Florida father drowns after floodwaters trap him in his truck

Joshua Bennett, a 34-year-old father of four, drowned after floodwaters trapped him in his truck in Palm Bay, Florida. His wife said he called her in distress as the vehicle filled with water; the call disconnected before she could get help. His death highlights the danger of the storms that inundated the area.

Bennett had been out to buy coffee on Monday, when Palm Bay received 19.75 inches of rain. His wife said their children include premature twins and that three have special needs; relatives have started a fundraiser to support the family. A second person, 78-year-old Archie Richards, was also found dead in a vehicle in Palm Bay. Experts linked the storms to El Niño and advised people to monitor forecasts and follow evacuation warnings.