SOLVED: Karmen Neilson Found in River After 6 Years of Searching!

On November 20, 2016, Karmen Neilson was last seen driving southbound on River Road out of Sacramento, CA in her silver 2012 Honda Civic. It was an ordinary day. She didn’t pack a bag, leave a note, or indicate any plans to disappear. But then she was gone. No calls, no sightings, no clues. Just an empty seat at the table and an unbearable silence that followed her family everywhere.

The pain of losing a loved one is immeasurable. But the agony of not knowing what happened—that hollow, haunting question of “where are they?”—is a wound that never heals.

For six long years, the family and friends of Karmen Neilson lived in that void. Karmen, a mother, a sister, a friend, had vanished without a trace. Every day since has been a battle against uncertainty, and every passing moment has carried the weight of unanswered questions.

Was it an accident? Could she have gone off the road? Was she somewhere they hadn’t thought to look? Holidays became moments of mourning. Her absence loomed over birthdays and quiet family dinners, a reminder of the life that once was.

For years, the Sacramento River was a suspected resting place for Karmen’s car. But this week, Adventures with Purpose arrived with a mission: to find those who are missing in the area, and to give Karmen’s family the answers they’ve deserved for far too long.

Armed with state-of-the-art sonar and an unwavering determination to bring families closure, the team began their work. The Sacramento River Delta, known for its treacherous waters and silt-covered depths, posed significant challenges. Yet each scan of the riverbed brought them closer to uncovering the truth. Then, on this day, a moment of clarity emerged—another large object appeared on the sonar, another car in the long line of dozens already found, partially buried, waiting to be discovered. Could this be her?

The divers prepared themselves for what they might find, knowing the discovery could confirm long-held fears. As they approached the site, the truth came into focus: a silver Honda Civic, upside down, concealed by years of debris. Its license plate read “6XBB720,” confirming what they hoped to find.

WE FOUND KARMEN

She was no longer lost. Her family would finally have the answers they’d prayed for, though the pain of her loss would remain.

For six years, Karmen’s loved ones lived with an unbearable question. Today, Adventures with Purpose gave them an answer. This discovery is more than just a resolution to a cold case—it’s the end of years of heartache and the beginning of a journey toward healing.

Karmen’s story is one of many. The Sacramento River has become a silent graveyard for countless mysteries. During this search, the team discovered dozens of submerged vehicles, each one holding the potential to solve another case. Among them are the stories of Julie Vessigault, John Atkins, and Norma Houghland with her two sons. These are the families still waiting, still holding on to hope, just as Karmen’s family did.

🎬.. Previous Searches in the Sacramento
=====
Day 1:
7 MISSING: Our Most INTENSE Search and Recovery Mission of 2024

Day 2:
18 Cars Found... 7 Missing... The Search for Julie Vessigault

Day 3:
Searching for John Atkins – A Family’s 50-Year Nightmare

Day 4: THIS VIDEO
SOLVED: Karmen Neilson Found in River After 6 Years of Searching!

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#Missing #MissingPerson #ColdCase

[karencolclasure]

Not my family, not my grief... BUT every time you find someone... old case or not, I have this overwhelming sense of emotion.

[neutronshiva]

Every time there is actually good cooperation on part of authorities, makes me happy.

[RonSmith-ue]

So good to see authorities actually working hand in hand with you. Condolences to the family and friends

[bonniyerex]

Such cooperation from the authorities is a beautiful thing. Would that they all were the same. RIP Karmen.

[catherinewilliams]

From trash and treasure hunting fun with your family, to clearing polluting vehicles from waterways, to finding long lost loved ones, incredible work. You've come through recent troubles with dignity, look after your health, stay fit and I'm sure you will be continuing your wonderful work for many years to come. You and your team are amazing, watching in awe from Wales UK.

[randykelley]

As a retired firefighter I can tell you first hand a lot of people say they can deal with seeing tragic events and seeing death but every time I saw it in a 23 year career it hit deep. We just learn to control our emotions in front of people like grieving families or friends of the deceased. What AWP does is bring closure to that lingering question or questions in peoples minds.

[vampgaia]

You sparked a movement across this country and the world by bringing awareness to what and who is in our waters. Thank you for what you do for families across the US. Stay safe and have a wonderful 2025.

[laurabeamon]

i love seeing all of the people working together to bring her home.

[DramaMustRemainOnTheStage]

Jared I know you hear this often but we all cannot express enough to you how much we appreciate you. But also your crew. This includes your wonderful family for supporting you as they do. Your beautiful wife and daughters that miss you while you are out finding the lost. Its an amazing calling you have been led to. We had no idea how many lost loved ones were possibly underwater until you brought this to the forefront. With Jared on the case WE ARE NEVER SO LOST OUR ANGEL CAN'T FIND US" Wishing you and your family, friends and crew a loving and safe Thanksgiving ❤

[BerniceAnaya-xrne]

Everytime I see one of the videos when they find the person that had gone missing and they find that person's vehicle with their remains inside, it breaks my heart that they had been in the water for years and their loved ones had no idea of what happened to them, but now AWP is now giving the family some answers of where their loved one had been all these years and they can have some closure that they don't have to worry anymore and they can have her at rest. It doesn't take away the pain of losing someone, . My condolences go out to her family and friends for their loss! RIP KARMEN NEILSON🙏🕊️💐

[denisegriffor]

Thank you for doing what you do. Finding lost loved ones for the families of those poor souls that would never be found. Knowing is so much better than not. ❤

[susandsladegrossl]

I just have to say that the young man working with you is amazing. He asks good questions and is quick to understand. Appreciate all that you and your crew do to help others. Kudos to you all, I could not do that work and am glad you are there to help these families.

[terran]

Screw the haters, Thank you Jared and team!

[dopplerfred]

what great cooperation with LEO and fire/rescue, all with the interest to recover those missing loved ones and bring them home, God bless you Jared and your team for the work you do, be safe

[erikaguilar]

As a former LEO we appreciate everything y’all do! One reason why I decided to join this great cause

[mandamorris]

Every single time this crew discovers a missing person, it helps to heal the pain that first affects the family, and then sends never ending waves into the fabric of the community.
Other posters are correct... This is not my family member.. nor my personal grief, but I'll stand up with the rest and lend my prayer and concern for the family. I too have faced grief, and understand the devastation. If my prayers for them, and for the safety and concern for this team is all I can give, then I'm more than happy to.
Blessed be friends... All the best in the coming New Year.

[evakociszewski]

Another family can rest at peace, knowing that she is safe and found and now they know thank you for what you do. It means so much.

[michaelpowell]

Your work hasn't gone unnoticed we appreciate your time.

[ThomasBranson-yvub]

As a search and rescue personal I enjoy watching what you guys do. You help soo many families, you are a Godsend. Bless all of you.

[florindaguevara]

What amazing collaboration between your team Jared, and Law Enforcement/fire rescue. That’s how we bring loved ones home. May you and yours always be blessed!