Into the Depths: The Unsolved Disappearance of John Key on Lake Pend Oreille

A Day on the Lake Turns Tragic

On July 2, 2017, 67-year-old John Arthur Key of Newman Lake, Washington, embarked on a boating trip with friends on Lake Pend Oreille in Bonner County, Idaho. After spending the day together, Key set off alone to sail back to Bayview, Idaho. Tragically, he never reached his destination. His sailboat was later discovered adrift in the Cape Horn area of the lake, with the engine still running and no sign of Key .

The Search Efforts and Challenges

Following the discovery of the unmanned boat, an extensive search was initiated by the Bonner County Sheriff's Office and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office. Utilizing sonar technology, search teams scoured the depths of Lake Pend Oreille, which reaches depths of over 1,100 feet in certain areas. Despite these efforts, the search was hampered by the lake's extreme depths, water pressure, and cold temperatures, ultimately leading authorities to call off the search without locating Key's body .

Presumed Drowning and Ongoing Mystery

In the absence of any physical evidence, authorities have presumed that John Key drowned in the lake. However, without the recovery of his body, the exact circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain a mystery. The case continues to be listed in national missing persons databases, including the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) under case number MP68990 .

Community Impact and Reflection

The disappearance of John Key has left a lasting impact on the local community and his loved ones. The uncertainty surrounding his fate serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with boating, especially when alone. It also underscores the importance of safety measures and the challenges faced by search and rescue operations in vast and deep bodies of water like Lake Pend Oreille....Read More

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