Family’s Worst Nightmare: Man Goes Missing, Found Dead in Canal Near Mack’s Fish Camp

The warm Florida sun had barely risen over Weston when a heart-wrenching scene unfolded near a remote stretch of US-27. What had begun as a search for a missing SUV ended in heartbreak with the recovery of a young man’s lifeless body from the murky canal waters.

The man was identified as 27-year-old Ramiro Gomez-Diaz, a Hialeah resident whose life came to a sudden, silent end after his SUV veered off the road and into the water near Mack’s Fish Camp in western Broward.

A Trail of Clues in the Grass

On the morning of July 24, 2025, deputies from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) were alerted after a witness reported a vehicle possibly submerged in a canal near the 18000 block of Krome Avenue—along a desolate corridor west of Weston and just off US-27, a rural road flanked by water and wilderness.

When investigators arrived, they noticed tire tracks cutting through grass and mud, leading from the road’s shoulder straight into the canal. It was the kind of evidence no officer wants to find—suggesting a car had left the roadway, seemingly at speed, and disappeared beneath the surface.

Nearby, debris from a vehicle—a headlight and broken bumper fragments—floated on the water like silent witnesses to a devastating moment. Divers were soon called in, and around 9:00 p.m., they located a Chevy Tahoe completely submerged.

But to everyone’s confusion and rising concern, no one was found inside.

The Next Day: A Family’s Worst Fear Confirmed

Just before sunrise the following morning, a family member returned to the site hoping for answers. As they walked the canal’s edge, they spotted something haunting in the water—the outline of a body. It was floating not far from where the Tahoe had been discovered the night before.

Deputies responded quickly. The man was pulled from the canal and tragically pronounced dead on the scene. Within hours, BSO confirmed his identity: Ramiro Gomez-Diaz, a 27-year-old from Hialeah.

Family members were devastated. A quiet, hardworking man, Ramiro had left home for what was believed to be a short solo fishing trip or drive through rural Broward—something he enjoyed on off days. No one expected it to be his final journey.

A Dangerous Road with a History

Locals familiar with US-27—sometimes called “Alligator Alley”—know that the road is as scenic as it is dangerous. With few guardrails, poor nighttime lighting, and deep canals hugging its sides, even the smallest distraction or overcorrection can send a vehicle plunging into the water.

The exact cause of Ramiro’s crash is still unknown. There were no brake marks. No other vehicles appear to be involved. Preliminary investigations suggest he may have lost control—whether from distraction, fatigue, mechanical failure, or something else is still unclear.

BSO’s Investigation Continues

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit has taken over the case and is conducting a full reconstruction of the crash. Investigators are reviewing:

• Vehicle black box data (speed, last moments of movement)

• Surveillance footage from nearby traffic cams or facilities

• Autopsy and toxicology results from the Medical Examiner’s Office

• Environmental factors like low visibility, slippery grass, or nighttime hazards

BSO has not found any evidence of foul play. Officials believe this was likely a tragic accident—but the investigation remains open.

Remembering Ramiro

Loved ones describe Ramiro Gomez-Diaz as a kind, respectful man who worked hard and kept to himself. He lived with his brother in Hialeah and regularly sent money back to his family in Mexico.

“He just wanted to unwind near the water,” said one relative. “He wasn’t in trouble. He had dreams. He was a good soul.”

His family is now raising funds to return his body home to Mexico, where his mother and younger siblings wait to give him a proper burial. A GoFundMe campaign has already been launched to assist with funeral expenses and transport.

A Community Left with Questions—and Caution

As Broward County mourns the loss of another young life on one of its most treacherous roads, questions remain: Could better lighting or signage have helped? Should more guardrails be installed on rural stretches of US-27?

For now, the tracks in the grass and the Tahoe’s broken parts remain as physical reminders of how fast a peaceful drive can turn into heartbreak. Ramiro Gomez-Diaz won’t be forgotten—and perhaps his death will lead to new safety conversations on a road that has claimed too many.