Couple on first date trapped by flood in California; man killed

SAN BERNARDINO Co., Calif. (WPVI) -- A first date ended in tragedy on Tuesday after a man and woman were trapped by flood waters in California, leading to the man's death.

The couple was hiking in the San Bernardino County town of Forest Falls.

A powerful storm cell packed with heavy rain and hail moved through, creating a quick-moving river runoff that trapped the young couple.

Two off-duty sheriff's deputies heard the couple calling for help. They were able to save the young woman, but the man was swept away.

"I heard screams for help, so I ran down and contacted the female, who stated her boyfriend was swept away down the stream," said one of the deputies, Kris Kostiuk.

"She said they were on the other side of the creek and she said she was on a date, just met the guy - first date," said Kostiuk.

She went on to tell the deputy they held hands while trying to cross.

"He got pulled down with her," Kostiuk said.

The body of the victim, a Rancho Cucamonga man in his 20s, was found shortly after 7 p.m., San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Chris Prater said.