Local law enforcement authorities believe that unidentified remains that were found in a vehicle that crashed into a retention pond may belong to a missing person out of Orlando.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the individual was traveling on State Road 417 in a 2004 Ford Freestar Van on Sunday, December 31.
The driver attempted to use the exit ramp to World Drive. For unknown reasons, the vehicle ran off the roadway and entered a retention pond adjacent to the exit ramp. The van became completely submerged in water.
On Sunday morning, a volunteer civilian dive group from Sunshine State Sonar located the vehicle in the retention pond and notified law enforcement.
At around 8:30 a.m., the van was recovered from the retention pond and unidentified remains were located within the vehicle.
As of Sunday evening, the medical examiner’s office was working to identify the remains of the individual.
According to FHP, the individual is associated with an Orlando Police Department missing persons’ case.
No additional details were provided regarding the fatal accident.