Elderly Woman Found Dead After Vehicle Sinks In Contaminated Water: Reports

GARY, IN — A 75-year-old woman died after driving into contaminated water over the weekend in northwest Indiana, according to reports.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victim Monday as Sheila Harris of Gary. Her cause and manner of death were pending, according to the coroner’s office.

The woman called 911 on Saturday and reported her vehicle was sinking in the water near Buffington Harbor, WLS reported. She had entered the water near the Indiana Sugars entrance, according to WGN.

"Due to the hazardous conditions and contamination of the water, divers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources were unable to safely enter the water to access the vehicle,” Gary officials said in an update, according to WLS.

Pumps were used to lower the water level and allow for recovery overnight, WLS reported.

The vehicle was submerged in roughly 12 feet of water, according to WGN. Harris was found dead inside, WLS reported.

The coroner’s office was dispatched to the area around 6 a.m. Sunday, and Harris was pronounced dead about an hour later.

Responding agencies included the Gary police and fire departments, the state natural resources department and Lake County Hazmat, according to the coroner’s office.