Motorist Swept Into Spoon River

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: May 17, 2009 at 9:16 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2009 at 1:29 PM CDT

A motorist in Fulton County apparently has been swept away by flood waters. Illinois State Police report they are at the scene of the Spoon River near London Mills searching for the motorist.
Emergency officials in Fulton County want motorists to avoid the London Mills area. The Spoon River is out of its banks and has closed Route 116 about a half mile west of London Mills. County Highway Two is also closed south of London Mills.

Monday, May 18 at 11:44 PM Catherine D. wrote ...

While many entries are very heartfelt, there are others that are not worthy of comment. How sad is it a loving person such as my sister had to lose her life to expose a situation so easily corrected? She had no idea there was a problem at the foot of this bridge-the water was over the road before there was a chance to see the sign. I know of no family member that has talked of legal action. Wouldn't it be nice to honor her life by implementing policies to ensure it never happens again?

Monday, May 18 at 11:28 PM Don wrote ...

Yeah, everyone should stop bickering. Let's just act like there was no way to prevent this and allow it to happen the next time the river floods.

Monday, May 18 at 7:56 PM sigh wrote ...

Ok enough with the bickering. Life is too precious to be wasting time arguing when a person lost their life. For shame. THe family has my best wishes & a hug acrossed the computer screen.

Monday, May 18 at 7:06 PM Me wrote ...

If there was known flooding, it should have been blocked off. It's just that her friends and family are dealing with the loss and the bickering isn't appropriate. Again, thoughts & prayers...

Monday, May 18 at 1:11 PM someone from london mills wrote ...

my family and i are real soory for your lost and that it was not blooked off we prayed for her all sat night and sunday and for the family as well i sure hope they find the guy that went off sat night on avon black top they are still looking for him may god be with you all

Monday, May 18 at 11:13 AM Don wrote ...

The flooding occurs on the Knox County side, but the barricades should be erected on the Fulton County side, before you cross the bridge.

Monday, May 18 at 11:11 AM Don wrote ...

It's actually an unusual situation, where the river is the knox/fulton county border. The city limits also ends at the bridge. All I am saying is that this is a tragic accident that could have been easily avoided. I don't care who the heck takes responsibility, just make sure that it doesn't happen again!

Monday, May 18 at 10:22 AM Ever wonder ?? wrote ...

The responsibility of putting barricades up is usually that of the State highway department or if not a state road then the county highway department. If the road is within the city limits it would then be the town or village's road department...but it's always easier to blame the police right???

Monday, May 18 at 10:09 AM Don wrote ...

I cannot say who's responsibility it was to erect barricades at the bridge, but one would think that the local police officer would at least be involved. Lord knows that that she was acting the part Sat. and Sun., driving around town like a maniac. For you people saying to not blame the police for this accident, answer this question. Who's responsibility is it to close that road? It seems that in other towns it was local police that were closing roads. Why's this situation any different?

Monday, May 18 at 10:03 AM Don wrote ...

"Quit trying to find blame in what happened to this woman.This is a terrible accident that could have happened to anyone" These are the comments that are only partly true. Yes, this was a very tragic accident. But, it could have been avoided completely. Where she went into the water was after crossing the bridge and beginning to decline. This makes it very difficult to see the water, especially in a low-riding car. Barricades should have been set up at the bridge.

Monday, May 18 at 9:49 AM Ever wonder?? wrote ...

Quit trying to find blame in what happened to this woman.This is a terrible accident that could have happened to anyone. Pray for her family. You idiots that want to ridicule the police for everything need to stay off these forums. Take a look at your own pathetic lives and realize that maybe you're the problem.You people that want to make stupid comments about the victims need to stay off these forums as well. Friends and family of the victims read your stupid and hurtful comments too

Sunday, May 17 at 11:59 PM D.Bybee wrote ...

