Authorities have confirmed the body found off the coast near Treasure Island was a passenger in the SUV that crashed into the gulf early Thursday morning.
Crews found the body of 66-year-old Mary Ellen Dyer in the water near the intersection of 101st Ave. and Gulf Blvd.
Officials said 69-year-old Robert Schermerhorn was behind the wheel of the Mercedes SUV during the crash, which left the vehicle submerged in 25 feet of water two miles south of where search crews found Dyer's body.
A dive team searched the SUV after learning of a potential passenger, but found nobody inside. The report said Dyer was likely trapped in the vehicle for too long, and could not make it to the surface.
Emergency responders took Schermerhorn to the hospital where he received treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
Investigators said impairment may have been a factor in the fatal crash, but have not confirmed any details. Schermerhorn was not arrested and faces no charges as of Thursday afternoon.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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