Body Found in Fruita Irrigation Canal Identified as Donald A VanMatre

Earlier this week we reported that the Mesa County Sheriff Department found a body in an irrigation canal off 17-1/2 Rd. The body has been identified as 34-year-old Donald A. VanMatre of Grand Junction.According to the Mesa County's Coroners Office, VanMatre was believed to be walking to a friends house near his home when he fell into the irrigation canal near his home. He traveled close to 17 miles through the canal system before being found.

The coroners office is reporting the death as an accidental drowning -- VanMatre's blood alcohol level was .346.

If you have any information pertaining to the death of Mr. VanMatre, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.