Man found dead in submerged car near Seattle after a week of heavy rain and flooding

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 -A 33‑year‑old man was tragically found dead in his submerged vehicle near Seattle early Tuesday, becoming the first confirmed fatality in the region’s severe flooding crisis. 

Officials say the driver ignored posted road closure and warning signs, driving into floodwaters that left his car under about six feet of water in a Snohomish County ditch. Rescue swimmers located the vehicle and attempted lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

This deadly incident comes amid record flooding and continued heavy rain across Western Washington after a week of relentless storms that have pushed rivers far beyond their banks, breached levees, and prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents. 

Emergency crews are stretched thin responding to hundreds of calls—many involving people attempting to drive through flooded roads or becoming stranded as waters rose rapidly.

Authorities are sounding the alarm on public safety, urging residents to take warnings seriously as flood risks remain high through the coming days. 

With additional storm forecasts and flood watches still in effect, officials continue to emphasize that even shallow‑looking water can be deadly and that following closure signs and evacuation orders could save lives.