He Went Fishing and Never Came Home: Heartbreaking Discovery in West Broward

WEST BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — What started as a peaceful fishing trip in the heart of the Everglades ended in unspeakable heartbreak for the family of 26-year-old Ramiro Gómez, whose body was found floating in a Broward canal early Thursday morning—just a day after his SUV was pulled from the same waterway.

Authorities believe Ramiro, a quiet, hard-working immigrant from Mexico, died when his Chevrolet Tahoe veered off U.S. 27 near Mack’s Fish Camp, plunging into the canal that cuts through the wilds of West Broward. His story has become more than just a traffic fatality—it is a somber reminder of how fragile life can be in the blink of an eye.

A Brother’s Worst Fear Comes True

Just after 9:40 a.m. on July 24, members of Ramiro’s family—who had been desperately searching the area on their own—made a tragic discovery. They spotted what appeared to be a body floating in the canal waters near the very place where Ramiro had planned to fish.

They called 911, but they already knew. The Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed the heartbreaking truth: the man in the water was the same person last seen driving toward Mack’s Fish Camp.

“We were praying to find him safe. But when we saw him in the water, we just cried,” said Teresa Rojo, a close friend of the family.

The Clues Left Behind: Tahoe Pulled From the Canal

The day before, at around 2:00 p.m., authorities responded to a report of a submerged vehicle in a canal near the 18000 block of Krome Avenue, close to Mack’s Fish Camp. A dive team and recovery crew found the Chevy Tahoe partially submerged, its roof barely visible above the surface.

Inside was a single body—presumed to be Ramiro. But it wasn’t until the following morning, when the body surfaced near the camp, that his identity was confirmed by those who knew him best.

Who Was Ramiro Gómez?

Ramiro wasn’t famous. He wasn’t a politician, athlete, or celebrity. But to his brother, friends, and coworkers, he was everything.

Originally from Mexico, Ramiro had come to Florida to work—sending money home, sharing laughter with his coworkers, and spending weekends fishing or resting in nature. He lived a quiet life in South Florida alongside his older brother, the only family he had in the U.S.

“He was a good man. He just worked, fished, and stayed out of trouble,” Rojo said. “Now his brother is alone and needs help to take him back to their family in Mexico.”

A Deadly Stretch of Road

US 27, especially the section near Mack’s Fish Camp, is no stranger to tragedy. The rural highway, flanked by canals and wild brush, is poorly lit and lacks safety barriers in many places. One wrong move—or moment of fatigue—can lead to a fatal plunge into the water.

Though the investigation is ongoing, early signs suggest Ramiro may have accidentally driven off the road and into the canal, possibly disoriented or fatigued.

What Investigators Are Saying

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation. They are reviewing:

• Skid marks or road conditions at the scene

• GPS and black box data from the SUV

• Possible surveillance footage from nearby camps or businesses

• Weather and lighting conditions at the time of the crash

The Broward Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the final cause of death.

A Community Comes Together

In the wake of the tragedy, local communities across South Florida have begun to rally behind Ramiro’s brother. Fundraisers are being discussed to help send his body back to Mexico for burial. Loved ones say it’s the least they can do.

“He deserves to go home. He didn’t die doing something wrong—he died trying to enjoy a peaceful day,” said a local pastor offering support.

The Bigger Picture

Ramiro’s death is more than a local news story—it is a reminder of the quiet lives people live behind the headlines. It’s about a man who worked hard, didn’t ask for much, and died in a place he loved, doing something he enjoyed.

As the investigation continues, his family is left with grief, questions, and a longing for closure. And as the Florida sun sets over Mack’s Fish Camp once again, a stillness hangs over the water where one man’s journey ended—and where his memory now floats.