Bodies of Two Missing Mothers Found in Sunken Jeep in Michigan River
Authorities are investigating the incident, with no immediate signs of foul play.
The bodies of Vanessa Bautista, 24, and Alexa Navarro, 23, both of South Bend, Indiana, were recovered from a submerged Jeep on Tuesday night. The vehicle was pulled from the St. Joseph River in Niles, Michigan, approximately 11 miles north of their hometown.
The Western Michigan University Office of the Medical Examiner officially identified the women on Thursday. The cause of death for both Bautista and Navarro is still pending.
Niles Police Chief James Millin stated that the vehicle is believed to have gone over an embankment around 4 a.m. Sunday. The women were reported missing later that same day. Millin noted that the Jeep fell about 60 to 70 feet down a steep incline, striking trees before entering the water, which contributed to the vehicle's damage.
While police are investigating all leads, including speculation that the vehicle may have been pursued, Millin indicated that there are no immediate signs of external forces, such as another vehicle pushing the Jeep off the road. The investigation is ongoing.