2022 – July 27-28 east KY downpour/flash flooding, esp. Knott/22, Breathitt/11, Letcher/5 counties–45

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 5-2-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

—  45  Kentucky Department of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet.

            –36  Direct

            —  9  Indirect (stress, suicide, heart attacks, fall from ladder, stroke, lack of emer. med. care)

            KY DPH Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet County breakout:

            –11  Breathitt

            —  2  Clay

            –22  Knott

            —  5  Letcher

            —  4  Perry

            —  1  Pike

—  44  Garcia. “Beshear: 44 Kentuckians killed in devastating summer flooding.” AP. 7-28-2022.

—  44  Klesta. “Resilience and Recovery: Insights from the July 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flood.”

—  44  Krauth. “Eastern [KY] flood death toll climbs to 44, Beshear says.:” Louisville Courier Journal.

—  39  Gov. Beshear in Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY. “Beshear updates on…flooding…” 8-21-2022.

            —  8  Breathitt

            —  2  Clay

–19  Knott

—  3  Letcher

—  7  Perry

—  39  Courier Journal, Louisville. “Eastern Kentucky flooding…death toll…39…” 8-11-2022.

            –38 direct

            —  1 indirect (Aaron “Mick” Crawford, 18)

—  39  Gov. Beshear tweet Aug 12. WSAZ, Huntington WV. “Death toll rises again…[KY] flooding.”

—  37  Associated Press. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: Death toll rises to 37.”8-4-2022.

            —  8  Breathitt County

            —  2  Clay County

            –17  Knott County

            —  3  Letcher County

            —  7  Perry County

—  37  Courier Journal, Louisville. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: As death toll reaches 37…” 8-1-2022.[1]

            —  7  Breathitt County

            —  2  Clay County

            –16  Knott County

            —  3  Letcher County (according to County Coroner Renee Campbell)

            —  7  Perry County (according to Deputy Coroner Jeff Combs)

—>37  National Centers for Environmental Information. July 2022 National Climate Report.

—  36  CDC Wonder, NCHS. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2022, X38 (Victim of flood).

—  35  CNN. “[KY] flooding death toll rises to 35…hundreds remain unaccounted for.” 8-1-2022.[2]

—>30  Fox Weather. “Historic Kentucky flooding: At least 30 dead as search continues…” 8-1-2022.[3]

            —  7  Breathitt County

            —  2  Clay County

            –16  Knott County

—  28  NYT. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022.

—  28  WYMT.com (Cameron Aaron), Hazard, KY. “One Knott County flood victim identified.” 7-31-2022

—  26  AP. “Death toll in Kentucky hits 26 amid renewed flood threat.” Joplin Globe, 7-31-2022.[4]

—>25  CBS News. “Governor: Search for victims in Kentucky floods…19 lives.”[5] 7-30-2022.

—>16  CNN. “At least 16 people are dead after Kentucky’s catastrophic flooding…” 7-29-2022.

 

Breakout of Kentucky Flooding Fatalities by County and Locality (where noted):

—  8  Breathitt County. Gov. Andy Beshear announcement August 21.[6]

—  9  Breathitt County. Gov. Andy Beshear announcements August 4 and 12.[7]

–11  Breathitt County. KY Dept. of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet.

–1  Bowling Creek. Gary Combs, 61.[8] Drowned at home. (KY Dept. of Public Health).[9]

–1  Clayhole. Ruby Cundiff, 59.[10] Drowned at home. (KY Dept. of Public Health).

–1  Clayhole. Nancy Cundiff, 29. Lost Creek, Lower Riv. Caney Rd..[11] Drowned at home.[12]

–1  Clayhole. Jeanette Johnson, 65.[13] Drowned at home. (KY Dept. of Public Health).

–1  Hardshell. Helen Campbell, 82. Died at home.[14] Drowned at home.

