Myrtle Beach Man’s DIY Sonar Device Aids Search for Missing People in the Carolinas
In an inspiring instance of technological innovation and community service, Jason Souhrada, a resident of Myrtle Beach for the past 23 years, has employed a self-fashioned sonar device to assist in the search for missing individuals across the Carolinas. By cleverly combining a boogie board, a pelican case, and a sonar unit with a remote-controlled setup to operate the device’s movements, Souhrada not only gives back to his community but also lives up to his goal of helping families find their loved ones. The device, surprisingly efficient, has already helped solve a decades-old cold case in North Carolina, bringing immense relief to three unsettled families.
From X-ray Technician to Technology Innovator
During weekdays, Souhrada is found working at the Conway Medical Center and dedicates his off days to the noble mission of searching for missing persons around the Carolinas. Having lost his mother to lung cancer, he chose his profession as an x-ray technician to contribute to healthcare, with the ultimate goal of becoming a radiation therapist. His profession, seemingly quite different from his hobby, comes in handy in his mission. His skills as an x-ray technician have helped him identify anything unusual underwater during the sonar scans.
Discovery of the Decades-Old Cold Case
The desire to contribute to the search of missing people led Souhrada to develop an interest in sonar searching. He learnt about it from YouTube and Facebook groups and was inspired to create his own device, considering the high cost of commercial equipment. His intuitive and innovative use of a boogie board, a pelican case, and a sonar unit turned into a groundbreaking achievement when he found a 1975 Camaro at the bottom of Jack’s Creek. This finding ended a tormenting wait for the families of three men missing since decades, believed to be lost in the same vehicle.
Continuing the Mission
Driven by the success of his first discovery, Souhrada embarked on his next mission in Asheboro, North Carolina. The person in focus is Nancy Troche-Garcia, whose whereabouts have been unknown for five years. Despite some leads suggesting her movement to Mexico, her family denies having any knowledge about such a shift. Souhrada’s sonar device has once again indicated something unusual underwater, requiring a dive team’s investigation. “I may have found something but I’m not too confident in it,” he shares.
Public and Police Support
The Asheboro Police Department and the community have been supportive of Souhrada’s efforts. Asheboro PD plans to follow up the leads provided by Mr. Souhrada and appreciates the role of citizens and public safety partners in settling unresolved cases. “It is always our goal to bring closure and justice to those we are entrusted to protect and serve,” comments Captain Byron Hill, capturing the essence of this inspiring collaboration between a determined layman and professional authorities.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
