NEWTON COUNTY, IN — A missing woman was located alive after nearly a week in her vehicle following a crash, officials reported Tuesday.
Brieonna Cassell, 41, of Wheatfield, had been unaccounted for for six days before a passerby discovered her vehicle off CR 600S near CR 300E in Brook. The Newton County Sheriff's Office confirmed the vehicle was out of sight from passing traffic.
Johnny Martinez, an operator for Deyoung Drainage, found the car while working in the area. He notified his supervisor, and upon checking the vehicle, they found Cassell conscious and able to communicate.
Cassell was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Chicago for treatment. According to her mother, Kim, Cassell is currently in stable condition and is scheduled for surgery Wednesday due to concerns regarding her legs.
Medical staff indicated that while the recovery outlook is positive, Cassell faces a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.