Shortly after high winds and big rain storms passed through Comanche County late last Wednesday afternoon, an emergency unfolded in the far southeast notch of the county involving an elderly couple trapped in their pickup in rising flood waters, a key roadway closed for bridge construction, and a large response from area emergency responders and public safety officers.

The couple was reported to have left the vehicle and the husband managed to grab hold of a tree while holding onto his wife. Eventually, however, he was reported to have lost hold of his wife and she drowned.

The following is a press release from the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office:

“On May 2, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Comanche County 9-1-1 received a call from an elderly couple trapped in their vehicle in rising water on County Road 370 off of FM 1702 in the Hazeldell Community. The Comanche County Sheriff’s Office and Gustine Volunteer Fire Department responded. First on scene were a Gustine Volunteer Fire Unit and Deputy Tammy Shelton. The Gustine units reported that upon arrival they observed the vehicle being swept down stream into Mackey Branch, which feeds into the Leon River.

“Deputy Shelton, Andy Hesbrook Jr., and Shaun Baker entered the fast moving water and stretched fire hose out attempting to reach the vehicle and the two people in the water. The attempt was successful in reaching the male occupant and rescuing him to dry land where a nearby bulldozer owned by Prater’s Construction was used to transport the male occupant to the awaiting ambulance on FM 1702. The male and Deputy Shelton were transported to the Comanche County Medical Center.

“Deputies and firemen continued to search for the female occupant of the vehicle. Helicopters were called in but were unable to fly due to the weather. The Hamilton swift water rescue team arrived and started a search. Also assisting were DeLeon Volunteer Fire units equipped with swift water gear.

“After a continuous search, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the deceased female occupant was located and retrieved from the water, approximately 75 feet from the vehicle.

“The female occupant of the vehicle was identified as Margaret Nelson, 80, of the Hazeldell Community. The male flood victim, identified as J.D. Nelson, 82, is recovering at the Comanche County Medical Center.

“The quick actions of the Gustine Volunteer Fire Department members, Andy Hesbrook Jr., Shaun Baker, and Deputy Tammy Shelton are accredited to saving Mr. Nelson’s life. Agencies assisting the search rescue and recovery are Gustine Fire Department, Comanche County Sheriff's Office, Comanche County Constable’s Office, DeLeon Volunteer Fire Department, Proctor Volunteer Fire Department, a member from the Early Fire Department and the Comanche County Emergency Management.

“As a sincere and tragic note to the Citizens of Comanche County, due to the significant rainfall in the area streams, creeks and rivers are extremely prone to flooding. The Comanche County Sheriff's Office would like to remind you not to drive into high water or flooded roads.”