Pilot sees car in canal, leading to discovery of woman’s body, WA cops say
A pilot discovered a vehicle crashed in a Washington canal, leading to the discovery of a woman’s body, deputies said.
Erika Martinez Chavez last contacted family the night of Sunday, May 18, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
The 24-year-old was driving on a maintenance road in Quincy when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the canal, deputies said.
Her vehicle ended up fully submerged in 20 feet of water, and she couldn’t get out, deputies said. The canal is 75 feet wide with flowing water.
A helicopter pilot saw her vehicle in the canal the next day while flying overhead, deputies said.
The pilot reported the crash to authorities, who then discovered Martinez Chavez’s body in the vehicle on May 20.
A coroner will conduct an autopsy on her body, deputies said.
Quincy is in central Washington.
This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Pilot sees car in canal, leading to discovery of woman’s body, WA cops say."
