Body of Woman Missing Since 2021 Found in Submerged Vehicle

CHICKASAW, Ala.
January 10, 2025
By Dale Hines

A fisherman searching for a good fishing spot along the Chickasaw Creek discovered something much more than he expected.
Using sonar technology while searching for fish, Wes Clements spotted something other than fish and notified authorities.

Law enforcement determined that what Wes had found a vehicle and immediately called in other agencies, divers and a crane to pull the vehicle from the water.

Unfortunately, the white Chevy Trailblazer that was pulled up from 32 feet below the water, also contained the remains of thirty-six-year-old Helen Ward who has been missing since 2021.

“It’s unfortunate, but at the same time, I’m glad some family gets some closure for the person who might have been missing,” said Wes Clements.

“I’ve been through that bridge probably a thousand times, back and forth, every day, pretty much, and with 2D sonar and side scan, I was able to see what looked like a slight hump. But, you know, you just think it’s just a part of the bridge. And so, once I got that live scope system installed, I was like, I’m going to go out there and just scan the pilings for some fish, and end up finding the car,” said Clements.

“It is believed that the driver did drive into the water, whatever led her to do that is unclear at this point, but again, no foul play is expected,” said Mobile Police spokesperson Blake Brown.

Brown says Ward’s family has been notified.

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