3 sources·World

Crane Works to Recover Family's Station Wagon from Columbia River 70 Years After Mysterious Disappearance

A crane resumes efforts to recover a car connected to the 1958 disappearance of the Martin family, believed buried in the Columbia River.

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  1. Diver finds submerged vehicle possibly linked to family's mysterious 1958 disappearance

    Authorities have continued to search for the family for decades, and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office called the case 'one of the region’s most enduring missing persons cases.'

    Diver finds submerged vehicle possibly linked to family's mysterious 1958 disappearance

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·2d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. Car being pulled from Columbia River might have belonged to Oregon family that vanished in 1958

    The search for the Martin family was a national news story at the time and led some to speculate about the possibility of foul play, with a $1,000 reward offered for information about their whereabouts.

    Car being pulled from Columbia River might have belonged to Oregon family that vanished in 1958

    Associated PressAssociated Press·2d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. USA TODAY
  2. NBC News
  3. Associated Press
Mar 7th, 2025, 8:39 PM ET

Summary

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Efforts are underway to recover a vehicle believed to belong to the Martin family, who vanished in the Columbia River Gorge in 1958. Diver Archer Mayo located the suspected 1954 Ford station wagon, leading authorities to resume salvage operations. The family, missing for over six decades, sparked national interest and multiple theories of foul play after they disappeared while searching for Christmas greenery. Their daughters' bodies were found shortly after their disappearance, but the search for the rest of the family continued. Recovery operations are complicated due to debris and mud, with authorities awaiting further developments.

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