–1  Hardshell. Gilla Ann Miller, 83. Found dead in her flooded home.[15]

–1  Lost Creek, Vanesa Baker, 60. Lower River Caney Rd.[16] Mobile home swept away.[17]

–1  Lost Creek, Amy Henson 40. Lower River Caney Road.[18] Drowned at home. KYDPH

–1  Noctor.[19] Thomas Lee Back, 82. Stroke near Quicksand Creek, died 9-9-2022. KY DPH.[20]

–1  Locale not noted. Christine Roberts;[21] “complication of flooding,”[22] EMS blocked for hours.[23]

–1  Locale not noted. Aug 12, Tony Calhoun, 39, “killed himself after losing everything…”[24]

—  2  Clay County, Oneida community near Manchester. Man 76, woman, late 60s-early 70s.[25]

            –1  Walter Hinkle, 76.[26] “Washed out of his house” according to Deputy Coroner.[27]

            –1  Brenda Webb, 81.[28] Drowned at Bullskin creek home. KY DPH 2002 Flood Spreadsheet.

—  1  Fayette Co, Lexington hosp. Aaron “Mick” Crawford, 18,[29] volunteer recovery worker.[30]

–22  Knott County. KY Department of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet.

–19  Knott County. KY Gov. Beshear announcement 8-21-2022.[31]

–18  Knott County. KY Gov. Beshear announcement 8-11-2022.[32]

            –1  Carrie. Tommy Lynn Cornett, 61.[33] Drowned in vehicle July 28. KY DPH spreadsheet.

–2  Fisty. Betty Beaver, 73, and Bobby Junior Beaver, 46.[34] Also KY DPH Spreadsheet.

            –2  Fisty. Adam Combs, 75; wife Elizabeth Mae Combs, 71.[35] Both drowned at home.[36]

            –1  Fisty. Johnny Wayne Combs, 60. Drowned at home July 28. KY DPH Spreadsheet.

–5  Hindman.

–1  Diana Lynn Amburgey, 65.[37] Middle name from KY DPH flood spreadsheet.

–1  Rita Hall, 78.[38] Drowned at home on July 28. KY DPH 2022 Flood Spreadsheet.

–2  James Miller, 73, and Carol Miller, 72, of Ary Community.[39] Also KY DPH.

–1  Caster Clark Slone, 74.[40] Drowned at home. KY DPH 2022 Flood Spreadsheet.

–1  Kite. Marietta Griffith Thornsberry. Died July 29 from lack of oxygen. KY DPH.

–2  Leburn. Judy, 62 and Victor Slone, 63.. Drowned in home.[41] Also: KY DPH.

–4  Montgomery. Four siblings according to Knott County coroner.[42] Also KY DPH.

            –1  Chance Noble, 18 months.[43]        –1  Maddison Noble, 8.

–1  Nevaeh Noble, 4.                         –1  Riley Noble Jr. 6.

            –1  Pine Top. Rosa Lee “Rosie” Vick, 55.[44] Drowned at home. KY DPH Spreadsheet.

–1  Pippa Passes. Eva Nicole “Nikki” Slone, 50.[45] Also KY DPH Flood Spreadsheet.

–1  Topmost. Johnathan Larry Hunter, 51. Drowned at home. KY DPH Spreadsheet.

–1  Aaron Crawford, 18, heart attack. Listed above under Fayette County. KY DPH.

—  5  Letcher County. KY Dept. of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet.

–3  Letcher County. Andy Beshear announcement August 4.[46]

–1  Ermine. Mae Caudill Amburgey, 97. Stress/trauma, Oct 8. KY DPH Spreadsheet.[47]

–1  Isom. Betty Jean Estep, 67.[48] Heart attack while fleeing water. KY DPH Spreadsheet.

–1  Jeremian. Donnie Q. Back. Oxygen tank ran out day of the flood causing brain damage.[49]

–1  Whitesburg.[50] Clarence Sturgill, 79.[51] Drowned in vehicle. KY DPH Spreadsheet.

–1  Whitesburg. Jewel Sturgill, 65.[52] Drowned in vehicle going over bridge; swift water.[53]

—  4  Perry County. KY Dept. of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet.

–1  Chavies community. Nellie Mae Howard, 82.[54] Washed out of home.[55] KY DPH.

–1  Rowdy, David Campbell, 78. Drowned in his home.[56] KY DPH Flood Spreadsheet.

–1  Rowdy area. Body of Dennis Stacy, 71, recovered July 31,[57] 8 miles from home.[58]

–1  Locale not noted. Gabe Hensley, 30; truck was swept away by flood water.[59] KY DPH.

