WASHINGTON, Nov 15, (Agencies): A tragic incident unfolded in Florida as an elderly couple lost their lives when their car plunged into a canal. Howard Walter Cooper, 94, was navigating Kismet Parkway West on Sunday when, instead of stopping or turning with the roadway, he veered off the road, as reported by Cape Coral police.

The 2009 Silver Chevrolet Impala, carrying Howard's 88-year-old wife, Marilyn Palmer Cooper, proceeded across a grass yard, ultimately "striking a palm tree" and plunging "off the seawall into the canal," according to the police news release. The vehicle became submerged in the water, and there were no witnesses to anyone exiting the car.

The couple's niece, Debbie Van Voorhis, shared, "The only solace we have is that they’re in heaven together and that they would have wanted to go together."

Concerns arose when the Coopers' family noticed their absence on Sunday afternoon, prompting hours of searching. Addison Bryant, the couple's great-niece, became alarmed when they failed to turn up and noticed police heading towards Kismet Parkway West. Upon arriving at the scene, Bryant and her brother discovered that the submerged car belonged to the Coopers.

The heartbreaking news was compounded by the fact that Howard, in good physical condition, and Marilyn, battling Alzheimer's disease, had recently relocated to Cape Coral from Kansas. The couple, who had been married for over 50 years, left a profound impact on their family.

This tragic incident marks the 18th traffic fatality in Cape Coral this year, according to the police. Notably, speed, drugs, and alcohol were ruled out as factors in the crash.