In 2017, a couple from Russia, Ilya Zhirnov, 25, and his girlfriend Kira Cherkasova, 22, were discovered in a car submerged in the Volga River in central Russia, nearly 12 years after they had gone missing. The couple disappeared in December 2005 when Ilya borrowed his father’s car to pick up Kira from work.

Despite an extensive search at the time, no evidence was found, and the case was eventually closed. The families never gave up hope, continuing to believe that Ilya and Kira would one day be found.

The car, along with their bodies, was discovered by a local diving enthusiast who was exploring the waters near a beach. He immediately alerted authorities, and the car was recovered the following day.

Ilya and Kira were identified through personal documents found inside the vehicle. Authorities believe the accident was caused by icy roads, and the couple may have lost control of the car, but the investigation is still ongoing. The tragic loss of the young couple left their families devastated.