GALT, Calif. — Family members say a beloved mother was found dead in her car after the New Year's Eve storms.
"They called her the rock of the family. She was the most assertive and willing to help out everyone," said Chris Martinez, her brother-in-law.
The family said Katherine Martinez, 61, went to help her son after he got stuck in the mud on a motorcycle Sunday, however tragedy would later strike.
"She told my nephew that she was stuck in the water, and then her phone went dead," said Martinez.
Martinez said 911 was immediately called, but answers didn't come until three days later. That's when the family said her car was found along New Hope Road in Galt. It was in a ditch in high water.
"I was about 40 feet from her car, and we walked into the street, where the water was by the wayside, and I called 911," said Martinez.
Sgt. Amar Gandhi, spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said the California Highway Patrol found the submerged car, but for a while, couldn't determine whether anyone was actually inside.
Hours later, deputies with the sheriff's office responded too.
"They still were not able to make a determination, but with the help of the fire department, they got a boat out there and discovered someone inside who was deceased," said Sgt. Gandhi.
Martinez said people should be careful, love their family and kiss their loved ones just in case the unimaginable happens.
"You just got to be mindful and be extra vigilant now that the weather has gotten extreme," he said.
The Martinez family said no one should have to go searching for a loved one during a storm. Now, the family said they're demanding answers for law enforcement's slow response.
The sheriff's office provided the following response to ABC10.
"We'd like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family, and we understand the frustration they may feel with the loss of a loved one. We want to ensure her family that the sheriff's office and our regional partners are trying our best to help all members of the public during this crisis the best we can."
A GoFundMe page was set up for the family's funeral expenses.
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