An autopsy performed Wednesday afternoon found that a Dexter woman’s injuries were consistent with a traffic crash and probable drowning.
Crystal Marie Brown-Hart’s body was recovered Tuesday morning from her submerged car in St. Francis River on U.S. 60 at the Butler/Stoddard County line. Her family had reported her missing more than four months ago.
“At this time, it looks like the injuries she had were consistent with a wreck,” said Stoddard County Coroner Kenny Pope. “Other than that, it looks like probable cause is going to be drowning at this time.”
Dr. Russell Deidiker, Pope said, took samples for toxicology analysis. Those results typically take six to eight weeks to be returned.
Missouri State Highway Patrol officials report a fisherman came across the submerged vehicle while boating Monday night on the St. Francis River.
The fisherman reportedly took a picture of the vehicle’s license plate and reported it to authorities
Patrol Marine Division troopers and dive team members responded Tuesday morning and found a vehicle resting on its top in the river.
The car was submerged about 60 to 70 yards south of the bridge.
With assistance from wrecker personnel, a cable was used to pull the car over onto its wheels.
A body, later identified as Brown-Hart, subsequently was found inside.
Identification, Pope earlier said, was made based on the clothing she was wearing and the personal identification that was on her, as well as the recovery of her Mitsubishi Lancer.
Family members reported the 39-year-old missing April 11 to Butler County authorities. She had last been seen in the Dexter and Poplar Bluff areas.
The investigation subsequently was turned over to the Dexter Police Department.
A witness reported Brown-Hart left a Township Line residence in Poplar Bluff between 3-3:30 a.m. April 10, en route to Dexter. She left alone, driving a black four-door Mitsubishi Lancer.
Officers earlier said her phone’s last recorded ping was at the Butler County and Stoddard County line. The phone shut off at approximately 4:10 a.m. April 10.
Authorities in both Butler and Stoddard counties searched for Brown-Hart to no avail.
After Brown-Hart’s vehicle was removed from the river, authorities believed a traffic crash had occurred.
“The damage to the car is very consistent with a traffic crash,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. J.T. Wilson said earlier.
The car has front-end damage, as well as damage to its top, he said.
“The air bags deployed,” which is consistent with the front-end damage, Wilson said. “The steering wheel pretty well was knocked loose from the impact.”
Officers believe the car had been in the river since Brown-Hart went missing in April, according Wilson.
“Back then, the water was high; that’s why nothing was found at that time,” Wilson said.
The water level has dropped, causing the back portion of the vehicle to show, Wilson said.