2 people killed in Madison County floodwaters identified by coroner

UPDATE: June 29 at 10 a.m.

Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison identified two victims of the deadly flooding that swept through the region Saturday as 57-year-old John Powell and 73-year-old Garnett Isbell.

Cornelison added that Powell died in a basement apartment on University Drive and Isbell reportedly died after his car was swept away on a Tates Creek Road highway.

Original Story:

Three people are dead after dangerous flash flooding struck Madison County, with emergency crews conducting water rescues and officials urging residents to stay off the roads.

Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison confirmed the three fatalities are connected to the flooding.

Madison County Emergency Management issued a travel restriction Saturday, asking residents to avoid all roadways across the county.

“Due to severe flooding, residents are urged to stay off roadways through Madison County. First responder crews are fully engaged in ongoing water rescue operations and 911 call volume is very high,” the emergency alert said.

Officials also addressed residents who may have difficulty reaching help.

“If you call 911 and the line is busy, stay on the line or call again, assistance is being dispatched as quickly as possible,” the alert said.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Justin Kearney warned residents Saturday against attempting to drive through standing water.

“You can’t see how deep it is or what’s under the water, and it doesn’t take much moving water to become dangerous fast. If you come up on water covering the roadway, turn around,” Kearney said.

In addition, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has closed a bridge on Tates Creek Road (KY 169) near Perkins/Ashcraft Road at mile point 11.0 after it sustained flood damage. The bridge will remain closed until further notice while crews assess the damage and determine what repairs are needed.

Drivers are being detoured to KY 1156 (Jacks Creek Road). Motorists are urged to use caution, follow posted signage and watch for workers in the area. Road conditions can be checked at GoKY.ky.gov.