Women’s body found in Santa Clara Riverbed after rainstorms
VENTURA, Calif. – On Jan. 9, Ventura County Fire Dispatch attempted a swift water rescue following a 9-1-1 call, but were unable to find the woman, later identified as Christina Lorenzen, before her and her shelter were covered by the rising water in the Santa Clara Riverbed. Her body was recovered the next evening on Jan. 10.
Around 9 p.m. on Jan. 9, dispatchers at the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received a call about somebody in the Santa Clara Riverbed calling out for help as water levels rose and transferred the call to Ventura County Fire Dispatch.
Ventura County Fired Department initiated a swift water rescue effort involving resources from both Ventura County and City Fire Departments as well the Ventura Sheriff's Department including a search and rescue team and a helicopter, but all were unable to locate Lorenzen.
The focus of their search was the Santa Clara Riverbed area near Auto Center Drive and Ventura Road.
The same initial caller from Jan. 9 called dispatchers on Jan. 10 at 6:35 p. m. to report he had found Lorenzen's body.
Ventura Police Department patrol officers responded and located Lorenzen's body inside of a wooden structure in the riverbed.
According to Ventura police, Lorenzen drowned in the makeshift structure where she had been living.
Ventura Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff's Department attempted to warn those living or frequenting the riverbed before the rain event, including the use of a Sheriff's helicopter to make flyover announcements to leave the area.
Heavy rain events can quickly turn local riverbeds and creeks into dangerous waterways.
With rain forecasted for Jan. 14, the County of Ventura has opened a temporary shelter at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on 10 West Harbor Blvd. from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17 for anyone in need.
The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services has an up to date website on area incidents, including weather events, accessible by clicking here.
You can also sign up for emergency alerts by registering here.