Susan will be missed by many people.This is a very trajic accident. Put yourself in her family and close friends position.Try and keep the memory of her and her life a positive thing.Lets not post comments that argue over the police dpt.,whose fault it was,or any other point that could be discuussed at the local coffee shop.Susan is a mother,sister,and friend to many that will be dearly missed.My families and my thoughts and prayers go out to susans family and close friends....

Sunday, May 17 at 10:12 PM mallory wrote ...

Susan was a wonderful person and someone who was really special to me. I worked at her salon when I was younger and she was one of those rare people that truly cared about others. I will miss her very much and I hope she knows how very much I appreciated her. She was one of my heroes!

Sunday, May 17 at 8:29 PM Cousin of deceased wrote ...

Yes, this is an awful tragedy for my family. She was driving home after work and was going that way b/c her usual way was detoured. I can't believe people can be so insensitive (Steff).

Sunday, May 17 at 7:33 PM lmres wrote ...

our town cop should have had a barricade on the road the woman was on, it had been flooded 4 awhile. she needs fired!1

Sunday, May 17 at 5:51 PM Firewife22 wrote ...

Just to clear a few things up, the woman was found but there was a man that went in on Saturday! They were still looking for him the last we knew, my husband is a firefighter that was called to the scene. He went in close to County Highway 17 in Ellisville.

Sunday, May 17 at 5:17 PM Deedz wrote ...

I am from London Mills and she was found.They have found her in the water.

Sunday, May 17 at 3:47 PM tk wrote ...

I live in the town of London Mills and would like to clear a few things up. This poor women wasn't from this town so she didn't know the bridge was out. She didn't know she wasn't supposed to be there. As for the police department don't judge we don't have many , it's not like living in a larger city. They do the best they can with what they have. London Mills Fire and Rescue have done a fantastic job. My deepest sympathy to this family. My heart goes out to them.

Sunday, May 17 at 3:30 PM Firefighter's Wfe wrote ...

This is a tragedy indeed. Instead of trying to place blame on the officers or the motorist, we need to be praying for the family and friends of the motorist. Negativity is not the answer people. GROW UP!!

Sunday, May 17 at 3:21 PM ??? wrote ...

who is she???

Sunday, May 17 at 1:14 PM leah wrote ...

agree, don't dis the officers, they have such a difficult job to do...and, she knew that road, however, she did not know it was that bad or she would have turned back or never gone in the first place. She is one of the most awesome women i know so please, just keep this positive. She is not an idiot.

Sunday, May 17 at 1:12 PM no wrote ...

it wasnt dark yet

Sunday, May 17 at 12:56 PM TSheff wrote ...

I do have a heart yes it may have been dark but come on use common sense do you go into unknown areas not knowing whats ahead no I don't think so, with it being at night would have been all the more reason to not go back. I am praying that they find the person I'm not that heartless. And as far as PK with the comment about police officers being educated more you need to walk a mile in there shoes before throwing out accusations like you did on here that was way out of line.

Sunday, May 17 at 12:44 PM leah wrote ...

obviously she didnt kno how bad it was. it was dark. so have a heart and think about the family and friends with this loss.

Sunday, May 17 at 12:41 PM leah wrote ...

plz. pray for a miracle. i love this girl..

Sunday, May 17 at 11:51 AM TSheff wrote ...

Seriously people living along the river know what it's like when it get's the amount of rain we have been getting, why did they not use there head more and not try to go back to where they lived knowning something like this could possibly happen. I hope they find them soon but this wouldn't have happened if they would have used there heads to begin with. And the blame shouldn't go all towards the police some of the blame lies with the person who chose to go back to where there is flooding.

Sunday, May 17 at 10:07 AM Mandy C. wrote ...

Brandy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed....

Sunday, May 17 at 9:41 AM ??? wrote ...

What about the phone call to 911???

Sunday, May 17 at 9:18 AM GetReal wrote ...

PK...you're an idiot!!

Sunday, May 17 at 9:14 AM Anonymous wrote ...

From my experience, those that blame the police for misfortunes in life have had an encouters with them for breaking the law. Like America's military, the police are here to serve and protect all the ungratefull citizens.

