Body found in Santa Cruz River identified as missing Tucson man
Friday, July 17, 2026 · Reported by KGUN 9
The body of a man swept away during storm activity was found Saturday in the Santa Cruz River and identified as 29-year-old Ernesto Ojeda, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Search and Rescue deputies, assisted by Arizona Department of Public Safety aircraft, found Ojeda shortly before 1 p.m. near the Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 interchange. Tucson Fire Department crews and deputies had searched the Julian Wash and Santa Cruz River after he was reported swept away Friday afternoon.
The search resumed Saturday morning after water levels dropped. Ojeda’s family had reported him missing, saying he had been near the wash earlier. The Sheriff’s Department said Ojeda had developmental disabilities and functioned at about a 10-year-old cognitive level.
Deputies said there were no signs of suspicious circumstances. The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. Officials reminded residents to stay away from moving water, washes and flooded roadways during storms.
This story was written by Tucsonans based on reporting from KGUN 9. Read the original report