Photo of vehicle submerged in the creek. Courtesy of Sheriff Jack Williams

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office has identified the driver from last Thursday’s life saving rescue.

According to a press release, 55-year-old Ouida Wiggins of Paton was pulled from West Buttrick Creek on 130th Street, west of P Avenue at 5:17pm. Wiggins last control of her 2003 Jeep Liberty, due to a medical condition. The vehicle went through the ditch and entered the creek, which was full of water. 

Sheriff Jack Williams said Deputy Shane Allen and Nate Byerly of Churdan Rescue were first on the scene and jumped into the creek. The two men swam out to the driver and pulled her out of the freezing cold water to land. The driver was then taken to Greene County Medical Center by Greene County Ambulance for minor injuries and hypothermia. She was later released from the hospital. The vehicle was considered to be a total loss. 

The Jefferson, Paton and Churdan Fire departments, along with Churdan Rescue, Greene County Ambulance and Gowrie Police Department assisted at the scene.