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Doris Jagiello: Body of woman, 62, found buried under mud and rocks after she went missing in California

'The powerful storm resulted in debris flows rushing down the natural drainages and creek beds in Forest Falls,' said the sheriff’s department

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: A 62-year-old woman from San Bernardino County was found dead on Thursday, September 15 after emergency personnel discovered her body buried beneath rocks, mud, and other debris three days after she went missing. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Office stated that Doris Jagiello was reported missing on Monday, September 12, in Forest Falls, following a downpour that resulted in mudslides in San Bernardino County.

The sheriff's office reported that Jagiello's property was damaged by the mudslide, which sent boulders and other debris hurtling downhill. More than 80 rescuers leapt into action for rescue operations in the Forest Falls area. 

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The sheriff’s department stated, "The powerful storm resulted in debris flows rushing down the natural drainages and creek beds in Forest Falls. As a large debris flow consisting of mud and extremely large boulders raced downhill, it overran Jagiello’s property and impacted her home causing significant structural damage and carrying away everything in its path." The department added, "While this was not the desired outcome, the Sheriff’s Department hopes finding Jagiello will bring some measure of closure to Jagiello’s family and aid in their healing process." 

Flood waters could be seen rushing in front of a home in Forest Falls in a video that a resident there sent to the San Diego National Weather Service.

'Chloe the Dog reunited with Family'

The recovery efforts were buoyed by the residents of Forest Falls, supporting organizations, and the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District safely located a family dog, Chloe, during the rescue, and they were able to reunite her with her owners.

San Bernardino County Fire posted a heartfelt video of them rescuing the dog and wrote in the caption, "There is light at the end of the tunnel. After 48 hours of intense search operations by USAR teams and SBCoFPD personnel, Chloe was found alive. Rescuers found her in a space surrounded by dense mud and debris. Chloe was reunited with her family, who were overjoyed to see her. Chloe even thanked her rescuers.

According to a tweet from the Yucaipa Police Department, Forest Falls was ordered Shelter in Place as the storm hit the region on Monday and later lifted on September 16.

'Moving from the rescue to recovery phase'

San Bernardino County Fire posted on Instagram on Saturday, September 17, that they were moving from the rescue to recovery phase and wrote, "Yesterday marked the end of our rescue operations in the community of Forest Falls. San Bernardino County Fire will continue to support numerous County entities in the recovery process for Oak Glen & Forest Falls."

Acknowleding the resident's cooperation and patience, they wrote, "We appreciate our residents’ patience and understanding during this challenging week. When evacuation orders or road closures are put into place, we don’t take these lightly. We know it significantly impacts our residents, businesses and visitors."

The department dropped emergency contacts for the flood-affected people and wrote, "Your safety and that of our first responders continue to be our number one priority. For those impacted by these floods, resources are available at https://sbcfire.co/SeptStormResources or by calling telephone 909.356.2563, Mon-Fri, 8am-7pm."