Horrifying final moments of HUmboldt County mother found trapped inside 20-foot well

A mother was found dead after becoming trapped for several hours inside a 20-foot well in rural Northern California, authorities said.

Britney Willison, 35, was discovered in the well in the Fruitland area of southern Humboldt County on June 17, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

The Garberville resident was housesitting for a friend when she went to the well to check the house’s water system the night before, authorities said. She somehow fell down the well and remained there for more than 12 hours before emergency crews made the horrifying discovery.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office ruled her death an accident and determined the cause of death to be “acute asphyxial brain injury due to submersion in water in a well due to physical-mechanical entrapment in a well.”

Officials said the investigation into her death has been concluded. A toxicology report is still pending.

A friend of Willison’s told The California Post that the mother of two ran out of water while housesitting.

“[B]eing a very independent strong woman she went to the well house to fix the problem herself,” the friend explained.

The person added that rescue crews explained that “there was no oxygen in the well and 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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