Submerged Car Found and Cause of Death Confirmed for Missing Young Woman

Kaylee Russell Found in Submerged Car

Cause of Death Revealed

Community Mourns the Loss

According to People en Español, Kaylee Russell, a 20-year-old woman, was last seen when her father dropped her off at a Park-N-Ride on Sunday, November 30, authorities reported.

Earlier that same day, her father had helped her change a flat tire before she headed to the location where she planned to meet a friend, according to shared reports.

Authorities indicated that Russell never arrived at her scheduled destination, which immediately raised concern and led to the opening of an active investigation into her whereabouts as part of the ongoing Kaylee Russell death investigation.

Official reports noted that Russell’s phone stopped transmitting data that day, complicating early efforts to trace her movements beyond her last known location.

Disappearance and Early Signs of Concern

Kaylee Russell death investigation – PHOTO: gofundme

The young woman failed to show up for work the following day, further alarming family and friends due to her unusual silence and sudden, unexplained absence.

A GoFundMe campaign created to support the family explained that her lack of communication was completely out of character, reinforcing the urgency to locate her as soon as possible.

The fundraiser collected more than $23,000 by December 9, reflecting strong community support during the days when the search was ongoing.

Days later, rescue teams discovered a black Volkswagen Tiguan submerged in water east of Larimer County Road 1, which belonged to the missing young woman.

Kaylee Russell’s Death Confirmed by Medical Examiner

Death of Kaylee Russell Shocks Colorado PHOTO: GoFundMe

Specialized divers found Russell’s body inside the submerged vehicle, confirming that the car had veered off the road and ended up in the canal identified by authorities.

On Monday, December 8, the Larimer County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim’s identity and officially determined the cause of death following the appropriate evaluations, advancing the Kaylee Russell death investigation.

The report concluded that she died from a combination of blunt force trauma and cold exposure, classifying the death as accidental with no involvement of third parties.

Authorities stated that the young woman was pronounced dead at the scene and noted that no additional information would be released in accordance with the coroner’s office policies.

Family Reactions and Community Tribute

Kaylee’s mother, Rebecca Russell, expressed deep sorrow and described her daughter as a beautiful soul who loved fiercely and shared everyday details of her life.

She recalled that Kaylee called her daily to talk about even the smallest experiences or compliments she received at work, highlighting their close bond and her affectionate personality.

Family friends, including Kristi Dahlstrom, described Kaylee as resilient, hardworking, bold, and stubborn—qualities that made her especially beloved by those who knew her.

The community continues to express condolences and support as the family faces this sudden loss, remembering Kaylee Russell as a strong, determined, and deeply cherished young woman.