Body believed to be Washington State man swept away by floodwaters recovered
State of Emergency declared in 14 counties affected by historic flooding
Man missing after being swept away by floodwaters in Washington
A search is underway for a Whatcom County man who police say was swept away by floodwaters.
EVERSON, Wash. - The body believed to be that of a Washington State man swept away by floodwaters earlier this week has been recovered.
Several days of heavy rain brought historic flooding to northwestern Washington, and many areas are still waiting for the waters to recede.
On Tuesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a State of Emergency for 14 counties affected by the flooding and strong winds after a pair of atmospheric rivers slammed the northwest for more than four days.
Seattle's FOX 13 reports 49-year-old Jose Garcia Garcia was last seen in Everson driving to work between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. when the rushing water overtook his vehicle and became stuck in a blueberry field.
Police said his last known location was about 300 feet from his car, where he was hanging on to a tree, waiting for someone to help.
"We don't even know what to do anymore," Jose's daughter, Dulce, told FOX 13. "He was literally begging my brother to come help him."
Police said when they received a 911 call reporting what was happening, emergency crews were unable to respond because of the depth and speed of the water. They finally got to the scene about two and a half hours after the call, but he was nowhere to be found.
Dulce said her family was able to stay on the phone with him for about an hour before the call went silent.
"We had lost contact with him around 5 a.m.," she said. "We kept calling, and nothing. We don't even know what to do anymore."
FOX 13 reports that Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies located the body Wednesday afternoon in a wooded area along a part of Main Street in Everson.
Officials said it's believed to be Garcia's body, but the medical examiner's office will have to confirm the victim's identity.