Skeletal remains discovered in an Idaho river have been identified as those of a 24-year-old mother who vanished during an apparent mental health crisis more than six months ago.
Chantal Williams, of Deer Park, Washington, was last seen on Dec. 13, 2025, walking near Marble Creek while “wearing a blanket,” according to the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said at the time that they were deeply concerned for Williams’ safety and believed she may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.
An extensive search was launched using dive teams, tracking dogs and drones, but crews were unable to locate her. On Dec. 18, officials announced that they had made the difficult decision to suspend the search.
The case took a tragic turn on July 5, when a kayaker reported finding what appeared to be human remains in the St. Joe River, according to the Shoshone News-Press and local outlet KXLY.
A patrol sergeant with the sheriff’s office responded and located the skeletal remains in a shallow lagoon area of the river. The Shoshone County Coroner was then contacted.
The Spokane Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that the remains belonged to Williams.
A GoFundMe organized to support her family said Williams’ car had previously been found along St. Joe River Road.
Dalton Williams, one of her siblings, also wrote that Chantal was a single mother who leaves behind two children.
