Missing SUV, bodies found in Eel River

LEGGETT – After days of searching, authorities have found a submerged van in the Eel River, and three of four drowning victims. The Thottapilly family from Santa Clarita had been missing since April 6^th. The CHP says their van ran off Highway 101 south of Dora Creek during heavy rain and plunged into the Eel River.

Rescue crews found and recovered the van Sunday, about a mile north of where the crash took place. They found two bodies inside the vehicle which were identified as those of 41-year old Sandeep Thottapilly, and his 9-year old daughter, Saachi. On Friday, the body of his wife, 38-year old Soumya Thottapilly was found nearby on a riverbank.

Crews are still looking for the body of their 12-year old son, Siddhant Thottapilly.