The Saline County Sheriff’s Department has determined a recent drowning incident was accidental after receiving preliminary autopsy results.
According to a release from the sheriff’s office, emergency services were dispatched to Blind Pony Lake near Sweet Springs at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, in reference to a male subject who had submerged in the water and not resurfaced. The subject was later identified as that of 22-year-old Raul Cortez-Trujillo, of Marshall.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Conservation Agent Chase Wright, Sweet Springs Ambulance and Police and West Central Fire from Sweet Springs assisted at the scene.
An updated release from the sheriff’s office says the investigation into the drowning death of Cortez-Turjillo was ruled as an accidental incident and no foul play was suspected.