2015 — Dec 26-28,[1] Flooding (31 drownings), AR (1); IL (9); MO (15); OK (7) — 32
— 32 Blanchard tally from State breakouts below.
— 29 Thomson Reuters. “Southern states face floods as Midwest rivers recede.” 1-1-2016.[2]
— >28 Masters, Jeff. “Midwest Flooding: Levee Break Threatens Missouri Homes.” 1-3-2016.
— >27 Reuters. “Death toll rises to 27 in Midwestern floods as region braces for….” 12-31-2015.
— 24 Reuters (Mary Wisniewski). “Widespread flooding hits U.S. Midwest…”12-30-2015.
— >20 Heartland News. “Everything you need to know about the…Flood. 12-30-2015.
Arkansas ( 1)[3]
— 1 Pope County, Dover vicinity, Dec 27. James Evan LaRue, 31; driving on low water bridge.[4]
Illinois ( 9)
–9 Blanchard tally of fatalities based on locality breakouts below.
–9 Chicago Tribune. “Flooded St. Louis area faces massive cleanup as death toll…” 1-3-2016.[5]
–7 Assoc. Press. “Latest: Flooding Closes 3 Historic Sites in Illinois.” ABC News, 12-30-2015.[6]
–2 Christian County, Dec 28. Devan R. Everett, 18, drowned; Brandon Mann, 18.[7]
–2 Edinburg area, Dec 26-27. Robert E. Gordon II, 49 and Cindy Dexheimer, 46; drowned, minivan swept away.[8]
–5 Patoka vicinity, Dec 26. Adam Schutt family vehicle swept from low-lying bridge.[9]
Missouri (15)
–15 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.[10]
–15 Assoc. Press. “Flooding death toll at 22 in Missouri, Illinois.” KSDK, St. Louis, 1-1-2016.
–16 Chicago Tribune. “Flooded St. Louis area faces massive cleanup as death toll…” 1-3-2016.
–14 AccuWeather. “Flooding inundates St. Louis area…highways as [MS]…crests.” 1-1-2016.
–14 AP. “Latest: Flooding Closes 3 Historic Sites in Illinois.” ABC News, 12-30-2015.[11]
Breakout of Missouri Flood Fatalities by County:
–1 Crawford Co., Bourbon. Harold McPherson, 81; body found Dec 30 a.m.; left vehicle in flood water.[12]
–1 Douglas County, Dec 27. Kevin Lee, 53; drove pickup into flooded low-water crossing.[13]
–1 Greene County, near Farm Roads 112 and 125, Dec 26. Tow truck driver, 60, electrocuted.[14]
–1 Greene Co., Ebenezer, ~Hwy. CC and Farm Road 141, Dec 27. Vehicle driven into flood water.[15]
–1 Jasper Co., Dec 28. Christopher William Forman, 30; truck washed off road into Spring River.[16]
–1 Lawrence County. Christopher A. Sperandio, 37; body found downstream of his vehicle.[17]
–1 Lawrence Co., Browning Hollow tributary flash flooding; male, 28; swept off Farm Road 1130.
–1 Polk County, Pleasant Hope, Dec 26. Man swept from bridge over Pomme de Terre River.[18]
–1? Polk County, Dec 26. “His vehicle was swept away by floodwaters…”[19]
–5 Pulaski Co., Dec 26. International soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood. Vehicle swept away.[20]
–2 Pulaski County, Dec 26. Ron Gray, 53, Sandra Tilley, 50, of Dixon; vehicle swept away.[21]
Oklahoma ( 7)
— 7 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below (including Strickland, missing since Dec 27).
— 6 Tulsa World (Ryburn). “Sixth death attributed to severe weather in Oklahoma.” 1-1-2016.[22]
— 5 AP, St. Louis. “Latest: Flooding Closes 3 Historic Sites in Illinois.” ABC News, 12-30-2015.
