Married poll workers drown in Missouri floods on way to election site

You May Be Interested In:‘It’s offensive’: GOP senator wages war on airline industry’s ‘discriminatory pricing’ targets


Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

Having trouble? Click here.

A married couple in Missouri volunteering as poll workers on Tuesday died tragically in flash floods that rocked southern and eastern parts of the state on Election Day, according to local officials.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Eddie Young told Fox News Digital that the 70-year-old man and 73-year-old woman were in one of three vehicles that washed off the roadway in rising floodwater on State Route H in Wright County around 4 a.m. Tuesday.

“Three other individuals swam to safety,” Young said.

The couple, who were on their way to a voting site, also tried to swim to safety, and witnesses reported seeing them hanging onto a bush, but they ultimately did not survive the rising waters.

7 STATES VOTE TO PROTECT ABORTION RIGHTS, 3 KEEP RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

A Missouri couple died on Tuesday in flash floods while driving to a voting site. (MSHP Troop G)

It took authorities hours to locate their bodies. Ultimately, they flew a drone over the affected area and were able to find the deceased, Young said.

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the two deaths in a Tuesday statement.

FOX NEWS PROJECTS MIKE KEHOE TO WIN MISSOURI GOVERNOR’S RACE

“There were several vehicle slide offs due to hydroplaning and simply because places flooded that generally don’t flood! Wright County had six swift water incidents that resulted in two fatalities,” the sheriff’s office said. “The two deceased were recovered quickly by the use of the Wright County drone, piloted by Sheriff Byerley.”

Flooding in Wright County, Missouri

It took authorities hours to locate their bodies. Ultimately, they flew a drone over the affected area and were able to find the deceased. (MSHP Troop G)

The Wright County Clerk’s Office said in a Tuesday statement the poll workers were “dedicated citizens who valued fair and honest elections,” and they “will be missed.”

“This couple were wonderful people who donated their time to serve their community.”

— Wright County Clerk Loni Pedersen

“This is a terrible loss for Wright County,” Wright County Clerk Loni Pedersen said in a statement. “This couple were wonderful people who donated their time to serve their community. We will miss them dearly and the service they provided to my office.”

In a photo released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, tractor trailer sits submerged in flood water on US 63 just north of Cabool, Mo., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

In a photo released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a tractor-trailer sits submerged in flood water on U.S. 63 just north of Cabool, Missouri, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Missouri State Highway Patrol via AP)

The flooding has killed five people, including the couple, according to Missouri officials.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Young described the current conditions as “10-year floods,” saying “it is pretty widespread” and evacuations are still taking place.

Officials are not releasing the victims’ names out of respect and privacy for their family.

share Paylaş facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Arkansas father arrested after allegedly killing man he found with his missing 14-year-old daughter
Arkansas father arrested after allegedly killing man he found with his missing 14-year-old daughter
US-based model, husband and child kidnapped and held 12 hours after leaving restaurant in Brazil: reports
US-based model, husband and child kidnapped and held 12 hours after leaving restaurant in Brazil: reports
Jerry Jones' kids involved in freak car accident outside stadium before game vs 49ers: report
Jerry Jones’ kids involved in freak car accident outside stadium before game vs 49ers: report
Bill Belichick interviews for college football job after legendary coach leaves: report
Bill Belichick interviews for college football job after legendary coach leaves: report
NASA astronaut hospitalized with medical issue after crew’s delayed return from space station
NASA astronaut hospitalized with medical issue after crew’s delayed return from space station
Halloween candy overload: 5 ways to keep kids from overindulging
Halloween candy overload: 5 ways to keep kids from overindulging
Pulse Of The Blogosphere | © 2024 | News