Community grieves loss of 9-year-old swept away by flood waters

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A nine-year-old boy has died after being swept away by flood waters early Friday morning.

Police say the child was on his way to his school bus stop when he was caught up in the floodwaters.

“Emergency crews recovered the missing juvenile who was confirmed deceased,” said Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy.

Those in Frankfort are reeling with grief as tragedy has struck the community.

“At 6:35 this morning, our dispatch center received a call regarding a juvenile male,” said Tracy. “It had been reported he had been caught in floodwaters in the area of hickory hills while walking to the school bus stop.”

The child has been identified as 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews.

Officials say multiple agencies responded for a search and rescue. Gabriel was found around 8:45 Friday morning, half a mile from where he was reportedly swept away.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead about 30-minutes later.

Governor Andy Beshear posted to social media platform ‘X’ saying, “Kentucky, I have some tough news to share. This morning in Frankfort, a child died after being swept away by floodwaters. My heart breaks for this family. Please join Britainy and me in praying for them following this unimaginable loss.”

Franklin County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp gave his condolences to the family.

“We are deeply saddened that this horrific tragedy that claimed the life of one of our students,” said Kopp. “The entire franklin county school system is praying for the family and friends of those directly affected by the events this morning.”

Kopp adds they are more than a school system, but a family and they share this loss together.

He says they are offering grief services to students and staff.

Gov. Beshear also posted to ‘X’ saying, “We need everyone to understand that all water poses a risk right now. Let’s do everything possible to keep our loved ones safe.”