Authorities in northern Idaho are continuing their search for 24-year-old Chantel Williams, whose disappearance has raised serious concerns for her safety. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office issued a missing person alert after Williams, who was initially reported missing in Washington, was believed to have been seen in the Marble Creek area of Shoshone County.
Investigators have urged the public to remain alert and immediately report any credible sightings rather than attempting to approach her.
Last Known Information
According to the sheriff’s office, Chantel Williams was reported missing on December 13, 2025. Authorities believe she may have traveled into Idaho and was possibly seen walking near Marble Creek and St. Joe River Road in Shoshone County.
Witnesses reported seeing a woman matching her description wrapped in a blanket in the area, prompting local law enforcement to launch search efforts.
Officials have not confirmed exactly how she arrived in the region or where she may have gone afterward.
Description Released
To assist the public, investigators released a physical description of Williams.
She is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with dark hair and blue eyes. At the time of the reported sighting, she was believed to be carrying or wearing a blanket while walking in the Marble Creek area.
Authorities continue asking anyone who may have been traveling through the region around the time of her disappearance to review any photographs, videos, or dashcam footage that could assist investigators.
Safety Concerns
The sheriff’s office has stated there is significant concern for Williams’ wellbeing.
Officials indicated she may have been experiencing a mental health crisis when she disappeared, making her safe recovery a top priority. Because of those concerns, law enforcement has advised members of the public not to approach her if they believe they have located her.
Instead, anyone spotting Williams is encouraged to contact emergency services immediately so trained personnel can respond appropriately.
Public Asked to Help
Investigators continue to rely on assistance from residents, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and travelers who may have been in the area.
The Marble Creek and St. Joe River Road region attracts campers, hikers, anglers, and other visitors throughout the year, increasing the possibility that someone may have seen Williams without realizing she was the subject of a missing person investigation.
Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information, regardless of how minor it may seem, to come forward.
Ongoing Investigation
Since the initial alert, law enforcement has continued investigating every available lead.
In July 2026, the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office announced that human remains had been recovered from the St. Joe River near the area where Williams was last believed to have been seen. Investigators have said they suspect the remains could belong to Williams, but no official identification has been made. The remains were sent to the medical examiner for forensic examination, and authorities have informed her family while awaiting confirmation.
Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active until a positive identification is completed.
Community Response
Williams’ disappearance has received widespread attention across the Inland Northwest, with local residents sharing missing person posters and updates on social media.
Community members have expressed hope that continued awareness will help investigators either locate Williams or provide answers to her loved ones. Search efforts following her disappearance involved local law enforcement and search-and-rescue personnel working in difficult terrain near the St. Joe River.
At this time, authorities continue asking anyone with information about Chantel Williams’ whereabouts or movements before her disappearance to contact the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office by calling 208-556-1114 or dialing 911 in an emergency. Investigators stress that members of the public should not attempt to approach her if she is seen, but instead allow trained law enforcement personnel to respond.