A body found about 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the South Canal at Uncompahgre Road in Montrose County has been positively identified as popular Montrose DJ Rick Steele, according to the Montrose County coroner.
Dr. Thomas Canfield said Steele, who disappeared on July 1, died of drowning.
Canfield said Steele’s death was accidental and no foul play is suspected. The body was identified based on Steele’s dental records, said the coroner.
Toxicology results are pending.
Canfield noted that Steele was with his dogs when he disappeared.
Canfield said the dogs, Ernie, a border collie, and Katie, a red Brittany spaniel, were found a mile apart leading him to believe one of the dogs had gotten into the canal.
The coroner, who stressed that he was speculating, said there may have been a scenario where Steele went into the canal after the dog and the dog was able to get out but not Steele.
Steele, 48, did a morning show for 103.7 The Blast in Montrose.
A Montrose County sheriff’s deputy discovered the body pressed up against a grate that had been placed in the canal.
Steele was reported missing on July 2 when he did not show up for his daily morning talk show.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.
