BSO: Elderly Woman Drives Into Canal, Dies

TAMARAC (CBSMiami) -- The Broward Sheriff's Office said an elderly woman died on Tuesday after she drove her car into a Tamarac canal.

Markings on Bailey Road by BSO's Traffic Homicide Investigators show that Lillian Sornik, 93, drove onto the sidewalk near the 5500 block around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and through a small opening before plunging into the water.

As the elderly victim's body lie on a canal bank, Broward Sheriff's Office divers headed into the murky water to locate the woman's car. A short time later they did and tow truck drivers pulled a Kia from the water.

Click here to watch Carey Codd's report. 

A large crowd gathered outside the Shaker Village condos, which borders the canal, and nearly everyone said the same thing -- they did not see or hear anything Tuesday afternoon that led them to believe a car entered the water.

"I didn't hear any screeching or tire sounds or anything," said resident Shaun Lynch.

BSO said the woman was heading eastbound on Bailey Road when she drove into the water. CBS 4 News is told that someone who witnessed it called 911. Investigators said it does not appear there were any other cars involved.

People who live in the condos said they are always careful driving and living along this stretch of road.

"For us, it could be a precaution to be careful," said resident Marilyn Alcime.

CBS 4 News is told that members of Lauderhill Fire Rescue arrived quickly, dove into the water, broke out a window on the car and removed the woman's body but she could not be saved.

People watching the aftermath said they know the woman's family is only beginning their suffering.

"I'm just sorry for her family," said Odean Thomas. "When they get the phone call, it's gonna be real sad."

BSO has not released the identity of the driver as they are still working to notify her family. The Medical Examiner's Office will try to determine exactly what caused the woman's death.

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