A 71-year-old California man died Friday after his Mazda CX-5 was swept off a flooded bridge in Sutter County, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident occurred during the intense atmospheric river storm hitting the state, bringing dangerous flooding, heavy rain, and fast-moving creeks.
Authorities said the man drove to Fifield Road, west of Pleasant Grove Road, shortly after 2:30 p.m. to meet a delivery driver. When he reached a bridge over Pleasant Grove Creek, floodwaters had risen nearly three feet. Despite warning signs and swiftly moving water, the man attempted to cross — and was immediately swept off the roadway.
The delivery driver called 911, but by the time first responders arrived, the SUV was fully submerged. Rescue crews from the Pleasant Grove Fire Department pulled the driver through the sunroof, but he was unresponsive and later pronounced dead around 4 p.m.
CHP officials emphasized that even shallow floodwaters can be fatal, urging drivers to turn around when encountering flooded roads. With storms intensifying across California, they warned: “If conditions worsen, don’t risk it.”
