As workers were dredging a Miami-area canal earlier this month, a man’s body suddenly fell from a tree and splashed into the water.

South Florida Water Management District crews were working at the Miami Canal between Okeechobee Road and Canal Street, police said, when the wake from their boat and equipment apparently dislodged a “heavyset” man wearing a green shirt and black pants.

A police dive team was called and removed the body of the homeless man found floating face-down in the canal. Police believe the man was dead before he plunged into the water.

The body that fell from the 8- to 10-foot tree was discovered in the canal around at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 7 near the entrance to Miami Springs, police said.

Miami-Dade police found a driver’s license nearby that identified the dead man as Fernando Aragon, 45, who has been arrested 11 times since 2010 on charges including petty theft, trespassing and driving with a suspended license.

Police said that a homicide investigation is underway and ask anyone with information to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).