Joseph Dowell worked as a temporary employee in the public works fleet department. He was on his way into work during the height of Harvey when his route started to flood, according to family members.
"He made a phone call to his supervisor about one in the morning and said he had run into high water, and he was going to try to find another route," his friend, LaTaisha Campbell, told ABC13.
Authorities have yet to comment on the exact circumstances surrounding Dowell's death, but family members say the car he was driving was found in an area that experienced severe flooding.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to offset funeral expenses.
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