FORD COUNTY —The search for a southwest Kansas teen reported missing last month is over.
On Tuesday, 17-year-old Cody Ceniceros was found deceased inside his vehicle, which had crashed in a remote area of Ford County off 117 Road and Lariat Way, according to Dodge City Police Chief Bill Francis. Ceniceros was reported missing November 25.
Preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a farm field east of the intersection, went airborne, and rolled.
The crashed vehicle was reported Tuesday by the property owner who discovered it. The Ford County Sheriff’s Office and the Dodge City Police Department (DCPD) immediately responded to the scene.
DCPD's lead detective, Sgt. James Nau, confirmed the vehicle belonged to Cody Ceniceros and identified his body at the scene.
Preliminary assessments suggest Cody succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash most likely immediately. The Kansas Highway Patrol's fatality crash team is thoroughly investigating the scene, and an autopsy will be performed to conclusively determine the cause of death.
This public release is issued due to the extensive community involvement in the search for Cody. I ask the public to please keep in mind that this is a preliminary release and our understanding of what happened could change as we move through this investigation. I extend my deepest sympathies to all impacted by this tragedy and thank everyone involved in the search efforts.