SOLVED: Missing 10-months Underwater (Margaret "Jan" Shupe Smith)

This is my husband's cousin Jan and she was an amazing person. She will be missed by everyone. Thank you guy's for everything you have done

I can’t believe you guys have solved TWENTY cold cases! Before we know it, there will be hundreds of missing people brought home thanks to all of you. Please never stop doing what you do 🙏🏻❤️

God, that is absolutely heartbreaking to hear that she was in the early stages of dementia. My mom started showing signs of something being wrong around 4 years ago. Within months, she was much further gone than anyone knew. Our family isn't very close in "normal" family terms, so no one knew she had declined so quickly. We only found out when she was getting evicted because she'd failed to pay rent for 3 months. I hope Jan inspires people to check in on their older loved ones--regardless of how close they are to them. People with dementia, especially early on, can be combative about their independence. I'd be willing to bet Jan was adamant that she was still capable of driving before this tragedy.

Her husband abandoned her during her most vulnerable time. I can't help but feel animosity towards him.

“Losing a wallet to push them over the edge” as a personal who struggles with suicidal thoughts this is 100% accurate.

You guys have made me question & change my early morning drive to work. In the Spring, Summer and Fall, I used to drive down a super steep hill that has no guard rails into a curvey swampy area also with no guard rails. It is too dangerous of a hill to go up or down in Wisconsin winters. I no longer drive this route in the early early mornings. 5 am in the dark when no one would see you accidentally go in. It adds a few minutes to my drive but it is worth it to not take that chance.

From what I have seen of the Polk County Sheriff, with how open he is and takes his position and responsibilities I am not surprised at how willing they were to working with you.

Thank you for finding Jan. I live in Polk county. I’m happy to see they were so willing to work with you and collaborate. Grady Judd is an amazing Sheriff as is his staff. Thank you for all you go. You guys are truly amazing and do appreciated.

I can only imagine how the residents felt after learning there was a missing woman in the detention pond just meters behind their houses. And only 18 inches below the surface at that. I'm glad that she was found.

As someone who just found their friend after 10 years of not having any answers. She was found in a East Fork state park. I want to thank you for all you do. You give us answers and you bring our loved ones home.

Such a sad case. She was suffering from so many issues including a broken heart; my heart goes out to her. RIP, Jan. God bless AWP for what you do.

I work in nursing with dementia patients. They actually see water differently than someone without dementia. This is a tragic tragic accident. Y’all are absolutely beautiful souls and the work you do is so wonderful.

My aunt committed suicide by driving down a boat ramp into a deep canal, leaving behind her young children and husband. We will never know what her last minutes were like or what exactly caused her to make that decision, but the road to closure was paved by a brave dive team like you. Thank you for your work.

I also feel for the people in the house next to the pond.Imagine finding out that a person has been in there the whole time.Prayers to all.

I get so emotional watching these, I always cry as your pulling the car from the water. I can't explain what I feel but im so grateful to you guys for bringing these families closure. There's a special place in heaven for you all.

You were less than 3 blocks from my home searching for her. I’m glad you stuck with your gut and keep going. Although there are absolutely no words to comfort the family for their grief loss; I’m grateful for y’all. Thank you for for your service. Yall are truly a blessing. ❤

My jaw dropped when I realized this was literally in my neighborhood and I missed y’all. I hope this girl can rest in peace and the people she knew got the closure they needed

I’m local to Jan’s area and when you guys found her it broke local news. Thank you for giving her family closure an bringing her home.

The amount of understanding you have shown about depression, in that one statement about it taking one event to take her over the edge... I didn't think anybody understood it like that (except me and others who suffer). The world can learn a lot just listening to you guys, for more reasons than meets the eye. Stay safe, and as always, you have 150% of my support 🙏 ❤️ Rest in peace Jan.

Running the sonar, camera, narrating, monitoring battery levels, operating the boat, paying attention to position..... Soooooo much! goes into what you guys do each moment I don't think people realize. 🥰