Arizona man dies after storm water sweeps vehicle away

One death and numerous flood-related rescues were reported after a ferocious monsoon season storm roared through Lake Havasu City, Ariz., on Friday.

The city activated its Emergency Operations Center as fire and police personnel handled "well in excess of 100 calls for service" after the storm struck about 5 p.m.

Police Sgt. Joe Harrold said a Chevrolet passenger vehicle was traveling on North Eldorado Avenue when its driver tried to cross a churning wash at 6 p.m. Friday. Harrold said two occupants made their way to safety, but a third went missing as the vehicle tumbled down the wash in the water.

A three-hour search effort led to the recovery of the body of the missing man. Harrold said Kenneth Mathis, 38, of Lake Havasu, was found two miles downstream from where the vehicle was initially swept away.

Battalion Chief James Whitt said the Fire Department received nine calls for service involving vehicles and people trapped in washes. "In several cases, citizens were able to help the occupants to safety before fire units arrived," he said.

Whitt said a home in the 3500 block of Pioneer Drive was damaged by a lightning strike. Officials said some pavement repairs will be necessary due to washouts and that it could take city crews several weeks to clean flood debris from streets and roadways.