Man, 57, found dead in Fresno Riverbed

For The Madera Tribune

Francisco Vargas.

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A 57-year-old man reported missing late Saturday night was found dead in a shallow pool of water Sunday in the Fresno Riverbed.

Francisco Garcia Vargas was last seen about 8:30 Saturday morning as he left his residence in the 1200 block of Tulare Street.

Vargas reportedly had signs of early dementia, according to his family, and was partially blind in one eye.

Detective Sgt Mark Trukki said the investigation into the death remained under way, and the exact cause of death was pending, with an autopsy this week.

“Patrol units conducted a search for him overnight but were unable to locate him.” Trukki said. “Day shift continued the search with the assistance of detectives. It was at about 1:30 pm (Sunday) that we received a call advising a subject was found in the river bottom and appeared to be the victim of a drowning. He was found and identified in the riverbed near the railroad tracks (at Gateway Drive.) The water wasn’t very deep. There were no signs of foul play. We are not ruling out natural causes, medical issues, heat or anything at this point. Alcohol may also have been a contributing factor,” he said.