Police Release ID of Dead Man Found in Submerged SUV

Gwinnett Police have released the identity of the driver who was found dead last week in a submerged SUV located in a marshy area near Norcross.

Police spokesperson Cpl. Michele Pihera said Jose James Contreras, 29, was found in a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo last Thursday off Oakbrook Parkway. With help from the Mexican Consulate, Contreras’ family in Mexico was notified of his passing.

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Still not known is what led to the accident.

Investigators believe the SUV was travelling northbound on Oakbrook, just past Jeurgens Court, when the incident happened. The airbags were deployed during the crash. Contreras was not restrained.

Police were called around 8 p.m. Thursday with a report of the crashed vehicle. The SUV was found overturned in the water, with Contreras still inside.