Deputies: Cosmopolis man found dead after attempting to move car to avoid floodwaters

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — A 72-year-old Cosmopolis man who went to move his vehicle to higher ground to avoid the floodwaters was found dead after a search, the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office said Saturday.

Officials said a woman living in the 700 block of North River Road called 911 at about 5:46 a.m. to report that her husband, Delbert Pratt, was missing Friday.

The woman told deputies that her husband went outside to move their car as the floodwaters were rapidly rising, according to officials.

When Pratt did not return, his wife called 911. Law enforcement responded but were unable to get to Pratt’s location due to flooding on North River Road.

Firefighters and family members also went to check the area but were unable to find Pratt or his car, deputies said.

Later, deputies with the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office along with the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office performed a drone search but were still unable to find Pratt or his car and said he was presumed to be deceased.

On Saturday around 9:00 a.m., deputies and Fire District 15 firefighters found Pratt deceased inside his vehicle. The vehicle was located underwater approximately 100 yards west of his driveway.

Officials said they believe that Pratt’s car was swept off the driveway, into the “swift” floodwaters, and quickly submerged into deep water.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Pratt,” the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office stated.

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