A Mystery Resurfaces: The Martin Family's Lost Car

In 1958, the Martins, a family of five from Portland, vanished without a trace. Kenneth and Barbara Jean Martin, along with their daughters Barbara, Virginia, and Susan Margaret, were supposed to visit the Columbia River Gorge to gather greenery for Christmas wreaths. They never came back. It was a neighbor who first raised the alarm on December 7, 1958, when the family didn't return home as expected. The mystery deepened when, a year later, the bodies of two of the daughters, Virginia and Susan, were found in the Columbia River. Virginia's body was discovered near Camas, Washington, while Susan's was found near Bonneville Dam. The shocking discovery left many questions unanswered. Fast forward to today, and there's a new development in this cold case. The Hood River County Sheriff's Office has announced plans to retrieve a vehicle from the Columbia River. The car is believed to be connected to the missing family. It's submerged in 40 to 50 feet of water near Cascade Locks. A recovery crew is set to use a crane to pull the vehicle out of the water. The back of the vehicle is visible, and investigators have spotted a piece of the license plate, an emblem, and some markings. However, they haven't confirmed if it's an exact match to the Martin's car. This isn't the first time authorities have searched the river. Over the years, both the Hood River County and Multnomah County sheriff's offices have conducted extensive dive operations in hopes of finding answers.The Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for outdoor activities, but it can also be dangerous. The river's strong currents and unpredictable weather can pose significant risks. It's a stark reminder that even routine trips can turn tragic. The recovery of this vehicle could provide some long-awaited closure for the family and friends of the Martins. But it also raises more questions. What happened to the Martins that day? Why did they never return home? And what does this vehicle reveal about their fate? The Columbia River has a history of hiding secrets. Many vehicles and bodies have been found in its depths over the years. Some cases remain unsolved, while others have been closed with answers. The Martin family's case is one of the oldest and most intriguing mysteries in the region. The recovery of this vehicle could be a significant breakthrough. The Martin family's disappearance is a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can change. One moment, they were planning a simple outing, and the next, they were gone. It's a chilling thought, but it's also a call to appreciate the time we have with our loved ones.