safety
Body found in El Paso canal identified: EPPD
By Dave Burge at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The El Paso Police Department has identified a body that was found in a canal on Sunday evening, June 28, in the Lower Valley. The body was identified as 20-year-old Cristian Yamil Bernal Mejia, according to a notification sent out the following day, Monday June 29, from ...
Key takeaway The body was identified as 20-year-old Cristian Yamil Bernal Mejia, according to a notification sent out the following day, Monday June 29, from the police department.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The body recovery operation in the Lower Valley's Franklin Canal raises concerns about water safety in El Paso's canal system. The canals, which crisscross the city, pose a hazard to residents, particularly during the summer months when swimming and recreational activities increase. This incident may prompt a review of safety measures and emergency response protocols along the city's waterways. The location of the recovery operation, near the intersection of Alameda and Fresno Drive, is a densely populated area, highlighting the need for public awareness campaigns about the dangers of canal waters. As the city's population continues to grow, ensuring the safety of its waterways will become increasingly important, and this incident may serve as a catalyst for discussions about canal safety and prevention measures. The community will be watching for updates on this incident and potential steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The El Paso Police Department has identified a body that was found in a canal on Sunday evening, June 28, in the Lower Valley. The body was identified as 20-year-old Cristian Yamil Bernal Mejia, according to a notification sent out the following day, Monday June 29, from ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dave Burge at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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