A 41-year-old woman was miraculously discovered alive on Tuesday after enduring six harrowing days trapped in her vehicle following a collision in northwest Indiana, according to local authorities.
Brieonna Cassell went missing last Wednesday after departing from her mother's residence to visit a friend near the towns of Wheatfield and DeMotte, Indiana, as reported by CNN affiliate WLS. It is believed that the mother of three fell asleep at the wheel, causing her to veer off the road and plunge into a deep ditch in the small town of Brook, located approximately 80 miles south of Chicago. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed her disappearance.
A passerby, Johnny Martinez, noticed a vehicle hidden from view off the roadway while he was operating equipment for Deyoung Drainage. Recognizing the potential seriousness of the situation, he immediately contacted his supervisor, Jeremy Vanderwall, who also holds the position of assistant chief at a local fire department in the nearby town of Morocco.
Upon their arrival at the scene, Martinez and Vanderwall inspected the vehicle and found Cassell inside, alone but conscious and able to speak. Despite the injuries she had sustained, she had somehow managed to survive for six days while waiting for help. Following her rescue, Cassell was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago for urgent medical attention.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that Cassell had suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs, a fractured arm, and damage to both legs, along with a significant scratch on her forehead. Vanderwall described her condition, noting, "She was very conscious, very alert, very aware of how severe her injuries were." He recounted her statement: "I didn't think anybody was gonna find me. I thought I was gonna die in this ditch."
Although her prognosis for recovery is positive, the Sheriff’s Office acknowledged that she faces a long rehabilitation process. Cassell’s father, Delmar Caldwell, shared that she could hear passing cars and had been screaming for help during her ordeal. Her mother, Kim Brown, revealed that Cassell survived by dipping her sweatshirt in a small creek located behind the wrecked car, using it to quench her thirst.
Brown expressed her relief and eagerness to see her daughter, stating, "I just can’t wait to hug her and kiss her, which I probably can’t do." Caldwell highlighted Cassell’s resilience, stating, "She persevered. She wanted to stay alive." Following her rescue, Cassell was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday to address her severe injuries.
The entire community is relieved by the news of her survival, and her family remains hopeful for her recovery as they prepare for the long journey ahead.
Zainab Y.
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