UTICA, Ky. (AP) — Three sets of skeletal remains were found in a van submerged in a lake in western Kentucky, and authorities said Wednesday identifying them could take weeks.
The Messenger-Inquirer of Owensboro reported that investigators found the 1974 Ford van in about 15 feet of water in a small lake in Daviess County last week while looking for a 91-year-old Owensboro man who had been missing since July.
The human remains were taken to the state medical examiner’s office in Frankfort for identification that would include comparing dental and medical records. The van was taken to the Owensboro Police Department after it was pulled from the lake near Utica, about 11 miles south of Owensboro, and investigators processed the vehicle’s contents.
Lt. Col. Jeff Jones of the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department declined to say if any other evidence was found in the van.
“What we’re concentrating on is to get the van processed,” Jones said. “Then we’ll all be getting together to review the investigation and to see where we go from here.”
A lack of rain that contributed to lower than normal water levels probably helped investigators spot the van, Jones said.
Police had also planned to conduct more searches of the lake where the van was found. Indiana State Police and Daviess County dive teams were assisting investigators.
“Right now, we’re basically letting everything settle, and we’ll be sending the dive team back out,” Jones said.
I was close to all three of these men, they were great guys and would do anything to help someone out. Jim Woodard was my best friend and I miss him so much it hurts. I am happy for all of the families that they now have closure. However, I pray that whoever is responsible for this will be busted. These men didnt deserve this horrible tradgety.