A recent fishing trip on Minnesota’s Mississippi River led to a stunning discovery: a submerged car linked to a nearly 60-year-old missing person case. Brody Loch, the fisherman who made the find, used a sonar device and spotted the classic Buick from the 1960s.
On August 9, after calling local authorities, divers quickly recovered the vehicle in Sartell. Unfortunately, human remains were found inside. Sheriff Steve Soyka confirmed that the car belonged to Roy Benn, who was reported missing in September 1967 at age 59.
Using the vehicle identification number (VIN), investigators identified the car as Benn’s. They believe the remains are likely his, and they have been sent to a medical examiner for confirmation. Sheriff Troy Heck expressed relief at potentially bringing closure to Benn’s family, who had provided DNA samples during the investigation.
Benn was last seen on September 25, 1967, carrying a large sum of money while driving his 1963 Buick Electra. He owned an appliance repair service in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was declared legally dead in 1975, years after vanishing. His brother, Walter, worked with authorities but couldn’t find leads back then.
This situation sheds light on how missing person cases can evolve over decades. A recent survey from the National Institute of Justice reveals that there are still around 250,000 active missing person cases in the United States today. Each case represents a family searching for answers, highlighting the importance of persistent investigation and community awareness.
Loch, reflecting on the discovery, noted that it was luck that led them to find the car that day. “It was 100% luck,” he said, underscoring how chance can sometimes play a role in resolving long-standing mysteries.
For further insights into missing persons, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) provides valuable resources and statistics about ongoing investigations.
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