Human remains found in sunken car, suspected to be Florida mother missing for 22 years

Human remains found in sunken car, suspected to be Florida mother missing for 22 years

Human remains along with a submerged vehicle have been recovered from the Intracoastal Waterway near Palm Coast, providing a major lead in the disappearance of Mary Lou Combs after more than two decades. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that divers recovered several parts of a red 1996 Plymouth Neon, along with clothing, children's toys, and a Florida driver's license. This evidence suggests the remains found likely belong to Ms. Combs.

Mary Lou Combs, then 41, went missing on August 19, 2003. She left the home she shared with her mother and three children but never returned. Her family grew concerned when she failed to show up for her daughter’s birthday party a few days later and did not collect her final paycheck from work. For years, investigators followed numerous leads but failed to find any conclusive evidence.

Breakthrough from volunteer dive team

In October 2025, a volunteer dive team discovered a car bumper suspected to match Ms. Combs' missing vehicle. The car was found overturned and buried approximately 14–17 feet deep in silt. A large-scale recovery operation began on February 3, involving the FBI Underwater Search and Evidence Recovery Team and several other units.

Evidence recovered from the vehicle includes a steering wheel with the word "Neon," manual window cranks, floor mats, and a size 7 shoe, which matches Ms. Combs' shoe size. Additionally, a child's car seat and toys were found. Investigators also discovered a bone fragment with an attached metal plate, a detail consistent with an ankle reconstruction surgery Ms. Combs had undergone before she went missing.

Sheriff Rick Staly stated that all current evidence points toward the remains likely belonging to Mary Lou Combs.

He said: "The family can finally lay their loved one to rest after 22 years of waiting."

This brings a somber but necessary closure for her relatives.

Previously, there were rumors that Ms. Combs had met with foul play at a party and her body was disposed of. However, investigators believe current evidence suggests she accidentally drove into the river and died from drowning. The remains are currently undergoing forensic examination. DNA testing will also be conducted to officially confirm the identity and determine the final cause of death.