Remains of Missing Florida Mom Likely Found After 22 Years

Mary Lou Combs' vehicle and personal items recovered from Intracoastal Waterway

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After more than two decades, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office believes they have solved the case of missing Palm Coast mother Mary Lou Combs, who disappeared in 2003. Authorities say they have recovered Combs' vehicle, along with human remains, clothing, and personal items, from the Intracoastal Waterway near her home. While the cause of death is still under investigation, the discovery provides long-awaited answers for Combs' family.

Why it matters

The recovery of Combs' remains after over 20 years offers closure for her family, who never believed she had simply walked away. The case also highlights the importance of dedicated cold case units, like the one established by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office in 2020, in solving long-standing mysteries and providing answers to grieving families.

The details

On August 19, 2003, Mary Lou Combs, a mother of three, vanished from her Palm Coast home without a trace. In February 2024, a voluntary dive team, working with the FCSO Cold Case Unit, began searching for Combs' red 1996 Plymouth Neon Coupe. In October 2025, divers located the vehicle partially submerged and upside down in the Intracoastal Waterway near 18th Road. The three-day recovery operation, which began on National Missing Persons Day, yielded vehicle parts, a size 7 shoe, children's toys, Combs' driver's license, and human remains, including a bone with a metal plate from a known ankle surgery.

  • On August 19, 2003, Mary Lou Combs disappeared from her Palm Coast home.
  • In 2020, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office launched a full-time cold case unit.
  • In February 2024, a voluntary dive team began searching for Combs' vehicle.
  • In October 2025, the vehicle was located partially submerged in the Intracoastal Waterway.
  • The recovery operation began on February 3, 2026, National Missing Persons Day.

The players

Mary Lou Combs

A mother of three who went missing from her Palm Coast home in 2003.

Natasha

Combs' daughter, who was 13 years old when her mother disappeared.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that launched a full-time cold case unit in 2020 and led the investigation to recover Combs' remains.

Rick Staly

The Flagler County Sheriff who emphasized the importance of providing answers to families, even after decades of uncertainty.

FBI USERT Miami and FBI ERT Jacksonville

Specialized dive teams that assisted in the recovery operation.

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What they’re saying

“Providing answers, no matter how difficult, is critical for families who have endured decades of uncertainty.”

— Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff (fox35orlando.com)

“May our mother rest in paradise.”

— Natasha (fox35orlando.com)

What’s next

The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of Mary Lou Combs' death.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of dedicated cold case units and the relentless pursuit of answers, even decades after a disappearance. The recovery of Combs' remains, though tragic, provides long-awaited closure for her family and the community.