The Jacksonville community reels after the discovery of Jareesha Wilkerson's body in the St. Johns River following her disappearance post a crash on the Mathews Bridge. The 27-year-old woman went missing lsat Sunday after her vehicle was involved in a multi-vehicle collision and was found deceased a week later, prompting the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to delve into an investigation now led by its Traffic Homicide Unit, as reported by First Coast News.
According to the News4Jax, Wilkerson's car became disabled on the bridge after being struck by a pickup truck, followed by an SUV colliding with the pickup truck, revealing a chain reaction resulting in a separate three-car crash as well. Arriving within eight minutes of the first emergency call, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's immediate search efforts included a rescue boat dispatched to the waters, which arrived within 24 minutes, unsuccessfully finding any sign of Wilkerson on the bridge or in the river immediately after the incident.
The search for Jareesha Wilkerson involved various methods, including use of sonar and other technologies by the JSO's dive team which persisted for more than two hours, while officers and rescue crews combed through the scene and initiated a missing person response. Per a statement by the JSO obtained by Action News Jax, officers also "contacted her loved ones, attempted to reach her at multiple phone numbers, visited addresses associated with her, and checked area hospitals and jails," all to no avail.
Following the tragic recovery of her body 3.5 miles from the bridge, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has expressed its dedication to providing closure for Wilkerson's family and friends. "While this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office remains committed to providing answers to Ms. Wilkerson’s family and friends during this difficult time, utilizing every resource available to ensure a thorough investigation," said the JSO in a release mentioned by News4Jax.
