Child found deceased after floodwaters sweep away vehicle in Barstow, California
Flooding triggered by the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario caused the death of a 2-year-old in the city of Barstow, California, after he got swept away by the floodwaters on September 18, 2025. The fatality was confirmed by the police on September 19, after the body of the deceased was found in a flood control channel in the area.
The car of the victims getting swept by floodwaters in the City of Barstow on September 18, 2025. Credit: Barstow Police Department
Flooding claimed the life of a 2-year-old in the City of Barstow, as remnants of Tropical Storm Mario triggered mudslides and debris flows across parts of southern California.
The incident occurred when the child went missing after being swept away on the evening of September 18.
“It is with profound sadness that the City confirms the discovery of a young child who lost their life in the recent flooding incident on Main Street at Lenwood Road,” said the Barstow Police Department on September 19.
The Barstow Police Department was dispatched to the area at around 07:14 LT on September 18, after a vehicle was swept off the road by floodwaters. Multiple agencies, including the Barstow Fire Department, also responded.
As police and fire crews were arrived, it was reported that the occupants, a father and his 2-year-old son, had been separated from the vehicle and were being carried north by floodwaters.
The father was rescued by the Barstow Fire Department after being found on an island formed by the floodwaters. He was taken to Barstow Community Hospital and later released. The search for the child continued for more than 20 hours.
The child was found deceased at approximately 14:22 LT on September 19, in the San Bernardino County Flood Control channel south of the Mojave River.
“After more than 20 hours of extensive search and rescue operations, emergency responders located the child’s body this afternoon. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy,” the Barstow Police Department said.
Rain time-lapse from a thunderstorm above San Ysidro Mountain just minutes ago (Video: Sicco Rood). pic.twitter.com/ACq5sWTeiP
— Anza-Borrego DRC (@AnzaBResearch) September 18, 2025
The rainfall resulted from thunderstorms associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said flash floods washed out multiple sections of State Route 38 in the San Bernardino Mountains west of Big Bear Lake.
Several vehicles were stranded in mudslides and debris flows along the roadway and were later freed by Caltrans crews. The roadway was closed in both directions until repairs could be made.
On September 18 and 19, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in the community of Fawnskin in Big Bear Valley and in Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, where 68 mm (2.68 inches) was measured at both locations, according to National Weather Service (NWS) data.
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Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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