–7  Perry County. Statement by Perry County Deputy Coroner Jeff Combs.[60]

—  1  Pike County. Glendall Hall, 76, fell from ladder working to repair bridge, Sep 3. KY DPH.

 

Breakout of Kentucky Flood Fatalities by Name

All are drowning deaths except those noted otherwise.

Name                                     Age       Locality                                               County

 

  1. Amburgey, Diana Lynn 65        Hindman                                             Knott
  2. Amburgey, Mae Caudill 97        Ermine  (stress and trauma victim)     Letcher
  3. Back, Donnie Q. 78            (ran out of oxygen, brain damage) Letcher
  4. Back, Thomas Lee 82                    Stroke, died 6 weeks later       Breathitt
  5. Baker, Vanessa             60        Lost Creek, Lower River Caney Rd.  Breathitt
  6. Beaver, Betty             73        Fisty                                                    Knott
  7. Beaver, Bobby Junior 46        Fisty                                                    Knott
  8. Calhoun, Tony 52                    Suicide week afterwards        Breathitt
  9. Campbell, David             78        Rowdy                                                Perry
  10. Campbell, Helen             82        Hardshell                                             Breathitt
  11. Combs, Adam 75        Fisty                                                    Knott
  12. Combs, Elizabeth May 71        Fisty                                                    Knott
  13. Combs, Gary Wayne 61        Bowling Creek                                    Breathitt
  14. Combs, Johnny Wayne 60        Fisty                                                    Knott
  15. Cornett, Tommy Lynn 61        Carrie                                                  Knott
  16. Crawford, Aaron “Mick” 18        Lexington Hospital (heart attack)       Fayette
  17. Cundiff, Nancy             29        Lost Creek, Lower River Caney Rd.  Breathitt
  18. Cundiff, Ruby 69        Clayhole                                              Breathitt
  19. Estep, Betty Jean             67        Isom    heart attack fleeing water       Letcher
  20. Hall, Glendall 76                fell from ladder repairing bridge Pike
  21. Hall, Rita             78        Hindman                                             Knott  
  22. Hensley, Gabriel “Gabe” 30                                                                    Perry
  23. Henson, Amy 40        Lower River Caney Road                   Breathitt
  24. Hinkle, Walter             76        Oneida community near Manchester  Clay
  25. Howard, Nellie Mae             82        Chavies community                            Perry
  26. Hunter, Johnathan Larry 51        Topmost                                              Knott
  27. Johnson, Jeanette             65        Clayhole                                              Breathitt
  28. Miller, Carol, wife of James) 72        Hindman                                             Knott
  29. Miller, Gilla Ann 83        Hardshell                                             Breathitt
  30. Miller, James (husband of Carol) 73        Hindman                                             Knott
  31. Noble, Chance             18 mo. Montgomery                                       Knott
  32. Noble, Maddison               8        Montgomery                                       Knott
  33. Noble, Nevaeh               4        Montgomery                                       Knott
  34. Noble, Riley Jr.               6        Montgomery                                       Knott
  35. Roberts, Christine 63                    emer. ambulance could not get through
  36. Slone, Caster Clark 74        Hindman                                             Knott
  37. Slone, Eva Nicole[61]             50        Pippa Passes                                        Knott
  38. Slone, Judy 62                                                                    Knott
  39. Slone, Victor 63                                                                    Knott
  40. Stacy, Dennis 71        Rowdy community                             Perry
  41. Sturgill, Clarence             79        Whitesburg                                          Letcher
  42. Sturgill, Crystall Jewel 65        Whitesburg                                          Letcher           
  43. Thornsberry, Marietta Griffith 72             Ran out of oxygen      Knott  
  44. Vick, Rosa Lee “Rosie” 55        Pine Top                                              Knott
  45. Webb, Brenda Ruth             81        Oneida community near Manchester  Clay

 

Narrative Information

 

July 28: “At least eight people have died in widespread flooding in eastern Kentucky following heavy overnight rains, the governor said Thursday — an inundation he says will be ‘one of the most significant, deadly floods’ in the commonwealth’s history. ‘This is an ongoing natural disaster, with more rain expected tonight that could worsen the situation. The death toll has heartbreakingly risen to 8 Kentuckians lost,’ Gov. Andy Beshear tweeted….

