Houston-area teen found dead in submerged vehicle in East Texas creek, sheriff says

HOUSTON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A teen from the Houston area was found dead inside a vehicle submerged in an East Texas creek, according to the Houston County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said they received a call concerning a young teenager who was overdue to return home after visiting Houston County Lake on Saturday.

Deputies began searching areas along FM 229 that routinely flood due to recent heavy rains, and an emergency management official found guardrail damage off Loop 304, according to investigators.

Officials said that with the help of the deputy, the official found the front bumper of the missing teen's license plate approximately 70 years down the creek, and the roof of a submerged car down the creek 30 yards further.

Crews with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Search and Rescue team removed the body of a young teen from the vehicle, HCSO said.

The Crockett Police Department said it was investigating the cause of the crash. HCSO said the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Crockett Fire Department were also involved in the search-and-rescue efforts.

Officials have not identified the teen, nor where exactly in the Houston area he lived.