Indiana Woman Found Alive After 6 Days Trapped in Crashed Car

Brieonna Cassell, a 41-year-old woman from Wheatfield, Indiana, was reported missing six days ago. After an extensive search, she was miraculously found alive on Tuesday, having survived for six days trapped in her crashed car near the Newton County Landfill.

The discovery was made by Johnny Martinez, who works for Deyoung Drainage. While on duty near County Road 600S and County Road 300E, he noticed a car off the road. Concerned, he contacted his supervisor, Morocco Fire Chief Jeremy Vanderwall, who joined him to investigate.

A Miraculous Discovery

Initially, both Martinez and Vanderwall believed the car to be unoccupied. There was something white on the dashboard, which they assumed to be an airbag from a front-end collision. However, upon closer inspection, Vanderwall realized there was movement inside the vehicle.

"I didn't see anybody in it. There was something white on the dash, which is pretty typical — you know, front-end collisions, the airbags deploy, and the airbags are all white. So I just assumed it was an airbag," Vanderwall said. "And I actually kind of started to roll forward a little bit, and I saw it move."

Rescue and Revelation

Vanderwall immediately alerted dispatch and approached the car cautiously. Upon calling out, he received a response from Cassell, who stated that she needed help. She was conscious and able to speak, but injured and trapped inside the vehicle.

Vanderwall discovered dry blood on Cassell's forehead and learned that she had been in the ditch since Wednesday of the previous week, unaware of how much time had passed. This revelation shocked both Vanderwall and Cassell, who had believed her ordeal to be nearing its end.

"I said, 'Oh my God…. That's who you are. I said, 'Your family's been looking for you… it's been all over social media…. I can't believe you've been here this long," said Vanderwall.

A Display of Resilience

Cassell had resorted to dipping a green cardigan sweater into the ditch to collect water, which she would then suck out to stay hydrated. This testament to her survival instincts and determination deeply impressed Vanderwall.

"You know, it picked up the water into the shirt, and she would suck the water out of her shirt," Vanderwall said. "Her survival mode just was uncanny, you know, her will to live."

Medical Treatment and Recovery

Cassell was airlifted to a Chicago hospital for treatment of her injuries. The extent of her injuries has not been publicly released by authorities.

This incredible story echoes a similar experience in Northwest Indiana from December 2023, where Matt Reum survived for six days trapped in his crashed pickup truck along Salt Creek in Portage, Indiana. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of hope even in the direst of circumstances.