Sheriff's Office Confirms Second Platte County Death During Flooding

COLUMBUS - The Platte County Sheriff's Office has released information on a second death that occurred in Columbus during the flooding emergency last week.
A press release states that on March 14th the Sheriff's Office was informed that 80-year-old Betty Hamernik of rural Columbus was trapped in her house with rising floodwaters from the Loup River. The Lincoln Nebraska Rapid Water Rescue Team's attempt to get to Hamernik's home were unsuccessful due to the fast water current and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
Additional attempts were made later that evening by the Air National Guard to rescue Hamernik, but were unsuccessful due to the extreme weather conditions. On March 15th, a rescue crew which included a Columbus Fire Department paramedic successfully made entry into the residence.
The rescue crew found Hamernik deceased in her home, but were unable to transport her from the residence. The next day, dive team members from the Platte County Sheriff's Office were able to retrieve Hamernik.
The incident is under investigation by the Platte County Sheriff's Office.