Eight people dead, one missing as flood recovery enters fifth day
As recovery efforts enter a fifth straight day, authorities say eight people are dead and an 83-year-old woman is missing after Saturday's flash floods.
Updated June 26: The eighth and ninth victims from the June 14 floods have been identified. They are Jesse Pearson, 43, of Triadelphia, and Sandra Parsons, 83, of Triadelphia. Pearson was found last week at the confluence of Big Wheeling Creek and the Ohio River. Parsons was found on Tuesday outside of Clarington, Ohio some 40 miles south of Wheeling.
OHIO COUNTY, W. Va. – Eight people are confirmed dead and one remains missing after flash floods Saturday saw area streams and creeks rapidly jump their banks, devastating the towns of Triadelphia and Valley Grove, as well as parts of Wheeling.
Devastating loss of life…
The death toll from Saturday’s violent ‘unicorn’ floods has steadily increased day-after-day.
Eight people are now confirmed dead including a Moundsville couple found 40 miles south of Wheeling in the Ohio River, a 26-year-old mother and her 3-year-old daughter, and the body of an unidentified male found at the confluence of Big Wheeling Creek and the Ohio River.
The victims of the floods are Michael Veronis, 74, of Moundsville, Connie Veronis, 71, of Moundsville, Michael Bokanovich, 73, of Triadelphia, Lisa McMasters, 59, of Triadelphia, Kyleigh Minch Shotton, 26, of Triadelphia, Parker Shotton, 3, of Triadelphia, Travis Creighton, 19, of Triadelphia, and an unidentified male.
The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday that 83-year-old Sandra Kay Parsons of Triadelphia remains missing at this time. Anyone with information on Parsons’ whereabouts or wellbeing are urged to call 911. If you believe your loved one is missing, call (304) 234-3656.
Recovery continues for a fifth straight day…
The Wheeling Fire Department and other agencies have continued to search Little Wheeling Creek, Big Wheeling Creek and the Ohio River for flood victims. Drone mapping, kayak teams, dive teams, canine units and river boats are being utilized at this time.
With rain falling over the last few days, authorities have quickly mobilized to remove vehicles and other large debris from waterways in an effort to prevent further flooding. As of 3:00 p.m. Thursday, authorities say they have removed approximately 70 vehicles from area creeks with more awaiting extrication.
Preliminary damage reports indicate at least two dozen homes were completely destroyed by the floods. A further 120 sustained severe damage. Assessments are ongoing throughout the affected areas to catalog damage in anticipation of a potential federal disaster declaration.
Those impacted by the floods are being asked to document all damage prior to clean up efforts. Authorities are further urging people to fill out a disaster survey to aid in the damage assessment. Volunteers began door-to-door canvassing today with paper copies of the surveys to assist people who cannot fill out the virtual forms. Those seeking further help with surveys are asked to call 211.
Donations are still being requested as cleanup efforts continue. Items like buckets, mops, squeegees, shovels, cleaning supplies, dehumidifiers, work boots, gloves, masks and more are highly encouraged. Donations can be delivered to the McDonough Center at 316 Washington Avenue, GUNTRY West Virginia at 45 Caliber Drive or Ohio Valley Mutual Aid at 144 Kruger Street. Bulk donations can be delivered to WesBanco Arena at 2–14th Street.
Those seeking to receive donations can pick supplies up with Ohio Valley Mutual Aid at 144 Kruger Street, Triadelphia Methodist Church at 4377 National Road or the Valley Grove Volunteer Fire Department at 355 Firehouse Lane.
Residents and businesses are asked to place flood-damaged debris on the roadside to be picked up by area operations and sanitation departments. A drop-off location for debris has been established at The Highlands between Cabela’s and Hobby Lobby daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Only those affected by the floods are permitted to dump here.
Road closure updates…
Roads are slowly beginning to reopen as recovery efforts continue.
Battle Run Road and Stewards Road remain closed at this time. GC&P Road is closed at the intersection with WV Route 88, and Warden Run Road traffic is restricted between WV Route 88 and Boggs Run Road. Peters Run Road is passable from US Route 40 to Stewarts Hill.
National Road between Triadelphia and Valley Grove is open to local traffic only.
Dixon Run Road, McGraw’s Run Road, Atkinson Crossing and Point Run Road are passable, but authorities say to use caution when driving.
This is a developing story. In the meantime, Wheeling Free Press encourages their readers to donate what they can to any of the following organizations.