Lubia Estevez, Forest Whitlock Obituary, Death – Two women who lost their lives during intense flooding in Plainfield, New Jersey on Monday night have now been identified. The victims, Lubia Estevez and Forest Whitlock, both in their 60s, were caught in severe flash flooding while driving during the storm. Their car was swept into the Cedar Brook, a waterway designed to collect floodwater from across the city.
According to authorities, the incident occurred as the women were driving along Stelle Avenue. They turned into a ditch, and the strong current dragged their car beneath a bridge. A witness at the scene immediately called 911 for help. Unfortunately, the ongoing storm made it impossible for first responders to reach the victims in time.
Officials explained that the Cedar Brook is part of Plainfield’s flood management system, built to handle large volumes of water during heavy rainfall. However, the overwhelming intensity of Monday’s storm caused the brook to overflow, turning it into a deadly trap.
One bystander reported hearing the chilling cry of one of the victims shouting, “I don’t want to die.” Another Good Samaritan tried to save the women by smashing a window of their car, but the rising water and rapid current made a rescue impossible. The car was quickly overtaken and swept into the brook.
This tragedy marks the second time in less than two weeks that extreme weather has led to fatalities in Plainfield. On July 3, a tree fell onto a car during a storm, killing two people. These back-to-back incidents have deeply shaken the local community.
Mayor Adrian Mapp addressed the recent tragedies in a statement, calling them heartbreaking and unprecedented. “To lose four residents in such a short span of time is unimaginable,” he said. “We mourn with the families, and we remain committed to doing all we can to strengthen our emergency response systems and protect our residents from future harm.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Monday night as flash flooding and torrential rains hit many areas across the state, including Plainfield. The declaration highlights the growing concern over increasingly severe weather events affecting communities throughout the region.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the women’s deaths, officials are also evaluating the city’s flood infrastructure and emergency protocols. The goal is to ensure better preparedness and faster response in future extreme weather events.
Community members and local leaders are now calling for improvements in weather warning systems, better road safety during storms, and additional resources for flood prevention in vulnerable neighborhoods. The deaths of Lubia Estevez and Forest Whitlock have served as a stark reminder of how quickly natural forces can turn fatal, especially as climate change contributes to more frequent and intense weather patterns.
The city of Plainfield continues to grieve as tributes pour in for the two women. Residents are expressing condolences and offering support to the families impacted by this devastating loss.
