HPD employee dies in Hurricane Beryl floodwaters while driving to work

HOUSTON – A Houston Police Department employee died after wading through high water during Hurricane Beryl Monday morning.

HPD said Russell Richardson, 54, an information security officer in the Technology Services Office, was caught in rising floodwaters on Houston Avenue.

At a news conference Monday afternoon, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the employee was on his way to work when he drove off I-45 and got stuck in floodwaters. Whitmire said Richardson tried to call for help but was found submerged in his vehicle.

Whitmire encouraged Houston residents to stay off the roads, even though Beryl has passed through. There are still downed trees, power lines and several flooded streets.

In total, three people died during the hurricane, according to Whitmire.