Local News
Leila Faraji and 7-Year-Old Daughter Rosa Faraji dead after being swept away by flood waters near Bixby
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery of the body of 7-year-old Rosa Faraji, who was swept away by floodwaters near Bixby, Oklahoma, over the weekend.
The discovery comes after an extensive multi-agency search that began following the incident.
Rosa’s body was found around 5:00 p.m. on Monday in the Arkansas River near Leonard, hours after the body of her mother, 46-year-old Leila Seyed Faraji, was recovered from the same area earlier that morning at approximately 9:00 a.m.
The family had been visiting the area when they reportedly took a wrong turn and attempted to cross a flooded bridge over a creek, according to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO).
“They thought they could make it through, but unfortunately, the vehicle was overtaken by the water,” said Casey Roebuck, Communications Director for the TCSO. The family of four included a father, mother, and two young daughters.
Authorities say the vehicle was swept away, resulting in the tragic loss of Leila and Rosa.
The father and the second daughter managed to escape and survive the incident.
Roebuck described the emotional toll on the surviving family members, saying, “They’re devastated, understandably. You have a family of four that, in a matter of seconds, became a family of two. They’re now mourning the loss of a mother and a child. Our hearts absolutely go out to them.”
The recovery effort involved a massive coordinated response from multiple agencies.
“We had search dogs from Oklahoma Task Force 1, aerial support from Tulsa Police Department helicopters, drones, ground crews combing the riverbanks on foot, side-by-side utility vehicles, and multiple boats in the water since the search began,” Roebuck said.
While the outcome was heartbreaking, officials hope the recovery brings some sense of closure to the grieving family.
“They don’t have to wonder now where their wife and daughter are,” Roebuck added. “They can honor their customs and begin the process of laying their loved ones to rest.”
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to all responding agencies and asked the public to keep the Faraji family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
CHICAGO, IL – A veteran firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department was killed in the line of duty early Wednesday morning while responding to a garage fire on the city’s West Side.
Captain David Meyer, a member of the department since 1996 and currently assigned to Truck 29, tragically lost his life while battling a blaze in the 5500 block of West Crystal Street in the Austin neighborhood.
Fire Department officials announced his death during a press conference later that morning.
According to CFD, the fire was reported around 4:00 a.m. and involved a detached garage located behind a multifamily apartment building.
Witnesses stated the flames may have originated in nearby alley trash cans before spreading to the garage.
During firefighting operations, the roof of the structure collapsed, fatally injuring Captain Meyer.
Despite immediate rescue efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
All residents from the adjacent apartments were able to evacuate safely, and no additional injuries have been reported.
Captain Meyer leaves behind a wife, daughters, and a son.
The Chicago Fire Department expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), “This is a sad day for CFD and for the city of Chicago.”
The cause of the fire and the events leading to the structural collapse remain under investigation.
The city and fire department are offering support to Captain Meyer’s family and fellow firefighters during this time of mourning.
Captain Meyer is remembered not only for his decades of service, but for the courage and dedication he demonstrated in protecting the people of Chicago.