18-year-old Mattawa man dies after car gets stuck in Grant County irrigation canal
Aug 10, 2026, 1:53 PM | Updated: 1:55 pm
Closeup of a Grant County Sheriff's Office vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Grant County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo courtesy of Grant County Sheriff's Office)
An 18-year-old Mattawa man died on Sunday after he drove his car into an irrigation canal and was swept away by the rushing waters.
Johnny Mendoza was driving his vehicle in the Mattawa area near the 7900 block of Wahluke Slope Road S.W. when his car got stuck in a concrete canal chute, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) announced.
Sanchez and his passenger exited the vehicle in an attempt to push it free. As they were pushing it, Sanchez fell into the water and was swept away.
Sanchez’s body was recovered roughly half a mile away from where he fell. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
GCSO noted Sanchez’s body is now in the care of Coroner Craig Morrison, and staff will be conducting an autopsy. Sanchez’s family has been notified.
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