Body of missing Idaho woman found in her vehicle in Salmon River after U.S. 95 crash

RIGGINS (Idaho Statesman) — The body of a 72-year old Idaho woman who went missing last month was recovered from the Salmon River near Riggins on Thursday night by the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office and United Search Corp, according to a news release.

Marsha Hayes was last seen on May 22, driving south on U.S. Highway 95 from Riggins with her service dog in a gray 2006 Acura. Vehicle parts and a license plate were found along the river two days later, and Hayes was found in her vehicle in the water, the release said.

“We are truly sorry for the Hayes family’s loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Marsha’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult time,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote in its release.

Doug Bishop of United Search Corp, a nonprofit search organization based in Oregon, used a side scan sonar being towed by a jet boat to locate the vehicle nearly a fourth of a mile downstream from the apparent crash site, according to the release.

With the use of underwater cameras, Bishop confirmed that Hayes’ body was still in the vehicle.

Hayes’ family and friends also assisted Bishop, as did the Riggins Fire Department, the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho State Police and the Idaho County Coroner’s Office, the release said.

“Idaho County Sheriff Doug Ulmer wishes to thank Mr. Bishop and his organization … for their exceptional assistance in providing closure for the Hayes family,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote.