Body of missing man found in Idaho Falls canal near Linden Park Elementary

UPDATED:
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The body of a missing 20-year-old man was recovered from a canal in Idaho Falls Monday afternoon, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies identified the victim as Tayson Paul Thomas, who had been reported missing by friends and family last Wednesday after they had not seen him since the early morning hours of June 7.

Emergency personnel were called to the area near 1st Street and Southwest Bonneville Avenue around 1:30 p.m. Monday after receiving a report of a body floating in the canal.

Idaho Falls Fire Department personnel, Idaho Falls Police officers and Bonneville County Sheriff's deputies responded and recovered the body near 9th Street and Southwest Bonneville Avenue.

According to investigators, Thomas was last seen near the On The Run Truck Stop on Iona Road and North Holmes Avenue during the early morning hours of June 7. Deputies said Thomas reportedly ran from the area after seeing a police vehicle because he wanted to avoid being arrested on an active warrant.

Friends later located Thomas's cellphone at a nearby residence along Lewisville Highway.

Over the past week, deputies spoke with family members, friends and coworkers and conducted an extensive search of the area where the cellphone was found but were unable to locate him.

On Monday, a passerby notified police after viewing the body of a man floating in the canal. The west bank of the canal near 9th Street and Linden Drive, next to Linden Park Elementary School, was taped off while emergency crews recovered the body.

Deputies on scene Monday began notifying Thomas's family. The Bonneville County Coroner's Office also responded to assist with the investigation.

The Bonneville County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information has been released at this time.

A GoFundMe Campaign has been created for Thomas' girlfriend, who is expecting their first child within seven weeks. To support or donate, use the direct link to the campaign here.