Entire Family Swept Away

High rushing water in southern Kentucky led to the deaths of three people according to the Whitley County Coroner.

It happened in a creek just west of Williamsburg, off Kentucky 92, on Newman Campbell Road during a flash flood.

Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley said the Jellico Creek was about eight or nine feet higher than normal during the flash flood.

He doesn’t think it was that high when the family drove through the water but he says even a couple inches can sweep a car away.

Shannon L. Kier, 39, his wife Susan Kay Kier, 29, and their son Lee Isaac Patrick Kier, 2, all of Jacksboro, Tenn. were pronounced dead at 10:35 Saturday morning by Croley.

Croley said the Kier’s were driving to meet family on Friday when their vehicle was swept away by the Jellico Creek.

Their bodies were found in a submerged vehicle downstream when the creek receded.

Family members first started looking for the three victims when they didn’t show up for plans.  

Croley said this is a tragic situation and family members tell ABC 36 they are still in shock with what has happened.