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Brieonna Cassell’s incredible journey
In a remarkable tale of survival, 41-year-old Brieonna Cassell was discovered alive after spending six harrowing days trapped in her car in a ditch in Newton County, Indiana. Cassell was reported missing after she left her mother’s home to visit a friend, and her disappearance sparked concern among family and friends.
The discovery
On March 6, Cassell fell asleep at the wheel, leading her vehicle to veer off the road and land in a ditch under a bridge. Her father, Delmar Caldwell, revealed that she was unable to call for help as her cellphone was dead and out of reach.
Despite the dire circumstances, Cassell managed to survive by using her hoodie to soak up water from the ditch, demonstrating an incredible will to live.
Community heroes step in
It was a passerby, Johnny Martinez, who ultimately spotted Cassell’s vehicle while operating equipment nearby.
Recognizing the need for immediate action, he contacted his supervisor, Jeremy Vanderwall, who is also an assistant chief at a local fire department. Together, they checked the vehicle and found Cassell conscious and speaking, despite her injuries. Vanderwall later recounted Cassell’s fear, as she expressed doubts about being found, saying, ‘I thought I was gonna die in this ditch.’
Medical response and recovery
Once discovered, Cassell was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago, where she was reported to be in stable condition. Her mother provided updates on her recovery, noting that while surgery was necessary due to concerns about her legs, the outlook was positive.
This incident not only highlights Cassell’s resilience but also the importance of community vigilance and support in times of crisis.
A testament to survival
Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran praised Cassell’s survival as an incredible testament to her will to live.
He expressed immense gratitude towards Johnny Martinez for his quick action, labeling him a hero. This story serves as a reminder of the power of community and the human spirit’s ability to endure even the most challenging circumstances.