 

“Portions of Kentucky around Hazard received more than 9 inches of rain from Wednesday into Thursday morning, according to National Weather Service radar estimates and local observers. The rain in eastern Kentucky overwhelmed creeks, streams and ground already saturated from previous rain, the weather service said….” (CNN. “At least 8 dead in eastern Kentucky flooding, and ‘hundreds will lose their homes,’ governor says.” 7-28-2022.)

 

July 29: “(CNN) — At least 16 people are dead following catastrophic flooding in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said Friday [July 29]. That number is expected to double and includes children, he told CNN earlier, as rescuers scramble to reach areas difficult to access. ‘It’s going to get a lot higher,’ Beshear said at a news conference Friday morning….’This is so deadly, and it hit so hard, and it hit in the middle of the night,’ the governor said, adding that although eastern Kentucky often floods, ‘we’ve never seen something like this.’….’Whole roads washed out — we still can’t get to a lot of people. There is so much water. The current is so strong. It is not safe for some of the water rescues that we need to do,’ Beshear said.

 

“Swollen floodwaters washed out bridges, wiped out power and sent some residents scrambling to their rooftops as water gushed into their homes. Some families’ houses and cars were submerged or swept away completely by the flooding, which has been exacerbated by creeks and grounds already soaked from ongoing rainfall….

 

“People around the city of Hazard, in the southeast of Kentucky, are ‘so overwhelmed, we don’t really know what to ask for,’ Mayor Donald “Happy” Mobelini told CNN Friday morning. ‘In downtown Hazard, we don’t really have a ton of property damage here. But in the outlying areas, it’s devastating,’ said Mobelini. Some houses are flooded that have stood for 50 or even 75 years without water ever coming close to them, he said. Seven of the city’s nine bridges are impassable, and ‘that’s unheard of,’ the mayor said. The town is bracing for news of more deaths, he said….

 

“An elderly man and woman died after being swept from their homes in the Oneida Community near Manchester, Kentucky, according to Clay County Coroner Jarrod Becknell. The man was 76 years old and the woman was in her late 60s or early 70s, Deputy Coroner Joe Crockett said….

 

“Kentucky State Police are asking residents of at least eight counties to call them if they have missing family members and to provide information on their loved ones. The counties include Wolfe, Owsley, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Pike and Perry….” (CNN. “At least 16 people are dead after Kentucky’s catastrophic flooding, and the death toll is expected to rise.” 7-29-2022.)

 

July 31: “Hindman, Ky. (AP) – The number of deaths from massive flooding in Kentucky continued to climb on Sunday amid a renewed threat of more heavy rains. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said on NBC’s “Meet The Press” that the death toll had risen by one to 26 from last week’s storms. Beshear has said the number would likely rise significantly and it could take weeks to find all the victims. As many as 37 people were unaccounted for, according to a daily briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency….

 

“Beshear said state police were taking calls from worried people who can’t locate loved ones due to spotty cell phone service. ‘We still can’t get into some areas to check on people,’ Beshear said. ‘We’re doubling our National Guard. We’re going to work to go door to door, work to find, again, as many people as we can. We’re even going to work through the rain. But the weather is complicating it.’….” (Associated Press (Bruce Schreiner). “Death toll in Kentucky hits 26 amid renewed flood threat.” Joplin Globe, 7-31-2022.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press (Bruce Schreiner). “Death toll in Kentucky hits 26 amid renewed flood threat.” Joplin Globe, 7-31-2022. Accessed 7-31-2022 at: https://www.joplinglobe.com/region/death-toll-in-kentucky-hits-26-amid-renewed-flood-threat/article_db0f331c-23e0-54d7-9242-b80ee0314243.html

 

Associated Press. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: Death toll rises to 37.”8-4-2022. Accessed 8-4-2022 at: https://www.wlwt.com/article/eastern-kentucky-flooding-deaths-weather-damage-appalachia/40782695#

 

