A tricky curve can be tough enough to navigate in broad daylight. But add nightfall, heavy rain, and a swollen creek to the mix and that becomes a deadly combination.

25-year-old Allyson Jo Russell drowned Sunday morning after her car ran off the road in Williamson County, Illinois. It happened just before 3 a.m.

Russell missed the curve where Binkley Street turns into Water Avenue in Johnston City and drove right into the creek. Problem is, the creek was raging because of the heavy rains. The water pushed her car downstream about an eighth of a mile where it sank quickly.

Russell leaves behind a 3-year-old son, Colton, who will turn four at the end of the month.

Family members told Local 6 that Russell called 911 from the creek bed asking for help.

"If you're the person involved in this, panic sets in, you're scared," said Ron Rains, West Frankfort Fire Captain.

Rains was one of about twenty first responders trying to get to Allyson Russell. But they couldn't spot the car.

Divers had trouble keeping their balance because of the current.

"I don't think anybody anticipates an accident like this happening," said Rains.

Allyson Russell's grandfather told Local 6 she left work from the Marion Logan's Roadhouse around one in the morning, with plans to visit friends and then head home to West Frankfort.

But the young mother never made it, and for Rains, that's the hardest part because she was a hometown girl.

"They're from here, and we knew who it was," he said.

Visitation for Russell will be Tuesday night from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, Illinois. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family asks that memorials be made to Colton Russell's educational fund. Envelopes for that will be available at the funeral home.

Colton Russell will turn four at the end of January.