Sedgwick County Deputies Investigate Dead Body at Arkansas River Canoe Launch
Wichita, KS – November 6, 2024 – At about 3:55 p.m. on November 6, 2024, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a deceased man found inside a pickup at the Arkansas River Canoe Launch, located at 3520 E. 71st Street South. Deputies were directed to a heavily wooded area where they located the pickup and the body.
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The man has been identified as Shane D. Watts, a 54-year-old resident of the Wichita area. He was transported to the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center for further examination. Preliminary observations show no signs of trauma on his body, and the cause of death remains under investigation. The investigation will continue pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests.
Due to the difficult nature of the vehicle recovery in the wooded area, deputies remained on site overnight to secure the scene. The vehicle was successfully removed from the location, and the area was cleared by approximately 11:45 a.m. on November 7, 2024.
The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Watts. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff Investigations Division at (316) 660-5300 or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
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