by San Bernardino, California — A 55-year-old father has been identified as the man who died after being carried away by powerful floodwaters during heavy rain in Southern California.
Authorities confirmed that Edward Jozwiak was found about one mile from where rescuers first spotted him clinging to the roof of his truck Tuesday night.
The incident occurred near Keenbrook Road and Cajon Boulevard in the Devore area of San Bernardino as torrential rains overwhelmed local creeks and low-lying roadways.
Truck Trapped as Creek Turned Dangerous
Officials said Jozwiak became stranded when his vehicle was caught in rising water in what is typically a mild creek bed.
According to family members, the creek is usually calm but had transformed into a rapidly moving river due to intense rainfall.
“He got stuck in a creek that is usually very mellow,” his daughter wrote in a Facebook post. “But because of the weather that creek turned into a very strong moving river basically.”
When first responders arrived shortly before 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jozwiak was reportedly sitting on top of his truck as floodwaters surged around him.
Moments later, he was swept away by the current.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Rescue crews immediately began searching the area amid dangerous conditions. The following morning, authorities located Jozwiak’s body approximately a mile downstream from where he was last seen.
Two other adults who were present at the scene were able to self-rescue before first responders arrived, officials said.
The area where the incident occurred is known to form a natural drainage channel and can be prone to flooding during significant storms.
Family Mourns Loss
Shortly after the discovery was made public, Jozwiak’s daughter, Vanesa Jozwiak, shared an emotional message on social media mourning her father.
“Tragically he was found this morning and will no longer be on this planet with us but up in heaven with my grandpa,” she wrote.
She also shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover funeral expenses.
According to his Facebook profile, Jozwiak was originally from Muscoy, California, and had worked for a plumbing and heating company in Canada.
Ongoing Flood Risks in Southern California
The tragedy occurred amid widespread storm activity across Southern California, where heavy rain has caused flash flooding, road closures and water rescues in multiple counties.
Officials continue to warn residents about the dangers of driving through flooded roadways, particularly in areas that may appear shallow but can quickly become hazardous when water levels rise.
Authorities remind motorists to follow the safety principle: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
As Southern California continues to deal with storm impacts, this heartbreaking loss underscores how quickly conditions can change during heavy rainfall events.
What steps do you think communities can take to better warn drivers about flood-prone areas? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
