Flooding near Parkersburg is believed to have claimed a man’s life after his vehicle was swept off a road. A release from the Butler County Sheriff’s Department indicates witnesses reported seeing a white sport utility vehicle drive into water that was moving rapidly over a roadway west of Parkersburg.
It happened around 10 a.m. Monday. The swift current swept the SUV off the road and into a creek. The man driving the vehicle has been identified as 71 year old Howard Hodson of Ackley. Authorities say the SUV remains submerged and it’s too dangerous to send in divers.
It’s believed Hodson was alone inside and that he drowned, but authorities won’t know for sure until the water recedes and they can reach the vehicle.