Body of construction worker found

BY KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

The body of a construction worker who fell into the Skunk River on Monday afternoon has been found.

Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee stated in a press release that the body of Yoni Alexy Miranda-Flores, 28, of Honduras, was pulled from the Skunk River on Tuesday, March 29, at approximately 11 a.m. The body was recovered about 60 yards from where he was last seen. According to reports, the river was at a depth of eight feet where Miranda-Flores fell; he was found in about 17 foot of water.

Miranda-Flores was a member of a construction crew that was doing a painting project, including sandblasting work, on the Highway 34/Skunk River Bridge, west of Mt. Pleasant, when he fell into the river.

Authorities have not confirmed the company Miranda-Flores worked for, but Jason Huddle, of the Iowa Department of Transportation, which ordered the project, stated 300 Industrial LLC., of Hubbard, Ohio, was awarded the bid for the painting project.

On Monday, McNamee said Miranda-Flores, who had not been identified at the time, ?fell into the water, came up and was struggling, so his brother (and co-workers) threw him a rope. He was not able to maneuver out of the water and went under again.?

The Henry County Sheriff?s Office received the 911 call at approximately 3:13 p.m., on Monday. Immediately, rescue workers took to the water to try to find Miranda-Flores. ?Authorities searched the river all afternoon and into the evening,? McNamee said in a press release.

Four johnboats, provided by Henry County Conservation, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, a Sheriff?s Deputy and a private citizen, dragged the river in attempts to find the body. Med Force helicopter was also called to the scene to assist in the search.

The Henry County Sheriff?s Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Henry County Conservation, Henry County Emergency Management, Des Moines County Sheriff?s Office, Henry County Ambulance, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Iowa Task Force One, Henry County Medical Examiner?s Office, Med Force Helicopter Service and concerned citizens from the area.