A powerful weekend storm that dumped over three inches of rain on Santa Barbara turned deadly when a 61-year-old man was swept away into a swollen creek.
At a Glance
- Rosauro Vasquez, 61, of Downey died after being swept into Maria Ygnacio Creek near Goleta
- Family called 911 just before noon Saturday when he was carried away by fast-moving water
- Rescue teams found his body after nearly two hours of searching
- Why it matters: Authorities warn that creek levels can surge rapidly during storms, creating deceptively strong currents that pose life-threatening dangers
The incident highlights the hidden hazards that accompany heavy rainfall in the region. Santa Barbara County’s flood control district recorded more than three inches of precipitation during the multi-day storm system.
The Rescue Effort
Emergency crews launched an extensive search operation after Vasquez’s family reported him being swept into the creek. Teams focused their efforts near the intersection of Via Parva and San Marcos Road, where they ultimately discovered his body.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Vasquez’s identity and the circumstances of his death. The tragedy occurred as Southern California continued to experience persistent wet weather.
Safety Warnings
Law enforcement officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution near waterways during and after storms. The combination of heavy rainfall and urban runoff can transform normally calm creeks into dangerous torrents within minutes.
Key safety recommendations include:
- Avoid all flooded roadways
- Stay clear of creek beds and drainage channels
- Never underestimate the power of moving water
- Keep children and pets away from water’s edge during storms
Water levels in local creeks can rise rapidly, with currents often appearing stronger than they look from the surface.
Key Takeaways
- A 61-year-old Downey man died after being swept into Maria Ygnacio Creek
- The incident occurred during a weekend storm that brought over 3 inches of rain to Santa Barbara
- Search and rescue crews located the victim after nearly two hours
- Authorities emphasize avoiding flooded areas and respecting water dangers during storms
The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s power during extreme weather events.
