The Broward Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of a local Lauderdale-by-the-Sea boxer and gym owner found dead in a canal. The body of 35-year-old Johnathan Scibica was located inside his vehicle, which had ended up submerged near the 900 block of Northwest 63rd, according to NBC Miami.
Scibica was last seen leaving Cheers Bar at 941 E. Cypress Creek Road in Fort Lauderdale, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which had issued a missing persons alert for him last Saturday. Authorities conducted a search that led to the discovery of his gray Honda Ridgeline pickup truck submerged in a canal, reported Local 10.
Adding to the circumstances surrounding Scibica’s disappearance and death, James Adelizzi, a resident of Cypress Creek Mobile Home Park, reported seeing headlights across the lagoon on the night in question, according to Local 10. The next morning, he noticed a damaged gate, which appeared to have been knocked off its hinges and into the water.
The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of Scibica’s death. Friends and family have noted that he did not live at the mobile home park, raising questions about why he was in the area. Scibica was affiliated with Level Up Boxing and Fitness. With the Broward Sheriff’s Office divers having completed their recovery efforts, investigators are now working to determine the circumstances leading up to his death.
