On June 27, 2023, the body of a man identified as Mogga Dogale was discovered in Lady Bird Lake near the 1000 block of West Cesar Chavez Street in Austin, Texas. Authorities responded to the scene around 10:30 a.m. and recovered the body from the water in the vicinity of Lamar Beach Metro Park. At the time of discovery, police stated that it was too early to determine the cause of death or whether foul play was involved.
The Austin Police Department emphasized that the case was not being investigated as a homicide and that the Medical Examiner’s Office would determine the official cause of death.
The age, gender, and ethnicity of Mogga Dogale were not publicly disclosed in the initial reports. His death marked the fifth body found in Lady Bird Lake within a six-month span in 2023, prompting public concern and speculation. However, APD officials clarified that there was no evidence linking the deaths and dismissed rumors of a serial killer. They noted that each investigation was being handled independently and that no immediate public safety threat had been identified.
As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made in connection with Dogale’s death, and no suspects have been named. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and the medical examiner’s findings have not yet been released. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution around waterways, highlighting the inherent dangers of areas like Lady Bird Lake. Despite the growing number of bodies recovered from the lake, officials continue to stress that there is no indication of foul play in Dogale’s case.
