Authorities in Hennepin County, Minnesota, made a disturbing discovery as they pulled two submerged vehicles from the depths of the Minnesota River. Sheriff Dawanna Witt announced on Tuesday afternoon that deputies responded to a distress call at the Lyndale Boat Launch, where witnesses reported seeing a car drive into the river on Sunday evening.

After an extensive search effort, first responders were able to recover the first vehicle on Tuesday morning at around 10:45 a.m. Shockingly, they found a deceased person inside the submerged car, which had been submerged at a depth of 24 feet.

As authorities continued their search, they made another significant find using sonar equipment. At approximately 2:45 p.m., a second vehicle was successfully pulled out of the water. Officials noted that this vehicle seemed to have been in the river for quite some time. Despite the proximity in time and location, investigators do not believe the two incidents to be related.

Authorities have not disclosed the make or model of either vehicle at this point. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner will be responsible for determining the cause of death for the individual found inside the first vehicle. Investigators are diligently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Sheriff Witt stressed the dangers of the water in the area, highlighting the high water levels and strong currents which posed challenges for the recovery operations. The treacherous conditions contributed to the delay in locating and retrieving the submerged vehicles.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to these unsettling discoveries. The Hennepin County community waits for more updates and hopes for answers surrounding these tragic incidents.

The recovered vehicles and resulting investigations serve as a somber reminder of the risks posed by waterways during periods of high water levels and strong currents. It is important for individuals to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while around bodies of water, ensuring the well-being of themselves and others.