QUINCY, WA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the body of a missing Quincy woman was recovered Tuesday from a submerged vehicle in an irrigation canal northwest of town.

Erika Martinez Chavez, 24, was found deceased inside her vehicle at the bottom of the West Canal near Road 7-Northwest and Road R-Northwest. Investigators believe she was driving north along the canal maintenance road when she lost control of the vehicle and went into the water. Authorities say Martinez was unable to escape the vehicle.

The canal, which spans approximately 75 feet wide and holds water about 20 feet deep at the location of the incident, posed significant challenges during the recovery. Crews returned to the scene Tuesday after a helicopter pilot flying over a nearby orchard spotted the submerged vehicle on Monday afternoon and alerted authorities.

Martinez had last been in contact with her family on Sunday night. Her body is now in the care of Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison, who will oversee an autopsy. The family has been notified.

The incident remains under investigation.