WAPELLO COUNTY — Authorities in Wapello County extracted a vehicle that was submerged in the Des Moines River yesterday, and the incident is now under investigation.

On February 26, an individual called the Sheriff’s Office to report a submerged vehicle in the Des Moines River. The individual was boating/fishing near Rock Bluff Park when he observed the vehicle in the middle of the river. 

On February 27, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, Ottumwa Fire, and Deran’s Towing and Recovery formulated a plan to retrieve the vehicle. After several attempts the vehicle was eventually removed and the body of a deceased male was located inside. The identity of the body is not being released at this time and has been transported to Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. The death is under investigation by the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office.