In May 2012, the city of Orlando, Florida was struck by a shocking incident that would leave its residents baffled for nearly 12 years. Sandra Lemire, a devoted mother, vanished without a trace after going on a date with someone she had met online. The case went cold, and her family was left in anguish, not knowing what had happened to their beloved Sandra.
But in January 2024, a glimmer of hope emerged from the darkness. After receiving new details from the Orlando Police Department, Sunshine State Sonar, a dedicated search and recovery team, made a stunning discovery.
The remains of Sandra Lemire were found in a retention pond near Disney World. This tragic revelation brings some closure to her family, but also raises questions about the circumstances that led to her disappearance.
Read: Without A Trace: Florida Mom, Gina Ferraiolo, Vanishes While Walking Her Dog
The Disappearance of Sandra Lemire
Sandra Lemire’s story begins on a fateful day in May 2012. She left her grandmother’s house in Orlando to meet up with a man she had been communicating with on a dating app. Little did she know that this would be the last time her family would see her alive. Sandra was driving her grandmother’s red minivan at the time, unaware of the harrowing events that awaited her.
Lemire’s family grew concerned when she failed to return home and called her grandmother to let her know she had arrived safely in Kissimmee.
However, she never made that call. The investigation into her disappearance revealed that Sandra was last seen leaving a Denny’s restaurant in Kissimmee, but her trail went cold from there.
The Involvement of Sunshine State Sonar
For years, Sandra Lemire’s family lived with the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her. But in July 2022, hope was reignited when Sunshine State Sonar joined the search efforts.
Over the course of 17 months, the dedicated team searched 63 bodies of water, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for answers.
Their tireless efforts finally paid off when they received new information from the police. Armed with this crucial lead, the team began mapping new search areas. On December 30, 2024, their sonar equipment detected a submerged minivan in a small retention pond near the Disney World exit.
The Tragic Discovery
With adrenaline pumping through their veins, the members of Sunshine State Sonar confirmed that the license plate on the submerged vehicle matched the one Sandra Lemire was driving on the night she vanished. The team knew they were on the verge of a breakthrough, but their anticipation was tinged with sadness.
On that Sunday, the team embarked on the painstaking task of recovering the vehicle and its contents. As they pulled the minivan from the depths of the pond, a sense of finality hung in the air. The remains of Sandra Lemire, along with her personal belongings, were finally brought to the surface.
Read: Without A Trace: Bonnie Lee Dages And Son, Missing From Florida Shopping Center In 1993
The Investigation Continues
While the recovery of Sandra Lemire’s remains brings some closure to her family, the investigation is far from over.
Authorities, including the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol, worked together to identify the remains found in the van.
Forensic experts from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement meticulously examined the evidence, hoping to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Sandra Lemire’s tragic fate. They aim to provide answers to her family, who have endured more than a decade of uncertainty and pain.
A Tragic Accident Unveiled
As the investigation progresses, it appears that Sandra Lemire’s disappearance may have been the result of a tragic accident rather than foul play. Mike Sullivan, a member of Sunshine State Sonar, expressed his belief that her case was initially misunderstood. He described it as a “bad, terrible car accident” rather than a deliberate act of harm.
The exact details of the accident are still under investigation, but it is believed that Lemire’s minivan veered off the road and ended up in the retention pond. The location of the pond, hidden from the highway and set down below, made it difficult for anyone passing by to notice the submerged vehicle.
Providing Closure to the Family
Despite the heartbreaking nature of the discovery, Sunshine State Sonar finds solace in the fact that they were able to provide some closure to Sandra Lemire’s family. Their tireless efforts and dedication to the search efforts have finally brought her home, allowing her loved ones to begin the healing process.
“We located her vehicle submerged in a retention pond on the side of I4 near the Disney World exit in Kissimmee, Florida. Sandra’s remains and personal belongings were recovered today, December 31, 2023,” said Sunshine State Sonar.
“This extremely challenging recovery was an incredible collaboration of different law-enforcement agencies. We would like to thank the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, AATR Orlando Towing & Recovery, and Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. All assisted in the recovery,” said SSS.
“Our hearts go out to her family, who supported us along the way. We are saddened by the circumstances but glad we could assist in bringing her home. Rest in peace Sandra, you are finally home,” said SSS.
If you have any information about this case, call the Central Florida Crimeline and remain anonymous. Dial 1-800-TIPS(8477) or **TIPS(8477), and you could be eligible for a reward.
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