Body pulled from submerged car likely missing Kearney man

MINDEN, Neb. (AP) — The body of a man found in a submerged car appears to be that of Kearney man reported missing last year, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

State troopers and Kearney police are investigating after discovering the body Tuesday, the patrol said in a news release. The discovery was made after someone reported a vehicle submerged in an irrigation pit just south of Minden around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, and investigators had the vehicle towed from the pit.

The patrol said officers then found the body of a man and a dog inside the vehicle. After preliminary investigation, officials believe the body is that of 31-year-old Scott Rockefeller, who had been reported missing in June 2020.

An autopsy has been ordered. Police say no foul play is suspected in the death.