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Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Off-Duty West Palm Beach Police Officer Dies After Car Plunges Into Canal**
In a tragic incident that shocked the community, a 30-year-old off-duty West Palm Beach police officer tragically lost his life on Sunday after his car veered off Congress Avenue and into a canal. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, when multiple 911 callers reported seeing a car overturned in the water with no one emerging from the vehicle.
**Swift Response by Emergency Services**
Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, with officers diving into the canal to rescue the driver of the submerged 2017 Ford Fusion. Despite their efforts to resuscitate him, the driver, identified as Joshua Tyree Ballesteros, succumbed to his injuries later at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
**Investigation Reveals Tragic Sequence of Events**
Traffic homicide investigators pieced together the sequence of events leading to the fatal crash. The Ford Fusion was travelling northbound on Congress Avenue when it inexplicably veered off the road, striking a guardrail before colliding with a tree. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn and land in the canal, where it remained submerged until emergency services arrived.
**Closure of Southbound Congress Avenue**
Following the incident, southbound Congress Avenue was closed for several hours as investigators combed the area for evidence and removed the car from the canal. The closure caused significant traffic disruptions in the area, as authorities worked diligently to reconstruct the events leading up to the tragic accident.
**Community Mourns Loss of Officer**
The untimely death of Officer Ballesteros has sent shockwaves through the West Palm Beach community, as residents come to terms with the loss of one of their own. Colleagues and friends have expressed their deepest condolences to the family of the fallen officer, highlighting his dedication to serving and protecting the community.
**Stay Informed and Stay Safe**
As investigations into the incident continue, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk on our roads. It is imperative for all drivers to exercise caution and vigilance while behind the wheel, in order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
In memory of Officer Joshua Tyree Ballesteros, may his legacy of service and sacrifice never be forgotten..