The Lodi Police Department announced on Saturday that they have found the vehicle of Jacob VanZant, a local man who has been missing since February 17th after leaving a restaurant in Lodi.
The discovery came as a result of the efforts by Adventures With Purpose (AWP), a group that specializes in underwater search and recovery missions.
At the request of VanZant's family, AWP joined the search to locate the missing man. According to the group, VanZant's vehicle was found 18 feet underwater and 150 feet away from the shore at the end of Eight Mile Road between Lodi and Stockton.
Upon further investigation, AWP discovered human remains inside the vehicle, which they believe to be VanZant. They assisted in recovering the remains for law enforcement. The Lodi Police Department has confirmed that the vehicle is indeed the one VanZant was last known to be in. However, the identity of the remains is still pending confirmation by medical examiners.
AWP used cellphone pings to identify their search area and believes that the crash was an accident. According to the group, VanZant's car was found at the end of a road that leads directly into the water if drivers are not paying close attention.
The search effort for VanZant built on progress made by a private investigator. AWP documented their search and recovery mission in a YouTube video, which can be found on their channel.
VanZant had been missing since he left a Lodi restaurant after ordering takeout for his longtime girlfriend. He was unable to pay after seemingly losing his debit card but had assured staff that he would return to settle his bill.
