The body of 74-year-old Clifford Souza was recovered after his vehicle was discovered submerged in a river in Sonoma County, California. Souza was reported missing on April 23, having last been seen driving a gray Ford Ranger pickup truck in Gualala, located about 125 miles northwest of San Francisco. On Saturday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a report of a submerged vehicle off Highway 1, leading to the recovery of Souza’s body in the Russian River.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that Souza may have been traveling on the highway when his truck veered off and entered the river, though the exact timing of the incident remains unclear. The CHP has reached out to the public for any additional information regarding the crash and is requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the event contact their Santa Rosa office at 707-806-5600.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of road safety and the potential hazards along highway routes, especially in areas close to bodies of water. As authorities continue to gather more details, the community mourns the loss of Souza, who has now been confirmed deceased following an extensive search effort.