Associated Press. “Kentucky Flood Survivors Turn to Grim Task: Burying the Dead. 8-5-2022. Accessed 8-6-2022 at: https://www.voanews.com/a/kentucky-flood-survivors-turn-to-grim-task-burying-the-dead-/6689067.html

 

Associated Press (Lovan, Schreiner, Brown). “Search for Kentucky flood victims could take weeks.” 7-30-2022. Accessed 7-30-2022 at: https://apnews.com/article/floods-storms-science-kentucky-jackson-519185ea0be464c61ce76477359b019f

 

CBS News/AP. “Governor: Search for victims in Kentucky floods could take weeks in storm that claimed at least 19 lives.” 7-30-2022. Accessed 7/30/2022 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-flooding-power-outages-deaths/

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Wonder, NCHS. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2022, X38 (Victim of flood). Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/datarequest/D157;jsessionid=59B1DBACDCEA9C27D9A664EF8729

 

CNN. “At least 8 dead in eastern Kentucky flooding, and ‘hundreds will lose their homes,’ governor says.” 7-28-2022. Accessed 7-28-2022 at: https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/28/weather/kentucky-flash-flooding/index.html

 

CNN (Elizabeth Wolfe and Theresa Waldrop). “At least 16 people are dead after Kentucky’s catastrophic flooding, and the death toll is expected to rise.” 7-29-2022. Accessed 7-29-2022 at: https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/29/weather/kentucky-appalachia-flooding-friday/index.html

 

CNN (Elizabeth Wolfe and Dakin Andone). “Kentucky flooding death toll rises to 35 as governor says hundreds remain unaccounted for.” 8-1-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/01/weather/kentucky-appalachia-flooding-monday/index.html

 

Courier Journal (Jonathan Bullington, Billy Kobin, Eleanor McCrary),  Louisville, KY. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: As death toll reaches 39 victims, here are the names we know.” 8-11-2022. Accessed 8-17-2022 at: https://www.yahoo.com/news/eastern-kentucky-flooding-death-toll-232155886.html

 

Courier Journal (Jonathan Bullington, Billy Kobin, Eleanor McCrary), Louisville. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: As death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know.” 8-1-2022. Accessed 8-2-2022 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/eastern-kentucky-flooding-victims-death-toll-at-37-the-names-we-know/65387593007/

 

Cross, Al. “Loved ones say actor killed himself after losing all in flood, showing need for mental-health services for region’s homeless.” Kentucky Health News, 8-15-2022. Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://cidev.uky.edu/kentuckyhealthnews/2022/08/15/loved-ones-say-actor-killed-himself-after-losing-all-in-flood-showing-need-for-mental-health-services-for-regions-homeless/

 

DailyMail.com. “Heroic high school football player, 18, who bravely helped recovery efforts in Kentucky flood dies from ‘mysterious’ illness three days after volunteering as death toll hits 39.” 8-11-2022. Accessed 8-12-2022 at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11102597/Heroic-Kentucky-high-schooler-18-dies-falling-mysteriously-ill-helping-flood-victims.html

 

Deaton Funeral Home Obituaries. “Thomas Lee Back.” Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://deatonfuneraljackson.com/wp/obituaries/thomas-lee-back/1059/

 

Deseret News (Lois M. Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022. Accessed 8-4-2022 at: https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2022/8/3/23290414/dead-eastern-kentucky-2022-flooding-swept-away-died-who-were-victims-massive-rainstorm-appalachia

 

EMS1. “Ky. Woman with chest pain dies after ambulance blocked by floodwaters.” 8-1-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://www.ems1.com/flooding/articles/ky-woman-with-chest-pain-dies-after-ambulance-blocked-by-floodwaters-5AQAt4cFrNmLzJBb/

 

Fox Weather (Brian Donegan, Andrew Wulfeck, Emilee Speck, Chris Oberholtz, Heather Brinkmann). “Historic Kentucky flooding: At least 30 dead as search continues; more rain expected this week.” 8-1-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/flash-flood-emergency-kentucky-thursday

 

Garcia, Joseph/Associated Press. “Beshear: 44 Kentuckians killed in devastating summer flooding.” 7-28-2022, updated 12-22-2022. Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://www.whas11.com/article/weather/kentucky-flooding/gov-beshear-flooding-eastern-kentucky-floyd-breathitt-clay-owsley-letcher-pike-county-death-toll/417-205e4d41-73d3-4565-acbe-bc2ab1120a96

