A 35-year-old mother died after becoming trapped for hours inside a 20-foot well in rural Northern California, authorities said.
Britney Willison, a resident of Garberville, was found in the well on June 17 in the Fruitland area of southern Humboldt County, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said Willison had been housesitting for a friend when she went to check the home’s water system the previous night. Authorities believe she somehow fell into the well and remained trapped there for more than 12 hours before emergency crews located her.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office determined that Willison’s death was accidental. Officials listed the cause as “acute asphyxial brain injury due to submersion in water in a well due to physical-mechanical entrapment in a well.”
Authorities said the investigation has been completed, though a toxicology report remains pending.
A friend of Willison’s told The California Post that the mother of two had run out of water while staying at the home.
“[B]eing a very independent strong woman she went to the well house to fix the problem herself,” the friend said.
The friend also said rescue personnel indicated there was no oxygen in the well, adding that “there wouldn’t have been time to do anything” to save Willison.
The friend went on to describe Willison as a “dedicated mother” and “an active community member.”
“Kind, sweet, loved her kids, loved taking care of her plants and flowers, loved helping others, and was an inspiration to be around, she had a way of reminding you to take time to enjoy life,” the friend said.
“She was the type of person to provide for people in need, offer dinner anytime, or fill another’s tree at Christmas time if they were in need.”
Willison worked at a local apparel store called the Bootleg in nearby Garberville.
She attended South Fork High School in nearby Miranda, according to her Facebook page. She showed an interest in hiking, posting several photos from the famous nearby Lost Coast Trail.
Her family, including her sons, held a candlelight vigil outside her former store on June 24. One family member said they were “humbled by the outpouring of support and positive vibes as we adjust to life without Brit.”
A memorial service will be held July 26, where friends and family family will “celebrate the life and cherish the memories of Britney.”
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