JERSEY COUNTY, Ill. — A 67-year-old woman died on Friday after her car crashed into a creek and was submerged underwater.
The Jersey County Coroner identified the woman as Betty Hicks.
Jersey County Sheriff Michal Ringhausen said in a statement that the sheriff's department received a call for a car in Piasa Creek off of Beltrees Road near Godfrey, Illinois, at 3:02 p.m.
Bystanders tried to rescue Hicks before first responders arrived, the sheriff's office said, but they were unsuccessful.
Jersey County deputies initially used a boat to try to find the car, but the depth of the water made it difficult.
Litchfield firemen trained in scuba diving were able to find the car. It was removed from the water and Hicks was pronounced dead on the scene.
Police are investigating what led up to the accident.
The QEM Fire Protection District, Godfrey Fire Protection District and Jersey Community Ambulance personnel also helped in the recovery.
"I would like to thank all those involved who assisted not only in the recovery but also those brave people who risked their own lives in the attempt to save a life," Sheriff Ringhausen said in his statement. "I ask that you keep the family and friends of Mrs. Hicks in your prayers."
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