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Davie Lee Niles: Man missing for decade found inside car visible on Google Maps

Davie Lee Niles was 72-years-old when he disappeared in 2006

Samuel Osborne
Friday 13 November 2015 12:23 GMT
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Davie Lee Niles was found in a submerged car, seen in the top right-hand corner of the pond on Google Maps
Davie Lee Niles was found in a submerged car, seen in the top right-hand corner of the pond on Google Maps (Google Maps)

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The body of a man missing for almost a decade has been found inside a sunken car - which has been visible on Google Maps for years.

Davie Lee Niles was 72-years-old when he disappeared in 2006 after being diagnosed with cancer and depression.

He told WOOD-TV: "All of a sudden, it's like, 'Whoah, there's a car out there'.

"No one could ever see it. It was murky and things moved around."

He called police, who pulled the submerged vehicle from the water.

Inside the mud-covered car were the skeletal remains of Mr Niles.

His family gathered around the pond to pay their respects.

Scott Hathaway, Mr Niles' son-in-law, told WOOD-TV: "For us today, it's a closure of a long search.

"Why God waited nine years, I have no idea, but we're happy. It's good to have him home."

Although the remains have not yet been formally identified through dental records, officers say they believe the body is Mr Niles because it was his car and his wallet was found inside.

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