Missing Mom and 8-Month-Old Daughter Found Dead in Submerged Car a Month After Leaving Doctor’s Appointment

Missing Mother and 8-Month-Old Daughter Found Deceased in Submerged Vehicle: Investigations Unfold

In a tragic turn of events, a mother and her 8-month-old daughter who had been reported missing in California over a month ago have been found dead in a canal. The bodies of Whisper Owen, 36, and her daughter Sandra McCarty were discovered inside a submerged 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer under Highway 120, as confirmed by search crews on Sunday, August 17th. The search operation, carried out by Adventures With Purpose and diver Juan Heredia, came to a grim conclusion when the missing mother and daughter were located, as reported by ABC affiliate KFSN.

According to CBS News Sacramento, Owen’s family revealed that authorities had traced the location of the missing mother’s phone, and it had last transmitted a signal from the canal where they were eventually found. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office’s search team also verified the discovery of an adult and an infant inside the vehicle, setting in motion an investigation by the California Highway Patrol to determine the circumstances that led to the vehicle being submerged in the water.

Whisper Owen and Sandra went missing after departing from a doctor’s appointment around 5 p.m. on July 15th in California. Their intended destination was Elk Grove (Sacramento County) to meet with family members, according to reports from Fox Affiliate KMPH and KFSN. Owen’s distinctive 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, which bore damage to its driver’s side headlight, was later captured on traffic cameras in Atwater around 8 p.m. that same day, as stated by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon the discovery of the bodies, Owen’s brother, Richard, expressed their family’s sentiments, stating, “It means we can find some way to move forward and accept this loss. She has other children that have to find a way to move on without their mother or their baby sister,” as reported by CBS News Sacramento. Owen’s partner, Robert McCarty, and her other children were waiting at home for her return when she went missing, further deepening the sorrow of their disappearance.

Friends of Owen attested to her being a devoted and caring mother, making her sudden disappearance all the more perplexing and out of character, as per accounts shared with KMPH. The family only filed a missing persons report on Saturday, July 19th, four days after the disappearance, indicating the distress and confusion surrounding their absence.

As investigations continue into the circumstances of this tragic event, the California Highway Patrol, Fresno Police Department, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and search group Adventures With Purpose are yet to provide further details to the public. The shocking discovery serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety measures, particularly when traveling with loved ones.

The community mourns the loss of Whisper Owen and Sandra McCarty, as they are remembered for the love and joy they brought to those around them. The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking incident. As the details unfold, the memory of this mother and daughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished them.

In a world where tragedies can strike unexpectedly, it is vital to hold our loved ones close and ensure that every precaution is taken to safeguard our well-being. The untimely passing of Whisper Owen and Sandra McCarty serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment we have with those we hold dear. While the circumstances of their demise are shrouded in mystery, the community stands together in support of their family and loved ones during this challenging time.