A tragic incident occurred in Missouri on Election Day as a married couple, both in their 70s, lost their lives due to flash floods while on their way to volunteer as poll workers. The couple's vehicle was swept off the roadway by rising floodwaters on State Route H in Wright County early in the morning. Despite attempts to swim to safety, they were unable to survive the powerful currents.
Authorities faced challenges in locating the couple's bodies, eventually resorting to using a drone to search the affected area. The Wright County Sheriff's Office confirmed the unfortunate deaths, attributing them to the unexpected flooding that caused multiple swift water incidents in the region.
The couple's dedication to serving their community through volunteering at the polls was highlighted by the Wright County Clerk's Office, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. The clerk described the couple as valuable citizens who believed in the importance of fair elections and community service.
Tragically, the couple's deaths were part of a larger toll taken by the flooding, which claimed a total of five lives in Missouri. The severity of the floods was characterized as a '10-year event' by officials, leading to widespread impacts and ongoing evacuation efforts.
Out of respect for the family's privacy, the victims' names have not been disclosed. The community mourns the loss of these dedicated individuals and the valuable service they provided, emphasizing the impact of their contributions to the local area.