On Sunday, May 08, 2011 at approximately 11:16 am, the Baxter County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call of a car in the water on Bull Shoals Lake. The car had been spotted by two fisherman who found it while checking on a friend's boat dock.

     Deputies found a White 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier completely submerged at the end of Leawood Drive in the Lakeview, Arkansas area. Sheriff's Investigators assisted by members of the Baxter County Sheriff's Dive Team pulled the vehicle from the lake. Investigators, assisted by the Baxter County Deputy Coroner, found a 30 year old Mountain Home woman inside.

     Preliminary investigation indicates the victim, 30 year old Angela Darlene Becker, apparently died from drowning. It is believed that the victim died sometime in the early morning hours. The water temperature at the time of the recovery was approximately 70 degrees. Investigators were able to determine the victim's vehicle drove down the steep incline of Leawood Drive and into the Lake near the boat dock. The vehicle was located approximately 39 feet from the water's edge and completely submerged in approximately 7 feet of water. It is unknown at this time whether the victim intentionally or accidently drove into the water.

     Witnesses indicate that the victim had been at a residence in the area around midnight. Witnesses also stated the victim became very upset and left the residence an hour or so later.

     The body of Angela Becker is being sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to confirm the cause and manner of death. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Baxter County Sheriff's Office at 425-7000.

     The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Lakeview Police, Arkansas State Park Rangers, Personnel from the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Baxter County Coroner's Office.

Sheriff John Montgomery