The Sutter County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol reported that Arnold Jee, 71, died after his SUV was swept off a flooded bridge in Sutter County. Jee had recently moved to Pleasant Grove, and his next of kin was notified at the scene, according to FOX40.
According to ABC10, the incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a delivery vehicle stopped upon reaching the flooded Fifield Road Bridge. Despite visible signage warning against crossing, Jee attempted to navigate a 2016 Mazda CX-5 across from the opposite direction. The water, flowing over the bridge due to recent heavy rains, pushed his vehicle off the structure and into the creek below. The delivery driver, witnessing the event, called 911.
The California Highway Patrol reports that emergency crews were able to reach the Mazda through the sunroof. Upon accessing the vehicle, they found Jee unresponsive and quickly moved him to the shore for CPR. However, all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The California Highway Patrol subsequently underscored the peril of crossing flooded roads with a firm reminder to the public. "Turn around, don't drown," was the message reiterated by the Sutter County Sheriff's Office in a news release obtained by ABC10.
Authorities warn motorists not to cross flooded roadways. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents, “Friendly reminder to the citizens of Sutter County, we urge motorists to never cross flooded roadways, for any reason. Turn around, don’t drown,” as reported by FOX40.