Breakout of Oklahoma Winter Storm and Flooding Fatalities by Locality:
— 1 Bixby, Dec 27. Melissa Phillips, 54; drowned.[23] Car swept away by flood water ~201st and Mingo.[24]
— 1 Hinton. “A 66-year-old Hinton man died from the severe weather…”[25]
— 2 Kay Co,, Kaw Lake, Dec 27. Drownings; duck-hunters Chase Marland, 22, Craig Strickland, 29.[26]
— 1 Oklahoma City (death confirmed Dec 29). Tabitha Southerland, 38, outdoors.[27]
— 1 Pittsburg Co., ~Arpelar, Dec 28.[28] Darrell Glen Sennett, 36; trying to drive across creek.[29]
— 1 Yukon, Canadian County, Dec 27. Betty Wright, 66; found outdoors.[30]
Narrative Information
General
Dec 30, Reuters: “Rain-swollen rivers in the U.S. Midwest forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents, threatened crops and livestock and left scores of buildings underwater on Wednesday after days of extreme weather in which 24 people died….At least 24 people have died in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and Oklahoma in flooding after days of downpours that brought as much as 12 inches (30 cm) of rain to some areas. Most of the deaths resulted from people driving into flooded areas.” (Reuters (Mary Wisniewski), Chicago. “Widespread flooding hits U.S. Midwest, rivers still rising.” 12-30-2015.)
Missouri
Dec 27, CNN: “….Six people died in flash floods on rural Missouri roads overnight, Pulaski County Sheriff Ron Long said Sunday, as a result of the same storm system that hit Texas. Rising flood waters carried away two vehicles in separate incidents. Two adults were in one vehicle and at least four were in the other, Long said….” (CNN (Melissa Gray and Tony Marco). “Tornadoes, storms kill 11 in Texas; six die in floods in Missouri.” 12-27-2015.)
Dec 28, AFP: “….In Missouri, Governor Jay Nixon said that at least eight fatalities due to flash flooding were reported in his state….” (AFP (Agence France-Presse), Laura Buckman. “US death toll at 43 as wild weather tears across central states.” 12-28-2015.)
Dec 29, AP: “….Thirteen flood-related deaths have now been confirmed in Missouri. Gov. Jay Nixon announced the new total during a visit Tuesday to Perry County, where a record crest along the Mississippi River is predicted. Nixon did not give details about the latest confirmed fatalities, but said nearly all of those who died in Missouri were in vehicles that drove onto flooded roadways…. Previously, 10 deaths from flooding had been reported….
“Crews have resumed searching for an international soldier missing from central Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood. He is one of several people missing after heavy rains caused extensive flooding. Recovery efforts also are underway in Polk and Jasper counties. The soldier was last seen with four other international soldiers who drowned Saturday night when their vehicle was swept off a Pulaski County road. Sheriff Ron Long said Tuesday that the search is focused on that area. Fort Leonard Wood says the soldiers were part of a program that brings troops from other countries to the installation to study. Their names and where they are from hasn’t been released. Two other people also drowned in Pulaski County after a second vehicle was swept away, also on Saturday.” (AP. “The Mississippi River is Rising.” U.S. News & World Report, 12-29-2015.)
Dec 29, AP, St. Louis: “…6:30 p.m. A sheriff says the body of a fifth international soldier from Fort Leonard Wood who died in weekend flooding has been found. Pulaski County Sheriff Ron Long said the soldier’s body was recovered Tuesday [Dec 29]. He was with four other soldiers who drowned in Pulaski County Saturday [Dec 26]…. The five soldiers were among 13 people who have drowned in flooding in Missouri since the weekend. Twelve were in vehicles that drove into flooded roads….” (Associated Press, St. Louis. “The Latest: Body of 5th soldier recovered from floodwaters.” Fox 10 TV, 12-29-2015.)
Dec 30, Heartland News: “At least 20 deaths over several days in Missouri and Illinois were blamed on flooding, mostly involving vehicles that drove onto swamped roadways. At least two people remain missing. Missouri is under a state of emergency. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner issued a disaster declaration for seven Illinois counties on Tuesday. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon activated the Missouri National Guard Tuesday afternoon. The Mississippi River is the highest since the Great Flood of 2011….” (Heartland News. “Everything you need to know about the New Year Flood. KFWS 12, Cape Girardeau, MO and Carterville, IL, 12-26-2015, updated 12-30-2015.)
