July 18, 2025 — The Clovis community is in mourning following the announcement Friday by the Clovis Police Department that the body of missing Fresno businessman Surinder Pal, 55, was discovered deceased in a canal near Temperance and McKinley avenues. The news brings a somber close to an extensive search that gripped the region for weeks.
“The Clovis Police Department sends our condolences to the family of Mr. Pal,” the department stated in an official release, acknowledging the deep loss felt by his loved ones.
Pal, a well-known figure in the Central Valley and owner of Standard Sweets and Spices with his wife, was last seen on the evening of June 22. According to police records, he was at his store near Blackstone and Dakota avenues before his disappearance. The very next day, June 23, his vehicle was found abandoned in the vicinity of Temperance and McKinley avenues, raising immediate concerns.
As days passed without word, the Clovis Police Department escalated the search, issuing a public alert on June 26. In their notice, authorities classified Pal as an “at-risk missing person,” a designation that highlighted his vulnerability, particularly as he was believed to have left without his wallet or cellphone.
The search for Pal was comprehensive, the discovery itself came on Thursday afternoon when an individual fishing in a canal spotted a body and promptly notified authorities. Emergency services responded, and the body was subsequently identified as that of Surinder Pal.
While the search has concluded, the investigation into Pal’s death remains active. The Clovis Police Department has publicly stated that, as of their latest update, “there are no suspicious circumstances suspected at this time” regarding his passing. This initial assessment provides some clarity, though the full details surrounding how Pal came to be in the canal are still under review.
The Clovis Police Department extended its sincere gratitude to all who assisted in the arduous search. This included the general public, whose vigilance and shared information were invaluable, as well as local media outlets for disseminating information. Critical support was also provided by the Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, underscoring the collaborative effort involved in the missing person case.
The community now faces the task of coming to terms with this tragic outcome, remembering Surinder Pal, a loved and cherished businessman.