CLINTON COUNTY, Ill. – A Breese, Illinois, woman died overnight after crashing into a pond in rural Clinton County.

According to Sheriff Dan Travous, Clinton County Dispatch received a 911 call just after 12:15 a.m. about a crash near the 15000 block of Rod and Gun Road, just north of Breese.

The caller told dispatchers that the car failed to make a turn at an intersection and slammed into the pond. The passenger was able to free himself and then made three dives into the frigid, dark water in an attempt to save his wife.

The sheriff said the vehicle was upside down with only its rear wheels above the surface. After three unsuccessful dives, the passenger ran to a nearby home to seek help.

First responders noticed a power pole at the intersection had been struck and fell into the pond near the submerged vehicle. Clinton County Electric crewpersons were dispatched to secure the area.

Firefighters with the Breese Fire Department went into the pond to free the driver. They managed to extricate the woman, who was then rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The driver, Susan K. Hilmes, was pronounced dead at the hospital. She was 59. Her husband was also hospitalized for injuries and survived.