Body found in car pulled from Delaware River believed to be missing Chester woman

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police believe a body found inside a car pulled from the Delaware River is that of Kortney Staples, a 33-year-old woman who had been missing since July, authorities said.

Search and rescue teams responded to a report of a vehicle in the water along the Delaware River. The car matched the description of the vehicle driven by Staples, who had not been seen since July 11.

Staples was reported missing July 18. Her vehicle was described as a gray Nissan Altima with a missing passenger-side mirror.

On Friday, a car matching that description was pulled from the river and towed away. A loved one said Staples' sister identified the vehicle as belonging to Staples.

Police have not officially confirmed whether the body found inside the vehicle is Staples. However, investigators said they believe it is her based on tattoos.

According to police, the vehicle was found by boaters who were searching for Staples.

Investigators are working to determine whether Staples drove off the waterfront. Police said the car had front-end damage and that the fence along the waterfront also showed damage.

The medical examiner is working to determine the identity of the person found in the vehicle and the cause of death.

As the investigation continued, Staples' family gathered to comfort one another, devastated that the search for her had seemingly come to a tragic end.

Chester police said the investigation remains ongoing. At this time, authorities do not suspect foul play.