Joe Vargas, 19, was found deceased early Tuesday after his vehicle veered off the road and overturned in a canal near Rainbow Avenue and California Avenue, authorities said. (Water Safety Council of Fresno County)
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Joe Vargas, 19, of Sanger, was found dead early Tuesday morning after his vehicle veered off the road and landed upside down in a canal near Rainbow Avenue and California Avenue in Fresno County, according to authorities.
The Fresno Area California Highway Patrol said they received a call at approximately 5:45 a.m. A witness had spotted a Toyota Solara overturned and partially submerged in about three feet of water near Sanger.
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Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies and emergency medical services initiated a water rescue. CalFire personnel located Vargas, still in his seatbelt, inside the submerged vehicle. Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities believe the Toyota had been traveling southbound on Rainbow Avenue when, for reasons yet to be determined, Vargas driver veered off the road and into the canal.
It remains unclear how long the vehicle had been submerged before it was discovered.
The coroner’s office identified Vargas as the victim on Tuesday evening.
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Toxicology results are pending as investigators work to determine whether alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash.
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