- A South Carolina mom passed away after her family was caught in a flash flood.
- After the torrent of water swept the family away, a few members of the brood survived.
- While the deluge threatened to wash everyone away, the mother was trying to get two of her kids to safety, and the young ones remain missing.
Tragedy struck in Pennsylvania over the weekend when a flash flood spilled out into the streets, sweeping away cars and filling houses. When the sudden downpour hit, 11 cars were caught in the torrent of water while standing on the General Washington Memorial Boulevard.
The death toll currently stands at five, although a few people are still missing. Among those who lost their lives in the unexpected flood is 32-year-old Katie Seley, a South Carolina mom who was visiting relatives with her family when the unexpected happened.
While Katie lost her life, her husband, Jim Sheils, their oldest son, Jack, 4, and her 62-year-old mother, Dahlia, luckily survived the flood. Although three of the family members are safe, Katie and her mother were trying to get the other two children, Mattie and Conrad, to safety when the flood grabbed hold of them.
How a Vacation Turned into a Nightmare
Katie, her husband, their three kids, and Katie’s mom were spending some time with relatives when the flash flood struck without warning. The family was in their car when the water spilled through the streets, and Jim had to act fast. He managed to get his oldest son to safety while his wife and mother-in-law tried to grab the other two kids.
The family also thanked the community for their unwavering support, noting that it has helped them remain strong during this difficult time.
Floodwaters in Pennsylvania | Source: facebook.com/CBSNews
While Katie’s mom also made it out of the rushing water, the mother-of-three couldn’t get to safety in time, and she and her two children were washed away in the flood. Shortly after, Katie’s body was found, having passed away in the deluge.
The Ongoing Search
While Katie’s body has been recovered, there’s still a “massive” ongoing search for the two missing children, aged nine months and two years old. The surviving family members released a statement shortly after the tragedy, thanking everyone involved in the rescue efforts. A spokesperson wrote:
“Their compassion, kindness, and bravery have given us strength in this unspeakably difficult time, and their commitment to bringing Conrad and Mattie home is unwavering. We are thankful that they were able to save so many affected by these unprecedented floods.”
The family also thanked the community for their unwavering support, noting that it has helped them remain strong during this difficult time. The family asked for privacy, saying they will not be releasing any future statements, nor would they answer any questions while they’re grieving.
Want more like this? Click here to read about flood waters in New York that claimed the lives of many.
