Man Drowns in Submerged Car During Lancaster Storm

Tragic Loss Amidst Powerful Storm

• 💔 A family is mourning the loss of their 68-year-old uncle, Robert Jerry Hiller, who drowned in his car during a severe Christmas Eve storm in Lancaster.
• 🚗 Hiller's Toyota was swept away by raging floodwaters on Long Avenue while he was en route to a Christmas Eve gathering.

Witness Account of the Incident

• 🌊 A witness, Swain, observed the car being engulfed by rapidly rising floodwaters, describing the scene as "pitch black" with "raging water roaring through the desert."
• ⚠️ Swain attempted to warn Hiller but was unable to reach him due to the strong current, noting that the road was open despite the dangerous conditions.

Discovery and Aftermath

• 🔍 After Hiller was reported missing on Christmas Day, his car was located approximately 400 yards downstream, partially submerged.
• ⚓ Hiller was a career Navy veteran and a lifelong resident of the Antelope Valley.
• 💰 A GoFundMe has been established by the family to cover funeral expenses.

Safety Warnings

• ⚠️ The incident highlights the dangers of driving through flooded streets, with authorities and the witness emphasizing the importance of turning around and finding an alternate route.
• 🚫 Signs in the area warn of flood proneness, yet the road remained open during the downpour, raising questions about road closures during severe weather.