OKEECHOBEE — The body of an older Hispanic man was pulled from Taylor Creek near Burger King on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at approximately 4 p.m. after the Okeechobee Police Department received a report.
According to Detective James Pickering, the man has been identified, but they have yet to locate his next of kin.
Det. Pickering said there were no signs of foul play, and he may have just fallen in the water, but as with all unattended deaths, they are investigating as if it were a homicide. The deceased was known to the police department as a homeless person who never caused any trouble.
Det. Pickering said he was not in the water very long, probably less than a day.
The investigation is ongoing pending autopsy results.