MALABAR, Fla. – Archie Dave Richards, 78, was found dead inside his bright blue Toyota Tacoma in a canal only a few hundred feet from his home following Brevard County’s historic flooding.
Richards is the second person confirmed dead in connection with the flooding. Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina announced Richards’ death Tuesday afternoon, according to Florida Today.
Search for Archie Richards ended near his home
Richards was last seen leaving the Family Tradition Cafe in Bayside Lakes at approximately 7:45 a.m. Monday. His family said he was trying to return to his home near Hall Road in Malabar, likely traveling by way of Valkaria Road.
Richards was without medication he needed, turning the search into a medical emergency. His grandson shared a photograph of Richards in a red shirt and asked the public to call 911 with any information, according to WFTV’s missing-person coverage.
The search ended along Richards Lane, the road bearing his family’s name. Richards and his truck were found in a canal just a few hundred feet from his house. The vehicle was later pulled from the water.
According to information provided to The Space Coast Rocket, officials said canal water was approximately one foot deep over the roadway. The apparent sequence suggests Richards may have believed he was still on the road when his truck entered the canal. Authorities have not yet released a full crash reconstruction or an official cause of death.
Second confirmed death from the Brevard flooding
Richards’ death is the second reported fatality connected to the flooding. As The Space Coast Rocket reported earlier, Joshua Bennett, 34, was found dead inside his truck in a flooded area of southeast Palm Bay. Bennett’s death was the first reported fatality associated with the storm.
The two deaths came as first responders continued searching flooded vehicles and homes. More than 160 people were rescued by Brevard County sheriff’s deputies and Florida Fish and Wildlife officers Monday, Florida Today reported.
Historic rain overwhelmed southern Brevard
The National Weather Service described the rainfall as a “one in a 1,000-year” event. North Grant-Valkaria received 23.69 inches of rain, east Malabar recorded 23.44 inches, and Palm Bay received 19.75 inches.
The flooding washed out roads, filled canals and stranded motorists across southern Brevard. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Brevard and six other counties as rescue and recovery operations continued.
Residents affected by the flooding can also find assistance through the United Way Space Coast disaster response hub.
The Space Coast Rocket will update this report as authorities release additional information.
Criminal Defense
Bankruptcy · Evictions
WICKS LAW P.A.
Call or text for
free consult
321-733-2700
Eric Wicks, Esq.
1250 West Eau Gallie Blvd. G
Melbourne, FL 32935
Abogado Wicks habla español
