[UPDATE 3:39 p.m.] Searchers Believe They Have Found Body of One of the Missing Thottapilly Family

searchers

Searchers on the Eel River near Confusion Hill. [Photo from Mendocino Sheriff’s Department]

A deceased child woman* believed to be from the missing Thottapilly family has been located at 10:20 this morning about seven miles north of the accident scene, announced Sheriff Thomas Allman at a press conference today. Items and debris have been located as far downstream as 12 miles north.

We’re not going to stop until our resources are at the limit, he said.

The Thottapilly family’s vehicle went into the Eel River on April 5.

We will update as soon as possible.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.: Sheriff Allman stated that the child’s woman’s body* was located at the Dimmick Overcrossing.

UPDATE 2:57 p.m.: The location is near Andersonia between Cooks Valley and Piercy.

*UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: The Mendocino Sheriff’s Office issued a correction saying that the body was that of an adult female. The press release also states,

The body was found on exposed terrain which appeared to have covered by the Eel River within the last few days as a result of a recent weather storm which brought heavy rain to the area.

Identification of the body is pending at this time and an autopsy is anticipated to be conducted on 04-17-2018.

Searchers are continuing to search for the missing family members and their vehicle which is believed to still be submerged somewhere in the Eel River.

UPDATE: Searchers Believe They Have Located Thottapilly Vehicle; Recovery Efforts Underway

Earlier Chapters: 

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22 Comments
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elvis costanza
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elvis costanza
5 years ago

Seven miles! The Eel must be really high. Poor people, so sad. What a terrifying way to go.

Well wishers
Guest
Well wishers
5 years ago

This is just so heart wrenching, my husband works with the family’s brother and every time I hear about this tragedy, I sob!
If there is any way to donate to the organizations who are working so hard to find the family, Kym, please let us know.
RIP to the family and huge thanks to all the rescuers (and the witnesses, without whom the rescuers would not have known where to look).

Theresa
Guest
Theresa
5 years ago

Oh little one, this makes me so sad.

Eel River
Guest
Eel River
5 years ago

So so sad.. makes me think of driving in Florida. Most folks there carry these tools. They can help slice the seat belt and break the window.

https://www.amazon.com/Value-Pack-Emergency-2-BlueSkyBos/dp/B01A9Z9MFE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1523651371&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=seat+belt+cutter+window+breaker&psc=1

Emergency personnel carry them.

Mobius Moggie
Guest
Mobius Moggie
5 years ago

Prayers for the family.

Sabastin siril
Guest
Sabastin siril
5 years ago

So sad praying for the family. Its tough time.

Veteran's Friend
Guest
Veteran's Friend
5 years ago

This is painfully sad.
Thank you, to all searchers, this must be so difficult and painful.
Please everyone, support you local volunteers. They are here for all of us and deserve our respect and more.

RIP
Guest
RIP
5 years ago

Thank you to everyone searching! At least with this find the family can have some completion, so very sorry for your loss!
If theres anything we can do locally pls let the community know.

Thats quite a distance!! The eel is flowing strong and deep.
Isn’t the area by that crossing where the river bed rises a bit in elevation as it makes that big turn and goes under green bridge?
Should we be keeping an eye out around redway beach for debris or do they think debris wont travel that far?

Ugh all these car accidents around mendo&humboldt almost feels surreal.
Kym this must be so intense for you to be reporting on all this, especially with your amazing journalistic style of being there for the people involved in the story such as this family.
Do you have a fave bodyworker we can pay to come rub your shoulders?

Rob
Guest
Rob
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you so much for the consistent compassion you show Kym. You really are a beacon and role model for folks in these hard times.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank u for the updates… Kym,u are awesome. Means a lot. Victim,s sister

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you Kym. Means a lot…

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Hi Kym,
It’s only father and daughter who is recovered right. Someone posted a comment that 3 bodies are recovered. Please confirm.
Thank u for all the support. We all are in a shock.

Zoey
Guest
Zoey
5 years ago

So so sad ….Praying for the family 💐

Mendocino Mamma
Guest
Mendocino Mamma
5 years ago

Oh my. Poor family. That is a huge distance. I pray that they find the rest of the family and the vehicle. I’m so sorry for your family and friends loss to all of their loved ones may they rest in peace. ♥🌹

Big louie
Guest
Big louie
5 years ago

I have know words guest prayers for all

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

Words can’t express the sorrows in our hearts. I pray for all involved, especially the loved ones. Thank you first responders and Kym for your diligence.

Riverdale Guinea
Guest
Riverdale Guinea
5 years ago

The car was found this afternoon under 4 feet of water a half mile from crash site.