Gardener found dead in backyard pool in Sunland

A 72-year-old gardener was found dead in the backyard pool of a Sunland home, and police believe it was a drowning.

The renter of the single-family home in the 10900 block of Meseta Drive near Orcas Avenue came home around 6 p.m. Tuesday and saw his gardener’s truck parked outside.

Around 9 p.m., when he left for the store, he noticed the truck was was still there, but there was no sign of the gardener.

He asked neighbors who also use the gardener, and they indicated they had not seen him.

Authorities say the gardener’s family was called, and his son and daughter rushed over to the house and started searching for him along with neighbors.

A short time later, the man’s body was discovered at the bottom of the pool, with his gas-operated leaf blower still on his back.

Authorities say his two children jumped in the pool and pulled him out, but he was already dead.

Police say they do not suspect any foul play and are investigating the death as an accident.

ALSO:

Riverside first to withdraw reward offered in Dorner manhunt

Final count in L.A. election due Tuesday after three-week delay

Autopsy planned for LADWP worker found dead at Long Beach plant