Mom of 2 Disappeared with Blanket in December. Now, Her Remains May Have Been Found in Lagoon by Kayaker, Officials Say

**Search for Missing Woman Takes New Turn as Human Remains Found in Idaho River**

A recent discovery in Idaho’s St. Joe River has raised hopes for answers in the case of Chantel Williams, a 24-year-old woman who was reported missing on December 13, 2025. On July 6, a kayaker stumbled upon what are believed to be human remains and promptly notified law enforcement, prompting an investigation by the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.

According to reports from local news outlets, the kayaker initially thought the remains might belong to an animal but quickly realised they were more likely human upon closer examination. Authorities were contacted, and a patrol sergeant arrived to investigate the scene, located in a shallow lagoon of the river. The remains were subsequently recovered and sent to the Spokane Medical Examiner’s Office for further identification.

Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr indicated the remains might be those of Williams, who was last seen in the Marble Creek area of Idaho. The sheriff’s office had previously expressed concern for her safety, hinting at the possibility that she may have been experiencing a mental health crisis prior to her disappearance.

Descriptions of Williams detail her as being approximately 6 feet tall, weighing around 140 pounds, with dark hair and blue eyes. Witnesses reported seeing her wearing a blanket shortly before she went missing, and her last known location was near St. Joe River Road in Shoshone County. Despite extensive search efforts, including the deployment of dive teams, dogs, and drones, the search was officially called off on December 18, 2025, after all available resources had been exhausted.

“This is a difficult time, and we are awaiting the results from the Spokane Medical Examiner,” Sheriff Wehr stated. He further noted that they have kept Williams’ family informed about the ongoing investigation while emphasising that formal identification of the remains could take several days.

Witness accounts also indicated that Williams was seen entering the water upstream from where the remains were ultimately discovered. This revelation has led investigators to believe the search efforts were indeed focused in the right areas, creating a glimmer of hope for Williams’ family and friends.

In a GoFundMe campaign created to raise awareness about her case and support for her two children, Dalton Williams, Chantel’s brother, highlighted the search and expressed unwavering commitment to finding her. “We will never give up,” he wrote, reflecting the family’s determination in the face of adversity.

As this investigation unfolds, the community continues to rally support around the Williams family, hoping for conclusive answers about Chantel’s fate. The discovery of the remains has brought renewed attention to her case, and many are waiting anxiously for the results from the medical examiner, which could clarify the situation.

For those grappling with mental health issues or who require someone to talk to, support services are available. Individuals can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by visiting their website at 988lifeline.org for round-the-clock assistance.

The shocking turn of events surrounding this case highlights the importance of community involvement in search efforts and the need for awareness regarding mental health challenges. As the investigation continues, it stands as a reminder of both the tragic outcomes that can arise and the resilience of family and friends amidst uncertainty.