27-04-2025
Body of missing 74-year-old found in truck after crash into river, CA cops say
A pickup truck found in the Russian River in Northern California contained the body of a missing 74-year-old man, authorities reported.
Clifford Frances Souza was last seen leaving his Gualala home to drive about 120 miles to Martinez on Wednesday, April 23, but never arrived, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
Souza, who was driving a gray 2021 Ford Ranger, was reported missing Thursday, April 24, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies tracked his cell phone activity to Sonoma County, and the itinerary for his pickup truck also showed it somewhere in the county, SFGate reported.
On Saturday, April 26, California Highway Patrol officers responded to reports of a vehicle submerged in the Russian River off Highway 1 near Highway 116, officers said.
Officers found Souza's body inside the pickup truck, the CHP said. The vehicle apparently veered off the highway into the river.
An investigation into the crash, including when it took place, continues.
Investigators ask anyone with information to call 707-806-5600.
The Russian River is about a 135-mile drive northwest of Sacramento.
