Florida Teen Dies After Vehicle Plunges into Canal Surrounded by Alligators

Fredy Chavez Sanchez,19, died after driving off a bridge and plunging into a canal in southwest Florida

Rescue efforts to save a teenager who crashed into a canal in Venice, Florida, were hindered by the presence of two large alligators near the submerged vehicle, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred on June 22, when 19-year-old Fredy Chavez Sanchez drove a red Ford Ranger off a bridge and into a murky canal in southwest Florida. According to police, the vehicle was speeding before it veered off the road, struck a pole, and landed in the water.

Emergency crews from police and fire rescue units responded swiftly to the scene and located the submerged truck with one individual trapped inside. Rescue swimmers initially entered the canal to retrieve the victim but were forced to withdraw after spotting two large alligators near the wreckage. A specialized dive team was called in, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials removed the alligators before recovery operations resumed.

Venice Police and Venice Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the area of Ranch Road and Rustic Road on June 22 in an effort to rescue a submerged accident victim

The alligators, measuring 7 feet, 9 inches and 7 feet, 7 inches, posed a significant threat to rescuers and delayed the recovery. Once the area was secured, responders recovered the body of Chavez Sanchez, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of death has not yet been released.

Chavez Sanchez was a recent high school graduate and originally from Guatemala, according to a fundraiser created for his family. The GoFundMe campaign stated he died instantly during the crash.

The crash remains under active investigation by authorities.