IOWA CITY – A massive search for a young Iowa man who went missing appears to have ended in tragedy after a body was discovered in a river.
For several days, Iowa authorities have been seeking the public’s help in locating Cristian Martinez, 20, of Muscatine, Iowa. Martinez was reported missing to police on Saturday, April 15. Martinez was last seen in the alley behind Bardot Iowa, 347 S. Gilbert Street in Iowa City, around 1 AM Saturday. Martinez’ phone died earlier in the evening and his loved ones were unable to reach him.
As days passed nd many people and authorities continued to search, the family of Cristian Martinez offered a reward of $35,000 for information leading to his safe return.
In the time since Martinez was reported missing, police say they received numerous tips from the public and Martinez’ family members. Those tips, as well as leads developed through the investigation, were investigated thoroughly.
Search and rescue efforts conducted included:
• A ground search of Ralston Creek and the Iowa River south of the Burlington Street Bridge by the Iowa City Fire Department.
• Multiple visual searches of the area where Martinez was last seen, including railroad tracks and the Iowa River shoreline.
• A review of Martinez’ bank account and cellphone activity.
• Investigators obtained surveillance video from sources including the City, University of Iowa, Johnson County and other private video.
• Drones with high quality video capabilities have been used to search along the Iowa River and in the area where Martinez was last seen.
• Working with Johnson County Emergency Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the outflow of the Coralville Reservoir was reduced to aid in the search of the Iowa River.
• Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies have conducted boat searches on the Iowa River.
Then, at 12:04 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, Iowa City Police responded to the area of Napoleon Park, 2501 S. Gilbert St., after a couple in the area of the east bank of the Iowa River located what they thought appeared to be a body in the water. Responding Iowa City officers along with Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies recovered a body from the water.
The body is believed to be Cristian Martinez.
The Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office is assisting with the investigation to positively identify the individual found and will determine the cause and manner of death. No further information is available at this time.
Anyone experiencing difficulty with this tragic event is encouraged to call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to be connected with a crisis counselor. You may also chat with a crisis counselor 24 hours day, seven days a week at 988lifeline.org/chat.
(PHOTO of Cristian Martinez distributed by authorities.)
