A peaceful afternoon in downtown Fort Lauderdale took a tragic turn when a body was discovered floating in the New River, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking a full police investigation.
A Routine Day Turns Grim
It was just after 3 p.m. on Thursday when someone noticed something unusual drifting in the water near the 400 block of Southeast Third Avenue. What they saw wasn’t debris or a lost item—it was the body of a person, floating lifelessly in the river.
The call to 911 came quickly, and within minutes, Fort Lauderdale police and fire rescue teams arrived. They pulled the person from the river, but it was already too late. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Still Searching for Answers
Authorities haven’t yet identified the person or shared any details about how they may have died. Police are treating this as a “death investigation” for now, meaning they’re working to figure out if the person died accidentally, took their own life, or was the victim of a crime.
Investigators are carefully going over the scene and speaking with anyone who might have seen something in the hours leading up to the discovery. Surveillance footage from nearby buildings could also provide important clues.
River Area Roped Off with Crime Scene Tape
By late afternoon, yellow tape marked off the section of riverbank near the bridge, drawing attention from curious onlookers and people passing by. Police remained on the scene for hours, taking photographs, collecting evidence, and speaking with witnesses.
This part of the New River, just a stone’s throw from downtown businesses and condos, is often busy with boaters and pedestrians. That’s why this sudden and tragic discovery is hitting the community especially hard.
A City on Alert
While the riverfront is typically seen as a relaxing spot to walk, fish, or watch boats glide by, Thursday’s events have served as a sobering reminder that anything can happen—anywhere, at any time.
So far, officials haven’t released any information about the person’s age, gender, or whether they were reported missing. It’s not even clear how long the body had been in the water.
What Happens Next
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and the medical examiner will perform an autopsy to determine how the person died. Once the victim is identified and next of kin are notified, more information will likely be shared.
In the meantime, detectives are asking anyone who was in the area and may have seen something suspicious to contact Fort Lauderdale Police. Even the smallest detail could help piece together what happened.
Community Reaction
For locals who frequent the downtown riverwalk or live in the high-rise apartments nearby, this discovery has come as a shock. “It’s so sad and unsettling,” one nearby resident said. “This is a place people come to relax and enjoy the water—not find something like this.”
Others echoed the sentiment, hoping for answers and closure—not just for themselves, but especially for the victim’s loved ones, whoever they may be.