 

Jackson-Breathitt County Times-Voice. “Flood Death toll up to 7 in Breathitt County.” 8-3-2022. Accessed 8-4-2022 at: https://www.nolangroupmedia.com/jackson_times_voice/flood-death-toll-up-to-7-in-breathitt-county/article_ee223470-1357-11ed-a49e-93f0bddb5012.html

 

Kentucky.gov (Office of the Governor). “Gov. Beshear: Death Toll from Eastern Kentucky Floods Rises as Search and Rescue Efforts Continue.” 7-30-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=1430

 

Kentucky Department of Public Health. “Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths” spreadsheet provided to me by Rebessa Hersher of NPR on 5-1-2024. Accessed at:

Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths – Google Sheets

 

Klesta, Matt. “Resilience and Recovery: Insights from the July 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flood.” Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, 9-27-2023. Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://www.clevelandfed.org/publications/cd-reports/2023/20230927-resilience-and-recovery#cf-fn-ret-1

 

Krauth, Olivia. “Eastern Kentucky flood death toll climbs to 44, Beshear says.:” Louisville Courier Journal. 12-22-2022. Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2022/12/22/eastern-kentucky-flood-death-toll-climbs-to-44-beshear-says/69751648007/

 

Lexington Herald Courier. “2 KY flood victims were trapped in their home, family says.” 8-15-2022. Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article264504191.html

 

Lexington-Herald Leader, KY. ”Four young siblings were swept from parents’ grip, among victims of Ky. Flooding relative says.” 7-30-2022. Accessed 7-30-2022 at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article263953661.html

 

Lexington Herald-Leader(Valarie Honeycutt Spears), KY. “Ky. Woman with chest pain dies after ambulance blocked by floodwaters.” 8-1-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://www.ems1.com/flooding/articles/ky-woman-with-chest-pain-dies-after-ambulance-blocked-by-floodwaters-5AQAt4cFrNmLzJBb/

 

Louisville Courier Journal (Billy Kobin), KY. “Crews recover 2 bodies from Perry County Creek in Eastern Kentucky as rain resumes.” 8-1-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/crews-recover-2-bodies-perry-220942004.html

 

Louisville Courier Journal (Caleb Stultz), KY. “Death toll in Eastern Kentucky flooding hits 39 as water, electricity restored to residents.” 8-11-2022. Accessed 8-12-2022 at: https://news.yahoo.com/death-toll-eastern-kentucky-flooding-230751342.html

 

National Centers for Environmental Information. July 2022 National Climate Report.  Accessed 5-1-2024 at: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/national/202207

 

New York Post. “Bodies of Noble children found after being swept away from parents amid catastrophic Kentucky floods.” 7-29-2022. Accessed 7-30-2022 at: https://nypost.com/2022/07/29/bodies-of-noble-kids-found-after-being-swept-away-by-kentucky-floods/

 

New York Times (Shawn Hubler, Neelam Bohra, McKenna Oxenden and Ginny Whitehouse). “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/31/us/kentucky-floods-victims.html

 

People.com. “Ky. Woman Mourns Loss of Both Parents in Historic Flood: ‘They Were the Biggest-Hearted People.’” 8-1-2022 Accessed 8-8-2022 at: https://people.com/human-interest/kentucky-woman-lost-both-her-parents-in-flood/

 

Times-Tribune (Brad Hall) Corbin, KY. “Beshear updates on eastern Ky. Flooding include $6.7 million donated to Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund…” 8-21-2022. Accessed 8-23-2022 at: https://www.yahoo.com/now/beshear-updates-eastern-ky-flooding-153400168.html

 

Tribute Archive, Letcher Funeral Home. “Clarence Edward Sturgill, Whitesburg, Kentucky…July 28, 2022. Accessed 8-4-2022 at: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25498934/clarence-edward-sturgill

 

WSAZ 3. Huntington WV. “Death toll rises again from Kentucky flooding.” 8-11-2022. Accessed Aug 12, 2022 at: https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/11/death-toll-rises-again-kentucky-flooding/

 

