Woman remains hospitalized following accident
A Cape Coral woman remained hospitalized Tuesday, nearly a week after she apparently drove her vehicle into a canal and was submerged for several minutes.
Gilian Crosdale, 63, was listed in critical condition at the Cape Coral Hospital, where she was taken Wednesday, Oct. 10, after being removed from the vehicle.
At about 7:52 a.m., Crosdale was traveling south on Andalusia Boulevard in a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. A 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Madison C. Schiel, was headed west on Northeast 12th Street.
At the intersection of Andalusia, Schiel, 18, of Punta Gorda, turned south and entered the right-of-way of Crosdale, police officials reported. Crosdale tried to veer to the right to avoid the collision, but she was unsuccessful.
The Hyundai’s front left side struck the passenger’s side of the Toyota.
The Hyundai was forced to the southwest and traveled about 100 feet, across a vacant field and into the canal, according to officials. The impact of the crash forced the Toyota to the east and it came to a stop in a field.
Cape firefighters entered the canal and removed Crosdale from the Hyundai. The vehicle had been submerged for about 10 minutes prior to her removal.
Crosdale, who was unresponsive, according to reports, was transported to the hospital.
Schiel sustained minor injuries in the crash and was also taken to the Cape hospital for medical attention. She had been discharged as of Tuesday.
Officials reported that the accident is alcohol or drug use related.
The investigation is ongoing.