Sheila Harris, a 75-year-old woman from Gary, Indiana, has died after her vehicle entered a body of contaminated water near Buffington Harbor. Harris reportedly called 911 for help as her car began sinking, but emergency crews were unable to reach her before she was found dead inside the submerged vehicle.
According to reports, the incident occurred early Saturday, October 17, 2026. Harris contacted emergency dispatchers around 2 a.m., reporting that her white Hyundai had entered the water and was sinking.
Police officers and firefighters responded to the area near the entrance of Indiana Sugars at Buffington Harbor. However, responders initially struggled to locate the vehicle.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage that helped them determine where the car had entered the water. Authorities also used underwater camera equipment to help locate the submerged vehicle, which was reportedly sitting in approximately 12 feet of water.
Hazardous Conditions Delayed Recovery
The recovery operation faced significant challenges because of concerns about contamination and hazardous conditions in the water. According to officials, divers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources could not safely enter the water to reach the vehicle.
Authorities temporarily suspended recovery efforts while specialized equipment and additional resources were brought to the scene. Crews deployed pumps to lower the water level and allow hazardous-materials personnel to safely access the vehicle.
The operation continued overnight into Sunday. Once the water level had been reduced sufficiently, the hazmat team recovered the vehicle. Officials then decontaminated the Hyundai before entering it, where they discovered Harris’ body.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office subsequently confirmed her identity. As of the initial reports, her preliminary cause and manner of death remained pending.
Family Remembers Harris as a Loving and Generous Woman
In the days following her death, Harris’ family remembered her as a stylish, funny, generous woman who brought joy to those around her. Her niece, Kameka Sutton, described her as someone who was always well put together and never went without her lipstick.
Family members also expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and called for improved safety measures in the Buffington Harbor area to help prevent similar incidents.
According to a report published by the Chicago Tribune’s Post-Tribune, relatives believe Harris may have mistakenly traveled toward the site of the former Majestic Star Casino rather than her intended destination. The family raised concerns about the area’s limited lighting and the possibility that GPS directions may have contributed to her ending up in the wrong location. These remain family theories and have not been confirmed by investigators.
Harris’ family has also been working to arrange her funeral services, with a fundraiser established to help cover the expenses.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Harris’ death. Officials have not publicly confirmed why her vehicle entered the water, and her cause and manner of death were still pending in the initial reports.
The tragic incident has left Harris’ loved ones mourning her loss while raising questions about safety around the area where the vehicle entered the water.
Sending condolences to Harris’ family. Updates will ne provided as they become available.