Sunday, May 17 at 8:14 AM to brandy wrote ...

i am praying for you dear.....

Sunday, May 17 at 7:48 AM Brandy wrote ...

Please pray for the safe return of my mother. We're still holding out for a miracle.

Sunday, May 17 at 7:39 AM ?????? wrote ...

Does anybody have an update????

Sunday, May 17 at 7:23 AM me wrote ...

dont you people have anything better to do??? im not judging im praying... there isnt enough "help" in this world for us...

Sunday, May 17 at 7:02 AM AM wrote ...

I send out my Prayers to the family of the missing people. God be with you and yours.

Sunday, May 17 at 6:35 AM Bob wrote ...

Don't blame anyone but the people that where told to stay out of there's area's. I may sound callas but when they say stay out of these places or don't drive thru standing water there always has to be someone that doesn't listen. DA!! Guess the state will have to pass a new law or tax us for this also.

Sunday, May 17 at 6:30 AM Ellisville Native wrote ...

Place blame on no one. Mother Nature has taken her toll and there is nothing or no one who could stop her in any way. Just send prayers to the families of the missing victims.

Sunday, May 17 at 3:01 AM worried wrote ...

This happened in a rural area and our police officers(local, county, and state)do the best they can with the man power they have. Placing blame will not help, the family needs your prayers.

Sunday, May 17 at 2:20 AM Me wrote ...

Thoughts and prayers going out to this person and his/her friends and family.

Sunday, May 17 at 2:01 AM toservenprotect wrote ...

PK- You need medicated! I'm a wife, mother, and a police officer for two different communities. While you are sleeping I'm out in your neighborhoods protecting to the best of my ability! Walk a mile in our shoes before you start judging. As a matter of fact- we dont like donuts we like bagels. Possibly you should do a "ride-a-long" with a few different officers to see just what it is that we do. I bet if you had an emergency you would not hesitate to call us.

Sunday, May 17 at 1:20 AM PK wrote ...

These rivers flood frequently,why are they not watched?CAN THE POLICE OFFICERS NOT CARRY THEIR COFFEE AND DONUTS WITH THEM?And from what has been taking place in the last 2 weeks to a month it certainly shows up a very strong lack of training OR MAY BE CARING.SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE THE BARN BURNS DOWN NOT AFTER,IF YOU EDUCATED OFFICERS GET MY DRIFT.IT IS TIME THAT THERE BE AN INVESTIGATION AS TO HOW AND WHY POLICE OFFICERS TAKE ON THIS JOB,DO THEY CARE OR IS IT THE NICE UNIFORM???

Sunday, May 17 at 1:07 AM PK wrote ...

These rivers frequently go out after normal rains much less what we have been having. Why are they not strictly patroled at ALL HOURS AND CARRY YOUR COFFEE AND DONUTS WITH YOU...

Saturday, May 16 at 11:55 PM Reality Check wrote ...

A co-worker of mine is related to the missing woman. She was called earlier Saturday morning and left work to meet family, hours after the woman was reported missing. At that time she was told that her car was found in the river, but that the relative was still missing. How is it that something as important as a driver washed away by the floods doesn't make the news in a timely manner? This apparently happened last night, and it is just now making the news, roughly 24 hours later.Pray for them!!

Saturday, May 16 at 11:20 PM worried wrote ...

The person they are looking for is someone I know. Please pray for her and her family. I have not seen the spoon move this fast.

Saturday, May 16 at 10:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Not funny. How do think the loved ones of the missing motorist feel? My heart goes out the the family of this person.

Saturday, May 16 at 10:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Route 9 is being closed just west of county 2. The levy broke aroung 8pm and water started running over route 9 around 10-10:30pm. Apparently there are now 2 vehicles in the water which the police have not been able to find. I sure hope they can find the people.

Saturday, May 16 at 10:37 PM jj wrote ...

state police?? must not have been wearing seatbelt.

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