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The bodies of Leila Seyed Faraji, 46, and her seven-year-old daughter, Rosa Faraji, were recovered after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, on Sunday (April 20). The tragic incident occurred near Leonard, an unincorporated community in the southeastern corner of the county.
According to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, the family was traveling to visit friends when they mistakenly drove onto a flooded bridge. Leila and Rosa were unable to escape the vehicle, while the father and their 10-year-old daughter managed to reach higher ground.
The search and rescue operation involved hundreds of responders, including drone teams, swift water rescue teams, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Leila's body was found on Monday morning, and Rosa's body was recovered later that afternoon.
Authorities have emphasized the dangers of attempting to cross flooded roadways, urging drivers to turn around when faced with water. The incident highlights the risks associated with floodwaters, which have claimed more lives in Oklahoma than tornadoes over the past decade.
The loss has deeply affected the local community, with family friend Ahmad Moradi expressing his grief and appreciation for the efforts made to find the victims. The search concluded with a mix of emotions, as responders hoped for a miracle but prepared for the worst.