Fatal Car Crash in Rock Creek

photograph curtesy of WTOP radio/Rahul Bali (www.wtop.com)


One person died in a motor vehicle crash on the Rock Creek Parkway south of P Street NW Washington, DC.

United States Park Police units were dispatched to this area on January 3, 2010 at about 10:22 am. The caller stated that the vehicle that crashed into Rock Creek would be difficult to see as it was upside down in the water with only a wheel visible.

The responding officers spent about ten minutes looking for the car as it was extremely difficult to see.

The water had frozen around the car and the flowing portions of the creek brought pieces of ice with it.

District of Columbia Fire and EMS personnel entered the water to attempt a rescue. They fought through waist deep icy water, uncertain footing, and a swift flowing stream to break into the submerged car. These Firefighters removed the lone occupant.

This occupant was transported to George Washington University Hospital. Despite the occupant being submerged for an unknown time, resuscitation efforts took place. At times, people submerged for lengthy or undetermined times with frigid conditions can be resuscitated.

Despite these rescue and medical efforts, the occupant died.

The decedent is:

Joshua A. KUHLMAN
22 years old
Arlington, Virginia resident