a California aqueduct in Phelan, local authorities confirmed Tuesday morning.
After a heart-wrenching three-week search, the family of 19-year-old Jose Cardona Jr. faced an unimaginable tragedy on Tuesday when they discovered his body in the California Aqueduct in Phelan.
The discovery brought an end to their desperate quest for answers that began when Cardona was reported missing on November 24.
On that fateful day, surveillance footage captured Cardona around 1:27 PM, shortly before he set out for what was believed to be a walk near the aqueduct, situated not far from his home.
Concerned for his safety, Cardona’s family mobilized the community in an extensive search effort.
They distributed posters throughout the neighborhood and utilized social media platforms to reach a wider audience, hoping to gather any information that could lead to their son’s safe return.
Community members joined in, forming search parties and scouring the area in hopes of finding him.
Cardona, who was a cancer survivor, had been grappling with mental health challenges.
His family’s worries intensified given his struggles, leading them to fear for his well-being more than ever.
In their social media posts, the family expressed their love for him and their deep concern during this difficult time.
On Tuesday morning, while continuing their search, Cardona’s father made the heartbreaking discovery of his son’s body in the aqueduct.
The family had searched diligently for him every day since his disappearance.
At approximately 8:36 AM, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the scene at the intersection of Olivine Road and Caughlin Road to assist in the recovery operation.
The Department of Water Resources was also called to the site to lend support.
Emergency personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department utilized ropes to safely secure and retrieve Cardona’s body from the water.
Tragically, he was pronounced deceased at the scene, with his family members, including his distraught parents, present to witness the heartbreaking conclusion to their search.
Family members who spoke with VVNG (Victor Valley News Group) at the location reported that emergency workers indicated that Cardona had been in the water for a relatively short period, based on the condition of his body when it was recovered.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death remain under investigation, and authorities have announced plans for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
This tragic incident marks the third body found in the aqueduct within a month.
Just days prior, on November 19, 2024, 16-year-old Rebecca Gutierrez, who had been reported missing from Hesperia, was discovered in the aqueduct after her week-long disappearance.
Shortly thereafter, on November 23, 2024, 69-year-old Supranee Poolswasdi, also from Hesperia, was found in the same location after being reported missing.
In both of those cases, foul play was not suspected.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no additional details have been released regarding the investigation into Cardona’s death.
The local community and Cardona’s family are left to grapple with their grief and the profound loss of a young man whose life was filled with promise.
The outpouring of support from friends and neighbors highlights the lasting impact Cardona had on those around him, and the community is coming together to honor his memory during this difficult time.
As investigators continue to look into the circumstances surrounding these recent tragedies, the community remains on high alert, seeking answers and hoping for measures to ensure the safety of all residents in the area.
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Also Read: Thousand Oaks Man Now Sentenced to Life In Prison Following Horrifying Abuse of Daughter
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