BULLHEAD CITY — Emergency responders recovered the body of a 55-year-old woman from the Colorado River Friday morning after surveillance footage showed her leave a running vehicle and walk into the water fully clothed, authorities said.
Search launched after witnesses report person entered river
Bullhead City police identified the deceased as Melissa Marie Miley. Officers and multiple rescue units were dispatched to the area near State Route 95 and Bullhead Parkway at about 8:20 a.m. after witnesses reported seeing someone enter the river and not resurface, according to a news release from the Bullhead City Police Department.
Surveillance video captured Miley parking her car with the engine running and then walking directly into the river, police said. That footage and witness reports prompted an immediate, multi-agency response.
Multi-agency response included dive teams and watercraft
The search operation lasted roughly three hours and involved a police patrol boat, specialized dive teams, Water Rescue & Safety personnel on personal watercraft and a media drone used to scan the river, authorities said. Local news footage showed first responders combing the water and shoreline as teams coordinated the effort.
At about 11:20 a.m., a witness reported seeing a body floating downstream near the 1200 block of Riverfront Drive. First responders retrieved the woman from the river, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The circumstances surrounding why Miley entered the water remain under investigation, though authorities do not suspect foul play."
Investigation ongoing, police say
Police said the reason Miley entered the river is under investigation. Authorities have indicated they do not currently suspect criminal activity, but did not release additional details about any potential contributing factors such as medical issues or impairment.
Detectives with the Bullhead City Police Department continue to work the case and are seeking anyone with additional information or video to contact investigators. No further public details were provided Friday.
Timeline of events
| Time (approx.) | Event |
|---|---|
| ~8:20 a.m. | Witnesses report person entering river and failing to resurface |
| Shortly after | Surveillance shows woman leaving running car and walking into water |
| ~8:20–11:20 a.m. | Multi-agency search with dive teams, boats, personal watercraft and drone |
| ~11:20 a.m. | Witness spots body near Riverfront Drive; rescuers retrieve and pronounce death |
Community impact and river safety reminders
The recovery drew attention from residents and visitors along the riverfront, an area frequently used for recreation, boating and fishing. Incidents on the Colorado River often require rapid coordination across jurisdictions, and authorities emphasized the value of timely witness reports and surveillance in locating missing or endangered persons.
- When to call: Report anyone observed entering the water and failing to resurface immediately to 911.
- Safety equipment: Use personal flotation devices while on or near the water and avoid entering swift-moving currents.
- Surveillance and witnesses: Share any video or photos with law enforcement to assist search efforts.
Bullhead City officials did not release information about next of kin or funeral arrangements. The medical examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death; those results were not available Friday.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Bullhead City Police Department. Investigators also asked that anyone with additional surveillance footage from the area around State Route 95 and Bullhead Parkway between the morning hours to come forward.
The investigation remains active. Further updates will be provided by authorities as more information becomes available.
