The remains of Bernadine Gunner, a New Jersey mother who went missing in 2010, have been found submerged in a car in the Cooper River, according to a nonprofit that advocates for missing people. Gunner was last seen in Camden and her disappearance has remained unresolved for 14 years. United Search Corps, a nonprofit group that conducts underwater searches, found multiple cars, including Gunner’s Hyundai Elantra, in the river last week. Human remains were found inside the vehicle, leading to the identification of Gunner.
The discovery of Gunner’s remains was a relief to her family, who had been searching for answers for over a decade. After her car was found just 45 minutes into the search, it was less than a mile away from Gunner’s last known location in Camden. United Search Corps founder Doug Bishop described the emotional moment of informing Gunner’s family of the discovery as devastating yet a sense of relief. Gunner’s daughter, Julia Young, expressed gratitude to Bishop for helping bring closure to their family after so many years of uncertainty.
Bishop believes that Gunner’s car ended up in the water due to an accident, noting that the location in which it was found had no obstructions preventing a vehicle from entering the water. In addition to Gunner’s vehicle, five other vehicles were also discovered in the underwater search and are currently under investigation by the local prosecutor’s office. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office released a statement noting that human remains and multiple vehicles were located in the Cooper River, with the identity of the individual pending DNA testing.
Raising awareness is crucial in solving cases of missing persons, as demonstrated by the discovery of Gunner’s remains. Despite the lengthy period of time that had passed since her disappearance, the efforts of United Search Corps led to the resolution of the case. Gunner’s family expressed gratitude for finally obtaining answers and being able to give her a proper burial. They were appreciative of the work done by the nonprofit and were critical of the handling of the case by local authorities. The results of the DNA testing to confirm the identity of the human remains found in Gunner’s vehicle are still pending as of the latest update.
The case of Bernadine Gunner serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to locate missing persons and bring closure to their families. The tireless work of organizations like United Search Corps can make a significant impact in solving cold cases and providing answers to families who have been left in limbo for years. Gunner’s tragic disappearance and subsequent discovery highlight the need for collaboration between law enforcement, nonprofits, and the community in addressing cases of missing persons. The resolution of Gunner’s case brings a sense of relief to her loved ones and underscores the significance of not giving up hope in the search for missing individuals.
