The devastating floods that recently struck Connecticut have claimed a third victim as recovery efforts continue across the state.
According to Fox Weather, authorities discovered a body in the Aspetuck River on Thursday, adding to the two previously reported fatalities in Oxford.
This latest development comes as Connecticut grapples with the aftermath of historic flooding that has caused widespread damage, including road washouts, bridge destruction, and numerous water rescues. The incident has prompted Governor Ned Lamont to declare a statewide emergency, marking only the second time in the state's history that a Flash Flood Emergency has been issued.
On Thursday afternoon, Fairfield police were alerted to a submerged vehicle in the Aspetuck River, located behind Aspetuck Falls in Fairfield. Upon arrival, officers found the car empty, with no occupants inside or in the surrounding water. However, further investigation suggested that the driver might have been in the vehicle when it entered the water.
Initial inquiries revealed that the vehicle's owner was last seen around 5 p.m. on Sunday, with the car itself last spotted in Wilton at approximately 10 p.m. the same day. Based on this information, authorities initiated a recovery operation.
The search concluded tragically when the vehicle owner's body was discovered in the Aspetuck River near the intersection of Bayberry Lane and Easton Road in Westport, about 9 miles from the submerged car's location. The discovery was made just before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
While the exact circumstances leading to the vehicle leaving the roadway are still under investigation, police have stated that preliminary findings suggest a connection to the severe weather conditions that affected the area on Sunday. The official cause of death will be determined by the local medical examiner.
A spokesperson from the Fairfield Police Department revealed that the vehicle's owner was last spotted at approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday. The vehicle itself was seen around 10 p.m. the same day in Wilton. Following these findings, authorities launched a recovery operation.
Initial assessments indicate that the severe weather conditions on Sunday may have contributed to the incident, although the precise reason the vehicle went off the road is still under investigation. This incident adds to the growing toll of the recent flooding in Connecticut, which has already claimed two other lives in Oxford.
The flooding that struck Connecticut earlier this week has had far-reaching consequences across the state. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the disaster has resulted in hundreds of evacuations, numerous water rescues, and several mudslides. The severity of the situation even led to a major gas leak in some areas.
Emergency responders and local authorities have been working tirelessly to address the immediate dangers and begin the process of recovery. The scale of the damage is evident in drone footage that has emerged, showing extensive erosion of roads and widespread destruction in affected areas.
In Oxford, where the first two victims were found, the Little River became a raging torrent that swept away vehicles and endangered lives. The two women who lost their lives in this area were reported missing after their cars were carried away by the floodwaters. Their bodies were recovered on Monday.
In conclusion, the discovery of a third victim in the Aspetuck River has further underscored the devastating impact of Connecticut's recent flooding. As the state continues its recovery efforts, authorities are working to investigate the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of extreme weather events and the importance of heeding emergency warnings during such crises.
