JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The body of a 27-year-old woman who was reported missing on Dec. 8 after a crash on the Mathews Bridge was recovered from St. Johns River a week later, leading the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigation into her death.
According to JSO, Jareesha Wilkerson was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on the Mathews Bridge after her car became disabled on top of the bridge.
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JSO said a pickup truck collided with Wilkerson’s vehicle, and then an SUV crashed into the pickup truck.
JSO said there was an additional three-car crash in a separate lane as well.
JSO said the Jacksonville Fire and Recuse Department responded to the crash and found Wilkerson’s disabled vehicle but did not see her, and her phone was found inside the car.
A loved one told police that Wilkerson’s car broke down on the bridge, and police initiated a missing person response.
Within eight minutes after the first 911 call, JSO said police and rescue crews arrived at the crash scene. JSO said officers spoke with multiple drivers who said they did not see anyone walking off the bridge or going over the side.
A JFRD rescue boat began searching the river 24 minutes after the initial 911 call, according to JSO.
JSO said the dive team used sonar and other technology to search for Wilkerson for more than two hours. Additionally, 10 officers and three sergeants also came to the scene to help navigate the crashes and attempt to find Wilkerson.
JSO said officers reached out to her loved ones, attempted to reach her at multiple phone numbers, visited addresses associated with her and checked local hospitals and jails, but to no avail.
Detectives notified Wilkerson’s family about the situation, JSO said.
JSO’s marine unit found Wilkerson’s body in the river about 3.5 miles from the bridge.
This is an ongoing investigation.
“While this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office remains committed to providing answers to Ms. Wilkerson’s family and friends during this difficult time, utilizing every resource available to ensure a thorough investigation,” JSO said.