Springfield woman, 76, found dead in car in McKenzie river

A 76-year-old Springfield woman who was reported missing on a trip to the market was found dead Wednesday in her vehicle, which had flipped onto its top into the McKenzie River and was partially submerged, Lane County sheriff’s deouties said.

The sheriff’s office received a report around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday that Dolore Maher had left home to go to the store at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and had not returned, said Sgt. Carrie Carver. Deputies searched the area, including the market, and were unable to find her.

Shortly before 11 a.m., a vehicle matching the description of Maher’s black 1996 Cadillac STS was spotted in the McKenzie River off Deerhorn Road, Carver said. It was upside-down in the water and partly submerged. Maher’s body was found inside.

The sheriff’s office and Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office were investigating the death, Carver said, adding, “Our thoughts go out to Maher’s family and friends as they grieve.”