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

RIGGINS (Idaho Statesman) — The body of a 72-year-old Idaho woman reported missing last month was found Thursday night in the Salmon River near Riggins 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 loss of the Hayes family, and our thoughts and prayers are with Marsha’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office wrote in its statement.

Doug Bishop of United Search Corp, a nonprofit search organization based in Oregon, used side-scan sonar towed by a jet boat to locate the vehicle nearly a quarter-mile downstream from the scene apparent from the accident, according to the press release.

Using 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, Idaho Department of Transportation, Idaho State Police and the Idaho County Coroner's Office. 'Idaho, the release said.

“Idaho County Sheriff Doug Ulmer would like to thank Mr. Bishop and his organization…for their exceptional assistance in helping the Hayes family find closure,” the sheriff’s office wrote.