Missing man's body found in river near Sac State | News

SACRAMENTO, CA - Firefighters responded to the American River near Sacramento State University around 7 a.m. on Tuesday after an employee at the Fairbairn Water Treatment plant spotted a body floating in the water.

Sacramento police said the body was that of missing Sacramento man Mark Lauchli. Lauchli, 59. was reported missing by his family on Feb. 19 after he left a note saying he was going to the American River area. Lauchli's car was found at the Howe Avenue entrance to the American River shortly after he was reported missing.

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Sacramento City Assistant Fire Chief Chris Costamanga said it appeared the body had been in the water for quite some time due to its condition.

Multiple supporting agencies, including police, fire crews, Sacramento D.A.R.T. and the Sacramento County Coroner's Office, were called to the scene to investigate the discovery.

The coroner's office is investigating Lauchli's cause of death; however, police said his death does not seem suspicious.

A Sacramento Department of Utilities spokesperson said the water quality did not appear to be impacted by the body, but they would continue to run tests.