Body found in car near Stokesley believed to be missing woman Tracey Smith
North Yorkshire Police were called after a vehicle was spotted in undergrowth off the A172
Last updated 19th Aug 2026
A body has been found inside a car which had come to rest in undergrowth down an embankment near Stokesley.
North Yorkshire Police believe the deceased to be missing woman Tracey Smith, from the Stokesley area, although formal identification has yet to take place.
Officers were called by a member of the public last night, 18th August, after a black vehicle was noticed down an embankment on the A172 at its junction with the A19, near the Cleveland Tontine.
The sole occupant of the vehicle was found dead inside.
Road closure
The road was closed and remained closed for most of the day.
This was to allow investigators to examine the scene and to recover the vehicle. Due to the location of the vehicle, forensic examination and recovery took longer than usual.
The road is expected to reopen later this evening (19 August).
Investigation
An investigation will be carried out to determine how the car came to leave the road.
North Yorkshire Police thanked members of the public who responded to appeals to help find Tracey, including the person who called in after noticing the vehicle in the undergrowth.
The force said: "Our thoughts are with Tracey's family and friends at this very sad time."