A fisherman and his dog could have helped Alabama cops solve a four-year-old mystery. The man was fishing when he believed he spotted a submerged SUV. The SUV contained the body of a woman who had been missing since 2021.
Alabama cops find the body of a missing woman in a submerged SUV
Wes Clements was fishing with his dog at Brooks Park Marina when he uncovered an unexpected discovery that could help solve a four-year-old case.
According to Fox 10 TV, Clements was fishing from his boat on Chickasaw Creek while also testing his new Garmin live scope.
He said that “me and my dog were just fishing around and happened to pan over on the pilings and see something that looks like a car.”
Clements fished often under one bridge and discovered a hump beneath the water using a 2D sonar and side-scan. He assumed it was part of the bridge, but the live scope system revealed images of an SUV.
He instantly phoned the authorities. Police officials had a tow truck remove the vehicle, where they discovered a lifeless body trapped inside.
The SUV’s prolonged submersion made its removal challenging. Its condition and strength began to degrade, so the officers had to exercise caution to ensure its complete preservation.
While officials worked to move the SUV across the bridge, they halted the southbound lanes of Highway 34. They then learned that the VIN and registration plate belonged to a Chevrolet Trailblazer. It belonged to a woman who had gone missing since 2021.
They will verify the identity of the deceased, believed to be Helen Ward. Investigators are seeking to find out how the SUV ended up in the water. Police officials do not believe foul play occurred.