Flood-related death reported in Clay County near Spencer

SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) - Authorities in Clay County have confirmed a death connected to rising waters in Spencer, Iowa.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, on June 22 they received a call for a red Ford attempting to cross rapid flood waters on 240th Ave.

The sole occupant of the vehicle, William Schulze of Elburn, Illinois, was swept away in the flood waters from the Little Sioux River.

When emergency personnel arrived they were informed by a witness that a vehicle floated out of sight and disappeared to the east. Deputies with Clay County, Spencer Police and the Iowa DNR used boats to search the area.

The truck was found in the treeline and officials determined Schulze was deceased. Recovery efforts were not attempted due to very dangerous situations. Over the next several days several recovery attempts were made but it was not until June 24 that officials could extricate and recover Schulze’s body.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office later learned the victim had been reported missing from Illinois days prior.