WYMT (Cameron Aaron), Hazard KY. “Death toll increases to three in Perry County, all were identified.” 7-30-2022. Accessed 8-2-2022 at: https://www.wymt.com/2022/07/30/death-toll-increases-three-perry-county-all-were-identified/

 

WYMT Mountain News/Cameron Aaron, Hazard, KY. “Family identifies one of the victims killed by flooding in Clay County.” 7-28-2022. Accessed 8-7-2022 at: https://www.wymt.com/2022/07/29/family-identifies-one-victims-killed-by-flooding-clay-county/

 

WYMT Mountain News (Keaton Hall), Hazard, KY. “KSP releases names of two Breathitt County women missing due to flood.” 8-7-2022. Accessed 8-8-2022 at: https://www.wymt.com/2022/08/07/ksp-releases-names-two-breathitt-county-women-missing-due-flood/

 

WYMT.com (Cameron Aaron), Hazard, KY. “One Knott County flood victim identified.” 7-31-2022. Accessed 8-1-2022 at: https://www.wymt.com/2022/08/01/one-knott-county-flood-victim-identified/

 

WYMT Mountain News/Ethan Sirles, Hazard, KY. “Perry County flooding victims identified.” 8-11-2022. Accessed 8-12-2022 at: https://www.wymt.com/2022/08/11/perry-county-flooding-victims-identified/

 

 

 

[1] Based on Governor Andy Beshear statement.

[2] Death toll from KY Governor Andy Beshear statement Monday afternoon (Aug 1).

[3] Cites KY Governor Andy Beshear.

[4] Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear cited on the death toll number.

[5] Though the subject line notes at least 19 deaths, Governor Beshear is cited in the first sentence as stating July 30 that at least 25 people have died.

[6] Times-Tribune, Corbin, KY. “Beshear updates on eastern Ky. Flooding … 8-21-2022.

[7] Associated Press. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: Death toll rises to 37.”8-4-2022.

[8] Jackson-Breathitt County Times-Voice. “Flood Death toll up to 7 in Breathitt County.” 8-3-2022.

[9] KY DPH “Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths” spreadsheet provided to me by Rebessa Hersher of NPR on 5-1-2024.

[10] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[11] WYMT Mountain News, Hazard, KY. “KSP releases names of two Breathitt County women missing…” 8-7-2022.

[12] KY DPH “Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths” spreadsheet provided to me by Rebessa Hersher of NPR on 5-1-2024.

[13] New York Times. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022.

[14] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[15] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[16] WYMT Mountain News, Hazard, KY. “KSP releases names of two Breathitt County women missing…” 8-7-2022.

[17] According to the KY DPH she drowned as she left her mobile home which was swept away.

[18] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[19] Locale is from Deaton Funeral Home Obituaries. “Thomas Lee Back.”

[20] KY DPH 2022 Flood Deaths spreadsheet notes he never recovered from the stroke, dying 6 seeks later.

[21] KY DPH “Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths” spreadsheet provided to me by Rebessa Hersher of NPR on 5-1-2024.

[22] We highlight in yellow to denote that we suspect this death is not included in State death toll of direct deaths. 

[23] “Breathitt County Coroner…said the woman died because of a ‘complication of flooding’ – emergency medical services couldn’t get there for hours. The woman who was having chest pains ‘died in the husband and daughter’s arms,’ said Epperson.” (Lexington Herald-Leader, KY. “Ky. Woman with chest pain dies after ambulance blocked by floodwaters.” 8-1-2022.)

[24] Kentucky Health News 8-15-2022 by Al Cross notes that “Gov. Andy Beshear is counting Calhoun as the 39th death in the state flood toll.” Also noted in KY DPH 2022 flood spreadsheet.

[25] CNN. “At least 16 people…dead after Kentucky’s…flooding…death toll is expected to rise.” 7-29-2022.

[26] Courier Journal. “Eastern [KY] flooding…death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know.” 8-1-2022. Another source notes that Hinkle was 73 and lived in Bullskin. (WYMT Mountain News/Cameron Aaron, Hazard, KY. “Family identifies one of the victims killed by flooding in Clay County.” 7-28-2022.)

[27] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[28] Courier Journal. “Eastern [KY] flooding…death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know.” 8-1-2022.

