After missing for nearly 12 years, a couple from Russia, Ilya Zhirnov, 25, and his girlfriend Kira Cherkasova, 22, were found inside a car in the river Volga in central Russia in 2017.

The couple disappeared in December, 2005, after Ilya borrowed his father’s car to pick up Kira from work.

At the time, an extensive search had been conducted, but due to lack of evidence, the case was eventually closed and the families were left without answers. But they never lost hope that ilya and Kira would be found.

The car, along with the bodies of the couple, was accidentally found by a local diving enthusiast. He was exploring the waters near a local beach when he stumbled upon the car, Daily Mail reported at the time. The man immediately alerted the authorities.

The car was winched out of the river the following day.

Ilya and Kira were identified by their personal documents, such as IDs that were inside the vehicle.

Authorities believe that the accident occurred due to the icy road, but the investigation is ongoing. Their theory is that the couple lost control of the car which ended in the river.

We are so very sorry for the tragic loss of two young people. May they rest in peace.