JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The mother of a woman who was found dead in the St. Johns River a week after she was involved in a crash on the Mathews Bridge wants to know what happened to her daughter.
Jareesha Wilkerson’s body was recovered Sunday, exactly one week after the 27-year-old was reported missing following a multi-vehicle crash at the top of the bridge.
Recommended Videos
Wilkerson’s mother wants to know why it took so long to find her daughter’s body, which was recovered by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office marine unit about 3.5 miles from the Mathews Bridge.
The woman’s mother said things don’t add up, and even police aren’t sure how Wilkerson ended up in the water.
Police said Wilkerson’s car broke down at the top of the bridge on Dec. 8.
Her girlfriend told police she was on her phone and heard Wilkerson say, “This stupid car.”
At some point after that, Wilkerson’s disabled car was hit by a pickup truck, which was then hit by an SUV.
JSO said another three-car crash happened around the same time on a different part of the bridge.
Multiple drivers told first responders they did not see anyone walking off the bridge or going over the side, but police and paramedics did not find Wilkerson at the crash scene. Her phone was found inside her car on the front passenger floorboard.
Police said that within 24 minutes of the first 911 call, a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department rescue boat was searching the river, and the JSO dive team used sonar and other technology to look for Wilkerson for more than two hours.
JSO said officers reached out to Wilkerson’s 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.
After Wilkerson’s body was found, JSO released a statement:
“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.”
Anyone with information about what happened to Wilkerson is asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500.