Within the hours earlier than he died, 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews wakened earlier than daybreak Friday to catch his college bus on the final day of college earlier than spring break.
Torrential rainfall had pummeled Kentucky so badly, the Nationwide Climate Service had issued a flash flood warning till late Friday morning for 13 counties, together with all of Franklin County – house to Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital metropolis and Gabriel’s household.
The climate bulletin, which was issued at 12:29 a.m., warned of flash flooding in small creeks, streams, city areas, highways, streets, underpasses, low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage. The flash flood warning, which spanned 13 counties, was scheduled to finish at 8:30 a.m.
Round 6:35 a.m., Gabriel ventured out of his house. However he by no means made it to the varsity bus, Frankfort Police stated.
“It had been reported that he had been caught in floodwaters within the space of Hickory Hills whereas strolling to the varsity bus cease,” Assistant Chief of Police Scott Tracy stated.
First responders rushed to the scene and “carried out an intensive search-and-rescue operation,” Tracy stated.
Volunteers joined within the search. Then, at 8:47 a.m., Gabriel was discovered about “half a mile from the place he reportedly was swept away,” Franklin County Coroner William C. Harrod stated.
Gabriel was amongst no less than 9 folks killed throughout a number of states after a rash of deadly storms ripped by way of the central US, spawning dozens of tornadoes, dumping greater than a foot of rain and leaving catastrophic flooding.
Whereas some residents say Gabriel’s loss of life was a tragic accident with nobody at fault, some dad and mom blame the varsity district for not delaying or canceling courses Friday – regardless of the widespread flash flood warning and the truth that the district had already canceled two college bus routes earlier that morning.
CNN has reached out to the Franklin County Colleges superintendent, the superintendent’s assistant and the varsity district’s spokesperson for remark.
In a written assertion, Superintendent Mark Kopp supplied condolences to the boy’s household however didn’t say why the district didn’t postpone or cancel college Friday.
“We’re deeply saddened that this horrific tragedy has claimed the lifetime of one in all our college students. All the Franklin County Faculty System is praying for the household and pals of these instantly affected by the occasions this morning,” Kopp’s assertion learn partially.
“Presently, we’re working with assist workers at our faculties and providing companies to our college students, school, and workers.”
Faculty district canceled just a few bus routes, however not others within the flash flood warning zone
Round 5 a.m. ET Friday, Franklin County Colleges posted notices on its web site and on its Fb web page with an pressing message: “We have to cancel two bus routes this morning.”
The alerts listed which neighborhoods had been affected and acknowledged it is likely to be difficult for some college students to get to highschool.
“In case your baby rides one in all these buses and is unable to attend college, please contact your baby’s college,” the discover learn. “Thanks and keep secure, everybody!”
Franklin County Colleges posted this message round 5 a.m. Friday saying two college bus routes had been canceled. – From Franklin County Colleges
A number of hours later, the varsity district of about 6,000 students posted an replace dismissing rumors that faculties had been on lockdown and confirming no faculties had been closed Friday:
“All faculties are working usually and there aren’t any lockdowns within the district,” the discover stated.
The varsity district confirmed all faculties had been “working usually” Friday. – From Franklin County Colleges
The mom of one in all Gabriel’s classmates questioned why Franklin County Colleges didn’t cancel courses Friday.
“The rain was coming down arduous. That they had already known as off sure bus routes within the space on account of flooded roadways,” Caitlin Inexperienced informed CNN affiliate WLKY.
Gabriel’s neighbors described the sophisticated route youngsters should take to succeed in the bus cease. Youngsters who reside in the identical condo complicated as Gabriel’s household should hop a drain – which had speeding water Friday – to get to the bus, the neighbors informed WLKY.
Franklin County Colleges has not responded to CNN’s questions on why solely two college bus routes had been canceled whereas your complete county was underneath a flash flood warning.
The varsity district additionally didn’t clarify why these two bus routes had been canceled, but the varsity district nonetheless anticipated youngsters to journey to highschool another manner.
The younger boy’s loss of life is underneath investigation
The county coroner has not launched Gabriel’s explanation for loss of life. The boy’s post-mortem is scheduled for Saturday, with outcomes anticipated in about 16 to twenty weeks, Harrod stated.
Gabriel was swept a few half mile southwest earlier than he was discovered, in line with a map offered by the coroner. Past that, many questions stay unanswered.
“That is an ongoing investigation by the Frankfort Police Division and Franklin County Coroner’s Workplace,” Harrod stated.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear supplied his condolences to Gabriel’s household and emphasised the hazards of torrential rain and floodwater.
“My coronary heart breaks for this household. Please be a part of Britainy and me in praying for them following this unimaginable loss,” Beshear posted on X. “We’d like everybody to know that every one water poses a danger proper now. Let’s do every little thing potential to maintain our family members secure.”
CNN’s Angela Fritz, Mike Madrigal and Mary Gilbert contributed to this report.
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