WALLACE – The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery of human remains found in the St. Joe River on July 5. 

According to Sheriff Shawn Wehr, Patrol Sgt. Darius Dustin was notified around 12:30 p.m. Sunday by a kayaker who reported possible human remains in the river near mile marker 23 on St. Joe River Road. 

Dustin responded to the scene and located skeletal remains in a shallow lagoon area of the river a few miles downstream from Calder. After confirming the remains were human, Dustin contacted Wehr and Shoshone County Coroner Rick Smith to assist with recovery efforts and the ongoing investigation. 

According to Wehr, the kayaker initially believed the remains were those of an animal. After paddling closer for a better look, the kayaker realized they were human and contacted authorities. 

Following the recovery, Smith sent the remains to the Spokane Medical Examiner's Office for possible identification. 

Wehr said he suspects the remains could belong to Chantel Williams, who was reported missing Dec. 13, 2025, near the location the remains were discovered. 

Williams, 24, was last seen in the Marble Creek area of the St. Joe River region. At the time of her disappearance, the river was running high and fast because of extreme flooding that had recently impacted the area. 

Silver Valley Search and Rescue assisted in the initial search for Williams, who was reported to have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of her disappearance. 

According to police records, eyewitnesses reported seeing Williams enter the water upstream from where the remains were found. 

"We're awaiting the results from the Spokane Medical Examiner, who will call and communicate their office's findings with our coroner," Wehr said. "We have informed the family of Ms. Williams of our recovery, but we have not confirmed an identification yet." 

Wehr said he expects findings from the medical examiner in the coming days. 

"No matter what the results are, we hope that by identifying the remains we can provide this person's family with some closure," Wehr said. 

    Chantel Williams was reported missing on Dec. 13, 2025. Police suspect, but have not confirmed, that recent human remains found in the St. Joe River on Sunday may belong to Williams.