Seventh victim identified from weekend floods; At least one person missing
The body of a 71-year-old woman was found in Wetzel County Monday, roughly 40 miles south of Wheeling. Authorities are asking those with missing loved ones to reach out.
Updated June 18, 2025 at 10:50 a.m. At a press conference on Wednesday, June 18, authorities confirmed the death of an unidentified male. The death toll from Saturday's flash floods in Ohio County is now eight people. Wheeling-Ohio County Emergency Management Agency Director Lou Vargo said authorities were originally looking for a missing female. One person remains unaccounted for at this time.
OHIO COUNTY, W. Va. – Deputy Sheriff Kent Lewis of the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday confirmed the identity of a seventh victim from Saturday’s flash floods.
The body of Connie Veronis, 71, of Moundsville was found roughly 40 miles south of Wheeling near the New Martinsville Lock and Dam. The Intelligencer reports that Veronis is the “second victim to be found in that area.” Her husband, Michael Veronis, 74, of Moundsville also perished in the floods.
The other confirmed fatalities at this time are Michael Bokanovich, 73, of Triadelphia, Lisa McMasters, 59, of Triadelphia, Kyleigh Minch Shotton, 26, of Triadelphia, Parker Shotton, 3, of Triadelphia, and Travis Creighton, 19, of Triadelphia.
Lewis said during a press conference Tuesday that at least one person remains unaccounted for at this time. He asked community members who have missing loved ones to contact the sheriff’s office at (304) 234-3656 even if they have previously called.
Search and recovery operations continued Tuesday for a third straight day.
Assistant Chief Deric Jamison of the Wheeling Fire Department said his department and other agencies conducted drone mapping of the affected areas Tuesday and utilizing river boats, canine units and kayak teams to search area creeks and the Ohio River.
Roughly 20 vehicles have been removed from area waterways by agencies comprising the unified response teams. A-1 Braden’s Towing and Ace Garage have been used by agencies to store vehicles. Residents whose cars are missing are asked to contact these businesses.
Deputy Chief Josh Sanders of the Wheeling Police Department again asked citizens to heed road closures and avoid the impacted areas unless they are volunteers of local residents.
Warden Run Road, Lumber Avenue, U.S. Route 40 between Triadelphia and Valley Grove, GC&P Road, Middle Creek Road, Peters Run Road, Dixon Run Road, Short Creek Road, McGraw’s Run Road, Atkinson Crossing, Battle Run Road and Point Run Road, as well as the Shilling Bridge, remain closed at this time.
Sanders further asked residents and business owners of the Elm Grove business district to move their vehicles from street parking to allow for road cleaning beginning Wednesday, June 18 at 9:00 a.m.
As communities begin to clear their homes and properties of debris, damaged items and other waste, authorities ask that these items be placed on the curbside for removal by operations and sanitation departments, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers. A dumpsite for household waste has been established behind Best Buy at The Highlands.
Authorities are stressing the importance of documenting damage before clearing damage and debris from their property for damage assessment purposes and potential FEMA support upon a federal disaster declaration. If your property was damaged from Saturday’s floods, you are encouraged to fill out a survey at emd.wv.gov/disastersurvery. Volunteers will be going door-to-door in the coming days to assist residents with the survey if they need it.
This is a developing story. Coverage of press briefings and other important information from Sunday, June 15 and Monday, June 16 can be found at www.wheelingfreepress.com.