FLORIDA — A search for a missing Plant City man ended tragically Tuesday after Hillsborough County deputies pulled a submerged pickup truck from a retention pond and discovered a body inside, authorities confirmed.
Search for Missing Man Focused on Retention Pond
Deputies began searching for 50-year-old Derek Smith after his family reported him missing on Sunday. By Tuesday, investigators concentrated their efforts near a retention pond in Plant City as relatives gathered nearby and watched recovery crews work the scene.
Deputies Confirm Body Found Inside Truck
After removing the vehicle from the water, deputies confirmed that a body was located inside the truck. Officials stressed that the identity has not yet been officially confirmed, and investigators have not stated whether the person found is Smith.
AirTag Helped Family Narrow Down Location
According to deputies, Smith’s family was able to track his last known location using an AirTag inside his wallet. That information led them to the retention pond near the intersection of Cornet Road and Howell Road, where deputies later recovered the vehicle.
Neighbors Describe Emotional Scene During Recovery
Residents who witnessed the recovery described the scene as deeply emotional. Steve Williams, who lives nearby, said watching the search unfold was difficult. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “It hurts your heart to know someone lost their life.”
Residents Say Pond Has History of Vehicle Incidents
Neighbors also said this was not the first time a vehicle has ended up in the pond. Retita Williams told reporters she believes additional safety measures could help prevent future tragedies, suggesting guardrails and speed bumps in the area.
Surveillance Footage Shows Truck Speeding Before Entering Pond
Deputies said security footage obtained from a nearby home appears to show a truck traveling at a high rate of speed before entering the pond during the early morning hours. Investigators have not released further details about the moments leading up to the crash.
Medical Examiner to Determine Identity and Cause of Death
The body was transported to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office just before sunset Tuesday. Officials said the medical examiner will determine the identity of the deceased and the official cause of death.
If you live near Cornet Road and Howell Road and have concerns about traffic safety in the area, share what you’ve noticed and what changes could help prevent another tragedy. For continuing updates as investigators confirm new details, stay with WingsPNW.com.
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