Booze suspected in canal crash - police

A man found dead in a submerged car in an eastern Waikato canal yesterday morning may have been drinking before his death.

Lee Clint Dey, a 23-year-old farm worker, was reported missing by his father on Sunday morning, shortly before his dark green Honda Accord was found in the Awaiti Canal, 11km west of Paeroa in the Thames Valley.

It appeared the car failed to stop or turn at a T-intersection running alongside the canal and went straight into the water, police said.

Waikato road policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman said police believed alcohol and speed may have been involved in the crash.

Sergeant Jim Corbett of the Thames strategic traffic unit said the focus for the investigation now was establishing Mr Dey's movements.

"He hadn't been seen on Sunday and shortly before his car was discovered in the canal his father had reported him missing to Paeroa police.

"We're now trying to establish his movements prior to the crash and are asking anyone who may recall seeing Mr Dey on Sunday or recalls seeing a dark green Honda Accord in the area to make contact with the Paeroa police."

- NZPA