In a startling discovery, a private dive team called Chaos Divers uncovered two abandoned Jeeps submerged in the Cuyahoga River, just days before authorities planned a retrieval operation. The team, whose mission is to assist in finding missing persons, had been in Cleveland conducting a search for Calvin Jones, a missing person whose disappearance had piqued the interest of local search-and-rescue teams and law enforcement alike.
Chaos Divers, based in Illinois, specializes in underwater searches for missing individuals and vehicles. With a well-established track record of helping families and authorities locate people who have disappeared under mysterious circumstances, the team approached the Cuyahoga River with hopes of locating any trace of Calvin Jones. However, on October 20, their underwater exploration led them to an unexpected find near the I-490 bridge—two Jeeps positioned in an uncanny alignment beneath the water’s surface. Jacob Grubbs, the owner of Chaos Divers, described the scene, remarking, “Just imagine both Jeeps sitting down perfectly aligned.” According to Grubbs, one of the vehicles had its rear hatch embedded in the riverbed, while the other’s hatch lay exposed at the surface, a peculiar detail that added to the eeriness of the discovery.
After retrieving one of the license plates from the vehicles, Grubbs and his team conducted a quick background search to identify the potential owners or any context for the Jeeps’ presence in the river. The information they uncovered did not reveal any direct ties to the missing person they were seeking. Lindsey Bussick, the manager of Chaos Divers, elaborated, noting, “From what we know, the one Jeep wasn’t tied to necessarily anything other than potentially stolen.” This information suggested that the vehicle may have been involved in an unrelated incident or possibly dumped in the river for reasons unknown.
The Chaos Divers team promptly informed the Cleveland Police about their discovery. Interestingly, Grubbs learned from the police that authorities were already aware of the vehicles’ presence in the river and had plans to retrieve them as part of a training exercise scheduled for October 29. This prearranged retrieval took place as planned, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) managing the operation. Bussick shared that the ODNR followed up with the team after the recovery, confirming, “ODNR did follow up with us and say, ‘Hey, we were able to get them out.’ Everything has been taken for processing at this point.” The retrieved Jeeps are now under forensic analysis to determine if they hold any clues regarding their origins, prior owners, or potential involvement in criminal activities.
The two Jeeps, however, were not the only vehicles uncovered by Chaos Divers during their search. According to Bussick, the team discovered two additional vehicles submerged in the same area of the river. Though they promptly notified the police about these other vehicles, they were unaware of any immediate plans for removal. Bussick speculated that the area might have historically been used as a dumping ground for stolen or unwanted vehicles, potentially hinting at illegal activity or a broader issue with disposing of vehicles in the river. “That area in the past was used as a dumping ground,” she said. “So they weren’t sure if it was kind of being started as that again.”
The retrieval of the two Jeeps has piqued interest within the community, especially among those familiar with cases of missing persons or unsolved crimes in the Cleveland area. The vehicles may represent a broader pattern of vehicle disposal in the river, potentially tied to theft, vandalism, or other criminal activities. However, as of now, Cleveland Police have not publicly linked the retrieved Jeeps to any active investigations. For local law enforcement, the discovery highlights a longstanding problem in certain areas where stolen or abandoned vehicles are illicitly disposed of, polluting waterways and complicating future investigations. Meanwhile, for Chaos Divers, this discovery underscores the unpredictable nature of their work, where each dive can lead to unexpected, sometimes chilling finds.
The investigation into the Jeeps’ backgrounds and any potential connections to criminal cases is ongoing. With the vehicles now in police custody, authorities will be able to conduct a thorough forensic examination, searching for any trace evidence or indicators of past ownership. This analysis could reveal whether the vehicles were involved in any local crimes or if they were merely discarded by individuals seeking to dispose of stolen property.
The search for Calvin Jones, however, remains a top priority for Chaos Divers. Despite the distraction of the Jeep discovery, Grubbs and his team remain committed to their primary objective—finding Jones and bringing closure to his loved ones. The discovery of additional vehicles in the area has added another layer of complexity to the search, leading the team to consider a return visit to Cleveland in the near future. “We plan to come back to Cleveland soon to continue our search for Calvin Jones,” Grubbs told 19 News. The team’s dedication to helping families locate their missing loved ones continues to drive them, despite the numerous challenges and unexpected discoveries they encounter along the way.
The story of Chaos Divers’ work on the Cuyahoga River has captured public attention and raised awareness about the important role private teams play in assisting with missing person cases. With advanced sonar technology and extensive diving experience, Chaos Divers can access areas and locate objects that might be challenging for conventional search teams. The team’s efforts in Cleveland demonstrate the invaluable support private groups can provide to law enforcement, especially in cases that involve complex or difficult-to-access terrain. By working alongside local authorities and sharing their findings, Chaos Divers exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can make a tangible impact on public safety and missing persons investigations.
For now, the future of the additional submerged vehicles remains uncertain. With no official plans announced for their removal, they may continue to rest in the murky depths of the Cuyahoga River. However, the discovery serves as a reminder of the river’s history as a dumping ground and the ongoing efforts needed to keep such waterways clean and safe. The retrieval of the two Jeeps offers a small but significant step toward reclaiming the river from its history as an unofficial disposal site, and further investigative work may reveal more about how and why these vehicles ended up there.
As Chaos Divers prepare to leave Cleveland, their work continues to inspire others and brings hope to families searching for answers. Their commitment to using their skills and resources for good serves as a testament to the impact a small but dedicated team can have on countless lives, especially those touched by loss and uncertainty. For now, the mystery of the Jeeps, the additional vehicles, and the fate of Calvin Jones remains, but Chaos Divers’ work has undeniably brought these questions closer to the forefront of the community’s awareness.