[29] The KY DPS 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet lists this death as a Knott County “heart attack” death.

[30] The teen had been working recovery operations for three days when he suddenly became ill, returned home and then airlifted to hospital after complaining of exhaustion and numbness in his arms. Died at the Kentucky Medical Center. Announced by Governor Beshear as the 38th flood victim. (DailyMail.com. “Heroic high school football player, 18, who bravely helped recovery efforts in Kentucky flood dies from ‘mysterious’ illness three days after volunteering as death toll hits 39.” 8-11-2022.)

[31] Times-Tribune (Brad Hall) Corbin, KY. “Beshear updates on eastern Ky. Flooding…” 8-21-2022.

[32] Louisville Courier Journal (Caleb Stultz). “Death toll in Eastern Kentucky flooding hits 39…” 8-11-2022.

[33] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[34] Courier Journal, Louisville. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: As death toll reaches 37 victims…” 8-2-2022.

[35] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[36] KY Dept. of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet. Link provided by Rebecca Hersher of NPR

[37] New York Times. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022.

[38] New York Times. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022.

[39] NYT. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022. Vehicle swept away. (Deseret News, Salt Lake City. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.) Hindman locale from: People.com. “Ky. Woman Mourns Loss of Both Parents in Historic Flood…” 8-1-2022. Body of Carol Miller recovered July 31. (WYMT Mountain News, Hazard, KY. “Perry County flooding victims identified.” 8-11-2022.)

[40] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[41] Lexington Herald Courier. “2 KY flood victims were trapped in their home, family says.” 8-15-2022.

[42] AP. Search for Kentucky flood victims could take weeks.” 7-30-2022. CNN cited children’s aunt to the effect that  family’s mobile home flooded, forcing them onto the roof, where they were washed away from their parents. (CNN . “Kentucky flooding death toll rises to 35 as governor says hundreds remain unaccounted for.” 8-1-2022.)

[43] Lexington-Herald Leader, KY. ”Four young siblings were swept from parents’ grip, among victims of Ky. Flooding relative says.” 7-30-2022.

[44] New York Times. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022; Associated Press. “Kentucky Flood Survivors Turn to Grim Task: Burying the Dead. 8-5-2022.

[45] WYMT.com (Cameron Aaron), Hazard, KY. “One Knott County flood victim identified.” 7-31-2022. Had reportedly gone out into the floodwater to check on an elderly friend. Body found Friday, July 29.

[46] Associated Press. “Eastern Kentucky flooding: Death toll rises to 37.”8-4-2022.

[47] Notes “…stress and trauma from swimming to safety.” Also noted as flood victim in Garcia, citing Gov. Beshear. The date of death is from Krauth.

[48] New York Times. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022.

[49] Died three weeks later. KY DPH. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet; link provided by Rebecca Hersher.

[50] Tribute Archive, Letcher Funeral Home. “Clarence Edward Sturgill, Whitesburg, Kentucky…July 28, 2022.

[51] Courier Journal. “Eastern [KY] flooding…death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know.” 8-1-2022.

[52] Courier Journal. “Eastern [KY] flooding…death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know.” 8-1-2022.

[53] KY Dept. of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet. Link provided by Rebecca Hersher of NPR

[54] New York Times. “What We Know About the Victims in the Kentucky Flooding.” 7-31-2022,

[55] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[56] Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.

[57] WYMT Mountain News/Ethan Sirles, Hazard, KY. “Perry County flooding victims identified.” 8-11-2022.

[58] KY Dept. of Public Health. Kentucky 2022 Flood Deaths Spreadsheet. Link provided by Rebecca Hersher of NPR

[59] Courier Journal. “Eastern [KY] flooding…death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know.” 8-1-2022.

[60] Louisville Courier Journal. “Crews recover 2 bodies from Perry County Creek in Eastern [KY]…” 8-1-2022. Noted four bodies were recovered Sunday, July 31, three along Highway 476 and one off Big Willard Road.

[61] Referred to as Nikki “Duncan” Slone, 50, of Pippa Passes in: Deseret News (Collins), Salt Lake City, UT. “What’s known about the victims of the Kentucky flood.” 8-3-2022.