(Moran, WY) – A crash investigation has resulted in locating a missing Nampa Idaho woman.
On July 7, 2024 the Wyoming Highway Patrol was requested to assist with a crash investigation on US 26 near mile post 1 in Grand Teton National Park. The crash involved a vehicle discovered submerged in the Buffalo Fork River near Moran, WY.
GTNP Rangers and Teton County Sheriff’s Deputies initially responded after a wallet was discovered.
After utilizing an aerial drone, Deputies and Rangers discovered a fully submerged red passenger car. The vehicle matched the description of a car belonging to a missing person that matched the identification in the found wallet.
With the assistance of Teton County Search and Rescue, Ron’s Towing, and GTNP personnel, the vehicle and deceased occupant were recovered the following day.
The occupant was positively identified as Laura Lane from Nampa, ID.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was initially traveling westbound on US 26. For unknown reasons, it drifted across the eastbound lane, off the south shoulder, and vaulted off a cliff into the river.
The vehicle floated downstream approximately ¼ mile where it submerged in the heavy spring runoff. Troopers also found evidence that seatbelts were not in use.
WHP is continuing their investigation and updates will be provided when available.