Humboldt County, Calif — A vehicle that reportedly crashed down an embankment and into the Klamath River with a family still inside has been found.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Elizabeth Ann Palmer was traveling on CA-96 between Hoopa and Orleans Sunday evening. Passengers in the vehicle included 41-year-old Jose Paredes Chaves and Palmer’s 4-year-old and 18-month-old daughters.
For unknown reasons, the vehicle crashed down a 500-800 foot embankment, coming to rest in the Klamath River, according to CHP. Chaves was able to get out of the vehicle and reach help, but the vehicle was swept away by the river with Palmer and her daughters still inside. They are presumed dead.
Chaves was in an area hospital Monday afternoon in unknown condition.
On Wednesday, CHP said the vehicle has been located in the water near milepost 41. So far, there has been no confirmation as to if there were any victims inside the vehicle.
Crews are at the scene attempting to remove the vehicle from the water.
Elizabeth Palmer’s family wrote the following on a GoFundMe page after learning the vehicle was found:
Thanks to brave search and rescue members along with local community effort the car has been located and is being towed out of the water. We believe everyone is still inside the car. Once the bodies are released we will start planning the funeral. We appreciate all the community support. We would love all the members of the community to join us in celebrating Elizabeth, her children, and their amazing life. We will keep you updated. Bless you all. Rest In Peace Elizabeth. Rest In Peace Beautiful Girls. We will never forget you.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.