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Maria van der Zanden

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Maria Louise van der Zanden (9 November 1971 - August 1994) was a woman who disappeared from Putten, The Netherlands, on 6 August 1994.

In May 2023, it was announced that remains found in the Möhnesee, Germany, in late August of 1994 were positively identified as belonging to Maria.

Although German police believe Maria died as a result of suicide, a Dutch cold case team will continue their investigation into the events surrounding her disappearance. How and why she was in Germany at the time of her death is unknown.

Case[]

Maria was last seen leaving for a bike ride, promising her parents that she would be home by dinner. Her bike vanished along with her. She dressed in light clothing appropriate for the weather at the time.

In 1994 and 2005, an extensive investigation into her disappearance was conducted. She had left her passport at home. In addition, she had made several appointments and planned a vacation for the near future. Therefore, it was suspected that she had been the victim of a crime.

At the end of August 1994, German police discovered the lifeless body of a woman in the Möhnesee, a water reservoir east of Dortmund. At the time, police concluded that it was most likely a suicide. The woman could not be identified and was subsequently buried in a nameless grave.

In May 2023, it was announced that the remains recovered in Germany were positively identified as belonging to Maria. The events surrounding her disappearance and subsequent death are still being investigated. Authorities want to know, among other things, how she ended up in Germany and why the link between the unknown dead woman and the missing Maria was not made sooner.

In December 2023, her remains were re-interred by family in the city of Putten, where she once resided, following a ceremony celebrating her life.

Characteristics[]

  • Brown hair.
  • Blue eyes.

Gallery[]

Sources[]

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