A 59-year-old Breese woman died early Sunday morning when a car she was driving ran off the Rod and Gun Road just north of Breese and overturned on its top in a pond.
Susan Hilmes was pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese where she was taken after Breese Firemen were able to free her from the car. Her husband, 65-year-old Steven Hilmes of Breese, was able to free himself from the vehicle and then made three dives into the dark, cold water in an attempt to save his wife. After three unsuccessful attempts he ran to a nearby residence to seek help. Steven Hilmes was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital and evaluated for injuries.
Those first emergency responders on the scene located the submerged vehicle with only the rear tires out of the water. They also noticed a power pole had been struck near the pond causing a power line to rest near the submerged vehicle. Clinton County Electric was called to assist in making the scene safe.
Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous is giving heartfelt thanks to all of those who did everything possible to try and save Susan. He notes the conditions early Sunday morning were absolutely brutal and their efforts were nothing short of heroic.
