Phoenix family of man found in a canal wants answers about what led up to his death

PHOENIX - A man's body was found inside a Phoenix canal on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 6, the police department said.

The body of 47-year-old Jose Jimenez was found inside the canal near Dunlap and 7th avenues.

"The area was secured and additional resources were called to assist with the recovery," Phoenix Police Sgt. Phil Krynsky said.

Information so far shows there's no reason to believe foul play was involved in the person's death.

No more information has been provided about Jimenez's death.

Jose Jimenez

The family of Jimenez set up a GoFundMe for those who would like to help. There will also be a fundraiser at The Lost Leaf in downtown Phoenix on Nov. 17 from 9 to 2 a.m.

Loved ones say Jimenez spent his adult life as a cook, mentor, husband father and grandfather. 

"Something is just not sitting right with me on this," said his wife Amanda Nash-Jimenez. She said he got off work late that night, texting her that he was riding his bike back home – his usual mode of transportation.

Minutes turned to hours and Jimenez never showed up.

"Getting him home, getting my dad home, we just want him home," said Vanessa Romero, his daughter.

The next morning as word spread and a makeshift search party took shape, Jimenez's body was quickly found.

His wife says he wasn't on his typical route home, and that his expensive bike and cell phone are still missing.

"He was my hero. He was my dad … he just cared about everyone," his daughter said.

Police say they see no signs of foul play, but his family sees questions everywhere they look. They want answers so they can find peace.