AUTHORITIES WORKING TO POSITIVELY IDENTIFY MALE FOUND IN SUBMERGED VEHICLE
Authorities have recovered a body from a vehicle found submerged in the Missouri River near Platte Landing Park in Parkville.
Kevin Chrisman, Parkville police chief, says the man’s body was inside the vehicle found in the water about 30-40 yards from the boat ramp at Platte Landing Park.
Authorities are working to positively identify the man. Chrisman said the vehicle had out of state license plates.
Chrisman said a kayaker launched his kayak from the boat ramp at about 1 p.m. today (Thursday) and soon saw the vehicle just beneath the surface of the water. The kayaker notified police, who then called in the South Platte Fire Department. Chrisman said fire officials were able to walk out to the submerged car and found the male in the vehicle.
Chrisman said responders, not knowing how long the man had been submerged, started lifesaving measures and rushed him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Chrisman said there was identifying information on the man but authorities are still working to make positive identification and will notify next of kin.
“We hope to get positive identification by this evening,” Chrisman told The Landmark about 3:45 p.m. today.
Chrisman said at this time authorities have no idea how long the vehicle had been in the water. “We’re thinking hours, maybe a day or two at the most,” based on the condition of the vehicle, the chief said.
Chrisman said police will know more when “we get reports back.” He said authorities will also be checking surveillance cameras in Downtown Parkville for any clues on when the vehicle may have passed through the downtown area.
