Human remains found in a sunken vehicle in British Columbia’s Kootenay River are believed to belong to George Franklin Davis, who vanished in 2004, authorities confirmed.
British Columbia police confirmed that human remains recovered from a submerged vehicle in the Kootenay River near the old ferry landing
are likely those of George Franklin Davis, who disappeared from Creston in July 2004. The RCMP stated the vehicle’s description and license plate matched Davis’s records, though formal identification is pending forensic analysis through the BC Coroners Service.
Volunteer Divers Locate Submerged 1981 Chrysler LeBaron
A volunteer dive team, Adventures with Purpose, located the vehicle on September 24, 2026, after years of searching. The team, known for assisting families in missing persons cases, used sonar and underwater mapping to identify the site. Bryon Leisek, a diver with the group, noted the 11th search effort led to the discovery of the flipped-over 1981 Chrysler LeBaron, which had been submerged for over two decades. The vehicle was described as brown and bore British Columbia license plate 191BHR, matching Davis’s reported details.
The 11th search was where his car was on the other side of the river. We can work very fast,
Leisek said. The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team recovered the vehicle on September 28, with police stating the death is not considered suspicious. However, the cause of Davis’s death remains unconfirmed. Investigators determined the vehicle’s description and license plate were consistent with records associated with George Davis, according to sources.
The search began after Davis, 40 at the time of his disappearance, left a residence in the 1300 block of Channel Road to buy cigarettes. Neither Davis nor the vehicle had been seen since. The volunteer team had been assisting the family for over 20 years.
Family Finds Resolution After Discovery of Davis
Lenelle Davis emphasized the emotional resolution, stating, He’s home and he’s resting and we’re just not wondering.
The family now seeks to honor Davis’s memory, with plans to share stories about him, particularly with his youngest son, who was two when Davis disappeared.
RCMP Awaits Forensic Confirmation of Identity
The RCMP confirmed the vehicle’s identity aligned with Davis’s details, but forensic testing is required for a formal confirmation. Police stated no foul play is suspected, and the investigation remains open pending results. The BC Coroners Service will conduct the final identification. Creston RCMP noted the death is not believed to be suspicious based on evidence gathered to date.
Investigators emphasized that the vehicle was found in the Kootenay River near the Old Ferry Landing, a location frequently searched during the 22-year investigation. The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team assisted with the recovery on September 28, as reported by multiple sources.
The discovery highlights the work of volunteer search teams and the enduring impact of missing persons cases on families. As the investigation concludes, Davis’s family focuses on healing and remembering him.