The Manatee Sheriff's Office is conducting a death investigation after a 26-year-old man was found dead near a submerged vehicle.
According to Sheriff W. Brad Steube, deputies responded to Golf Lakes Estates Mobile Home Park at 5000 5th St. East in Bradenton Monday just before 8 p.m. after residents found a laptop near a pond.
When deputies arrived, they discovered a duffel bag and other items in the pond, along with tire tracks leading into the water.
Members of the dive team were called in, and they found a vehicle in the water. The body of Michael J. McDonald of Davenport was found in the water near the vehicle.
Detectives learned that a tow truck was dispatched to the scene earlier in the evening but left after not seeing anyone around.
Authorities said they believe McDonald may have accidentally drowned while trying to retrieve some personal items from the vehicle.
The case remains under investigation.