Vehicle found in Conn. River thought to belong to woman who disappeared in '78

Alberta Leeman (Courtesy/Leeman family)

LANCASTER - The unexplained disappearance of a Gorham woman in 1978 may have reached some degree of closure today after her vehicle was found submerged in the Connecticut River.

Multiple law enforcement agencies including New Hampshire and Vermont state police are investigating the discovery of the vehicle, which was found just south of the Lunenburg-Lancaster covered bridge.

The vehicle was recently found by New Hampshire Fish & Game utilizing their specialized technology.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the vehicle may belong to Alberta Leeman, of Gorham, who went missing in 1978. Her disappearance is not considered suspicious.

A Fish and Game dive team is actively searching the area around the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding how the vehicle ended up in the Connecticut River are under investigation by the New Hampshire State Police in collaboration with Vermont State Police.

Anyone with information pertaining to the vehicle or Leeman's disappearance is encouraged to contact: Det. Sgt. Matthew Koehler, NH State Police (603-223-8890) or via email at matthew.koehler@dos.nh.gov.