Susan K. Hilmes Obituary, Death – A 59-year-old woman from Breese tragically lost her life after her vehicle crashed into a pond in rural Clinton County. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, February 15, 2025, near the 15000 block of Rod and Gun Road, located just north of Breese.
The victim, identified as Susan K. Hilmes, was later pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. Her husband, 65-year-old Steven A. Hilmes, was also involved in the crash and sustained injuries. He was treated for his injuries at the same hospital. According to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, emergency responders received a 911 call reporting that the vehicle had failed to navigate a turn at an intersection, which caused it to veer off the road and plunge into the nearby pond.
In a desperate attempt to save his wife, Steven Hilmes, the passenger in the car, managed to escape the vehicle and repeatedly dived into the icy water to rescue her. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he was unable to free her from the submerged vehicle. The sheriff’s office later confirmed that when they arrived at the scene, the car was found overturned in the water, with only the rear wheels visible above the surface.
After his unsuccessful attempts to rescue Susan, Steven Hilmes sought help from a nearby residence. First responders, including emergency medical services and firefighters, arrived shortly afterward. However, the situation was complicated further by the presence of a fallen power pole that had been struck during the crash. The fallen pole had ended up in the pond, creating additional obstacles for the rescuers. To ensure safety and allow for the recovery operation to proceed, personnel from the Clinton County Electric Company were dispatched to secure the area.
Firefighters from the Breese Fire Department entered the pond to retrieve Susan from the submerged vehicle. After a difficult and carefully coordinated operation, they successfully extricated her from the car and transported her to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Despite the efforts to save her, Susan K. Hilmes was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by local authorities. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office is looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what factors may have contributed to the fatal crash. As of now, the investigation continues, and further details will be released once more information becomes available.
This tragic event has left the Breese community in shock. The loss of Susan K. Hilmes has been deeply felt by her family, friends, and the entire area. The rescue efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful in saving her life, highlight the dedicated work of emergency responders who faced numerous challenges at the scene. The fallen power pole, the icy waters, and the vehicle’s overturned position all posed significant difficulties, yet the Breese Fire Department’s efforts to recover the victim were commendable.
This tragic accident underscores the potential dangers of rural roads and the importance of caution, especially during early morning hours when visibility and road conditions may be less than ideal. Authorities have yet to release a full report on what led to the crash, but the ongoing investigation will likely provide clarity on the situation.
The community is now left to cope with the loss of Susan K. Hilmes, and her family, particularly her husband Steven, are dealing with the emotional aftermath of the tragic events. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that any potential contributing factors to the crash will be uncovered, offering closure to the family and the community. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of accidents and the importance of road safety.
