Body of missing man found in submerged truck in Russian River

Clifford Souza, a 74-year-old man from Mendocino County, was found dead inside his submerged Ford Ranger pickup truck in the Russian River near Highway 1 and State Route 116 in Sonoma County after being reported missing on April 23. Authorities believe Souza's vehicle veered off the highway into the river, though the exact timing of the crash remains unknown. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office used cell phone and vehicle tracking data to narrow his last known location to Sonoma County, prompting a search by local agencies and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. Souza's body was recovered after a report of a submerged vehicle, and the crash is under ongoing investigation. Officials are urging anyone with additional information to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Santa Rosa office. The case highlights coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies in response to missing person reports.