Two Missing Mothers Found Dead in Submerged Vehicle in St. Joseph River
Two missing mothers, identified as 24-year-old Vanessa Bautista and 23-year-old Alexa Navarro, were found dead inside a submerged Jeep in the St. Joseph River in Niles, Michigan. The women had been missing since Sunday morning. Authorities are investigating the cause…

Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, September 16, 2026 —
Authorities in Niles, Michigan, are investigating the deaths of two missing women whose bodies were discovered inside a submerged vehicle in the St. Joseph River. The deceased have been identified as Vanessa Bautista, 24, and Alexa Navarro, 23. Both women were reported missing earlier this week.
The vehicle, a Jeep, was found submerged in the river. Bautista and Navarro were last seen on Sunday morning, and their disappearance prompted an investigation. The discovery was made on [Date of discovery, if provided in summary – currently missing].
Details regarding the circumstances that led to the vehicle entering the river are not immediately available. The cause of death for both women is also under investigation by the relevant authorities. Law enforcement agencies are working to piece together the timeline of events leading up to their disappearance and the discovery of the vehicle.
The contractor’s name or the names of any involved agencies were not provided in the initial reports. The fine amount, permit status, or inspection outcomes are not applicable to this summary, as no regulatory or construction details were included. Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by WNDU News staff, Jordan Gartner on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.
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