The body of a missing woman has been discovered in a crashed car hidden down an embankment, nearly a month after she disappeared. Tracey Smith, 57, was last seen leaving her home in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, on July 24, driving a black Fiat Panda.
North Yorkshire Police initiated a search for Smith, asking the public, including hikers, runners, and cyclists, to look out for her. The initial search efforts were unable to locate her. Police had speculated that Smith might have traveled to London in her vehicle, making the tracking of the Fiat Panda a priority.
Discovery of the Vehicle
A breakthrough came after the force's latest appeal on Tuesday, when a member of the public reported noticing a black vehicle crashed in the undergrowth down an embankment on the A172, near the Cleveland Tontine.
Officers responded to the location and tragically found the sole occupant of the vehicle deceased inside. While formal identification is pending, North Yorkshire Police believe the deceased to be Tracey Smith. The vehicle was located in a position that made forensic examination and recovery time-consuming.
The A172 was closed for most of Wednesday to allow investigators to examine the scene and recover the vehicle. Police thanked the public for their assistance, particularly the individual who reported the vehicle. An investigation is underway to determine how the car left the road.