Body found in Gilroy waterway confirmed to be missing 21-year-old man

Bay City News and staff reports

A body that was discovered in a Gilroy waterway last Sunday has been positively identified as a man who was reported missing on Dec. 1, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

Gabriel Laradelara, a 21-year-old man from San Martin, was found floating in a waterway near Monterey Road and Rucker Avenue in unincorporated Gilroy. He was confirmed dead at the scene.

Laradelara was last seen driving his black 2003 Infiniti FX45 near Monterey Road and Rucker Avenue, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

His car was found abandoned shortly after Laradelara was reported missing near the area where his body was later discovered. Laradelara’s family organized search efforts in the area surrounding the location of the car, ultimately leading to the recovery of his body.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of death.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information on this case to contact the office at (408) 808-4500. Anonymous tips can be sent to the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services tip line at (408) 808-4431 or via email at media@shf.sccgov.org.