Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — A harrowing ordeal ended with relief for the community after Pamela Cohlhepp, 44, was rescued from her wrecked vehicle nearly a full day after it crashed into a creek off Route 837. Emergency crews located Cohlhepp on Wednesday evening, after she went missing the previous night following a drive from Dravosburg to Glassport. Authorities confirmed that she survived the accident and is receiving medical care.
Cohlhepp was last seen leaving Dravosburg around 7:50 p.m. Tuesday. She never arrived at her destination in Glassport, and her phone stopped working shortly after her departure, prompting immediate concern among family and friends. By early Wednesday, a public alert had been issued, calling on residents to assist in locating the missing woman.
Authorities launched a coordinated search that involved local police, fire departments, and emergency responders. Teams scoured the surrounding area, including creeks, roadways, and wooded areas near Route 837. The search intensified as hours passed, with the community anxiously awaiting news of her whereabouts.
By Wednesday evening, responders discovered Cohlhepp trapped inside her Kia Sportage, which had partially submerged in a creek. Officials worked carefully to extricate her from the damaged vehicle. Despite being stranded for nearly a full day, Cohlhepp was alert and conscious when rescued.
Emergency personnel immediately transported Cohlhepp to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment. Medical staff confirmed that her condition is stable, and she is expected to recover from any injuries sustained during the crash. Her survival after such an extended period trapped in the vehicle has been described as remarkable by authorities.
No foul play is suspected in the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that the crash was accidental, and officials are investigating the circumstances that led to Cohlhepp’s car leaving the roadway and ending up in the creek. Road conditions, visibility, and potential mechanical factors are being reviewed.
Family members and friends expressed profound relief upon hearing the news of her rescue. Social media posts and community messages poured in, celebrating her survival and thanking the first responders for their tireless efforts. Many noted the resilience and determination she displayed during the ordeal.
The community has also lauded the coordinated efforts of emergency personnel, emphasizing the importance of rapid response and diligent search operations. Police and fire departments highlighted the teamwork required to locate and safely extract Cohlhepp from the hazardous location.
Authorities continue to examine the scene to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the crash. Investigators are looking into whether visibility, terrain, or other environmental factors may have contributed to the vehicle leaving the roadway and ending up in the creek.
As Allegheny County residents breathe a collective sigh of relief, attention is turning to supporting Cohlhepp in her recovery. Her rescue serves as a testament to the dedication of emergency responders and the importance of community vigilance when someone goes missing. Officials urge drivers to exercise caution on local roadways, particularly in areas near waterways or challenging terrain.