In a somber turn of events, authorities in Vernon Hills, Illinois, confirmed the recovery of a body on Tuesday afternoon, marking a significant development in the search for the missing Carpentersville teen, Brissa Romero. The discovery was made by divers in the same retention pond in Vernon Hills where her vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Rogue, was retrieved late Monday. Investigators believe the car entered the pond accidentally after the driver failed to navigate a nearby T-intersection.

Footage from a nearby fast-food restaurant, captured shortly before the last communication with cell towers, suggests that the 17-year-old Romero was behind the wheel at the time. Police emphasize that there is no evidence of foul play involved in the incident.

While the body found aligns with Romero’s description, formal identification awaits confirmation from the Lake County Coroner’s office. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday to provide more insight into the circumstances. At this point, authorities are not pursuing any additional leads regarding her whereabouts, bringing a sense of closure to the search efforts.

Teams deployed two sonar detection boats to thoroughly scan the water in the ongoing search for Brissa Romero. Countryside Fire Chief Chuck Smith emphasized the commitment to scanning the entire body of water to eliminate any potential targets that may be associated with Brissa. The effort is aimed at providing closure to her family, and Chief Smith pledged to continue the search until that goal is achieved.

Data obtained from Romero’s cell phone led authorities to Executive Way and Lakeview Parkway, where they discovered her backpack and belongings. This discovery prompted the search of the nearby pond, where her vehicle was later recovered. The family’s last contact with Brissa was on the night of December 4, as she was en route to a holiday party at a bowling alley approximately a mile away.

Described as the youngest of five siblings, Brissa graduated from Barrington High School last year. The school’s principal is offering counseling support to both staff and students throughout the week in the wake of this distressing situation.

The school expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Brissa’s family and friends during this challenging period. The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team is actively conducting an investigation into the incident.

Both the Carpentersville and Vernon Hills Police Departments have dedicated significant efforts with the genuine hope for Brissa’s safe return since the moment she was reported missing. The departments express gratitude to Brissa’s family, friends, and the community for their collective efforts to raise awareness about Brissa’s case. The police share their heartfelt condolences with the Romero family.

Family members were informed of the news during a meeting with the police on Tuesday. A neighbor, Deanna Fenton, expressed a somber reaction, saying, “It just brings me chills, you know, again my heart is for the family, you know, God rest her soul.” Fenton also noted the lack of visibility around the pond, emphasizing that it might not be apparent from the road.