Authorities recover vehicle from August drowning near Columbus
PLATTE COUNTY, Neb. -- On Wednesday, Platte County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search and recovery of a vehicle from an August drowning.
According to a press release, the Platte County Sheriff’s, Platte County Dive and Rescue Team, and Loup Public Power District recovered a vehicle from the Loup Canal at the intersection of Highway 30, east of Columbus.
On Aug. 15, 2023, authorities responded to the Loup Public Power Tailrace Park for a drowning.
The individual, identified as 23-year-old Hector Morales Ajanel, of Schuyler, was found deceased.
After investigating, authorities believed the vehicle was driven into the canal by Ajanel.
Initial attempts to recover the vehicle were unsuccessful due to swift currents.
With no other people in the vehicle, arrangements were made to retrieve the vehicle at a later time.
On Wednesday, authorities successfully located and found the car.
Authorities said all evidence indicates it was a car crash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Platte County Sheriff’s Office at 402-564-3229 or Platte County Area Crime Stoppers at 402-563-4000.