A Ford station wagon believed to belong to an Oregon family who vanished 66 years ago was recovered from the Columbia River on Friday, marking a significant breakthrough in a long-unsolved mystery. However, no human remains were found inside the vehicle, which was submerged about 50 feet underwater.
A 66-Year-Old Mystery Resurfaces
The Martin family—Ken and Barbara Martin and their three daughters—disappeared on December 7, 1958, during a trip to collect Christmas greenery. Their disappearance made national headlines at the time, with speculation of foul play and a $1,000 reward offered for any leads.
After two days of dredging, a crane successfully pulled the vehicle from the river in a 10-minute operation. Although the car’s body detached during the process, officials remain confident it matches the Martins’ vehicle. “Everything matches—the color, make, and model of the Martin vehicle,” said Pete Hughes, a Hood River County Sheriff’s deputy.
The vehicle will be transported to a forensic facility for further examination, where investigators will search for identification numbers on the engine and chassis to confirm its ownership.
Discovery by a Determined Diver
The station wagon was discovered last fall by diver Archer Mayo, who had been searching for the Martins’ car for seven years. After pinpointing the likely location, Mayo made multiple dives before finally finding the vehicle upside-down, buried under mud, salmon remains, and mussel shells.
“This is a very big development in a case that’s been on the back of Portland’s mind for 66 years,” said Ian Costello, Mayo’s representative. Mayo also found other vehicles nearby, including an unknown Volkswagen.
The Martins’ Fateful Journey
The Martin family left their Portland home on December 7, 1958, for a drive to the mountains, intending to gather Christmas greenery. Household items like dishes in the sink and a load of laundry in the washing machine suggested they planned to return.
Investigators later traced the family’s movements through a gas station credit card purchase near Cascade Locks, about 40 miles east of Portland. A waitress at the Paradise Snack Bar also recalled seeing a family matching their description ordering hamburgers, fries, and milk.
Months later, the bodies of two Martin daughters were found in the Columbia River, but the rest of the family remained missing.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are now focused on identifying the vehicle definitively and determining whether any further evidence can be recovered. The mystery surrounding the Martins’ disappearance may not be fully solved, but the discovery of their car brings long-awaited closure to a case that has haunted the region for decades.
Sources By Agencies
