CASWELL, Maine — A Caswell man has died after trying to walk across a flooded roadway.
Paul Oliver, 74, was reported missing just after 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 after moving his truck across a flooded portion of Oliver Road in Caswell, according to a press release from the Maine Warden Service. Oliver then attempted to walk back across the flooded dirt roadway to his residence.
The Maine Warden Service claims the road was completely covered with fast-flowing water, and while attempting to walk back across the flooded portion Oliver stepped into a culvert and was subsequently swept downstream.
Wardens, with the help of the Limestone Fire Department recovered Oliver’s body approximately 20 yards downstream just after 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
According to state emergency officials Maine experienced flooding statewide and was likely to remain under a flood warning until late in the week because of heavy rains combined with melting snow. Rainfall totals in Maine ranged from 0.35 inches to 1.72 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Officials are reminding persons to avoid driving or walking through flooded roadways, as it is difficult to predict the depth or conditions beneath the water.