Oklahoma
Dec 28, AP/ABC News: “….5 p.m. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the body of a 22-year-old man has been recovered and a second man is missing after the two went duck hunting and their boat capsized. Patrol Capt. Paul Timmons confirmed Monday that rescuers discovered the body of Chase Marland from Kaw Lake in northern Oklahoma. A second man, 29-year-old Craig Strickland of Springdale, Arkansas, was still missing. Rescue workers found the boat shortly after midnight Monday, after the two were reported missing….
“6:45 p.m. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the body of a 36-year-old man has been recovered after the man was swept away while trying to cross a creek in his pickup. On Monday, patrolmen identified the victim as Darrell Glen Sennett from McAlester. Sennett had gone missing Sunday afternoon after trying to drive across the creek near the town of Arpelar. His roommate became stuck in a tree surrounded by swift water while trying to get to Sennett’s truck. The roommate was rescued and taken to a local hospital. Authorities found Sennett’s body on the creek bank Monday afternoon….” (Associated Press, Kaw City, OK. “Latest: More Than 2,800 Flights Canceled Amid Winter Storm.” ABC News, 12-28-2015.)
Dec 29, AP: “Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Paul Timmons said Tuesday that authorities had returned to Kay County in northern Oklahoma where 29-year-old Craig Strickland of Springdale, Arkansas, went missing on Sunday [Dec 27]. On Monday, troopers recovered the body of Strickland’s hunting companion, Chase Morland, from a Kaw Lake…. The weekend storms are blamed for at least three deaths in Oklahoma and more than 100 injuries, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health….” (Associated Press. “The Mississippi River is Rising.” U.S. News & World Report, 12-29-2015.)
Sources
AccuWeather.com (Alex Sosnowski). “Flooding inundates St. Louis area, Missouri highways as Mississippi River crests.” 1-1-2016. Accessed 1-1-2016 at:
AFP (Agence France-Presse), Laura Buckman. “US death toll at 43 as wild weather tears across central states.” 12-28-2015. Accessed 12-28-2015 at: http://news.yahoo.com/texas-tornadoes-kill-11-wild-weather-lashes-us-173316877.html
Associated Press, Verona, MO. “Authorities identify man killed in Lawrence County flooding.” Maryville Daily Forum, Maryville, MO, 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015 at: http://www.maryvilledailyforum.com/news/state_news/article_57187d10-792b-5ea8-848a-b0faab9fcb91.html
Associated Press, Ava, Mo. “Drowning Victim Identified, 10th Missouri Flooding Death.” 12-29-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015 at: http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2015/12/29/drowning-victim
Associated Press. “Drowning Victims of Illinois Flood Identified.” Lex18, Lexington, KY, 12-28-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015: http://www.lex18.com/story/30841395/drowning-victims-of-illinois-flood-identified
Associated Press. “Flooding death toll at 22 in Missouri, Illinois.” KSDK, St. Louis, 1-1-2016. Accessed 1-2-2016 at: http://www.ksdk.com/story/weather/flooding/2016/01/01/flooding-death-toll-at-22-in-missouri-illinois/78185832/
Associated Press, Patoka, Ill. “Ky. Family identified as So. Illinois drowning victims.” 12-28-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015 at: http://www.whas11.com/story/news/traffic/accident-construction/2015/12/27/flooding-claims-lives-kentucky-family-road-trip/77945986/
Associated Press, St. Louis. “Latest: Flooding Closes 3 Historic Sites in Illinois.” ABC News, 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-dead-illinois-disaster-counties-36005547
Associated Press, Kaw City, OK. “Latest: More Than 2,800 Flights Canceled Amid Winter Storm.” ABC News, 12-28-2015. Accessed 12-29-2015 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-weather-forces-40-closure-mexico-texas-35970654
Associated Press, Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma medical examiner says 5 deaths likely from storm.” NewsOn6.com, Tulsa, OK, 12-29-2015. Accessed 1-1-2015 at: http://www.newson6.com/story/30847851/oklahoma-medical-examiner-says-5-deaths-likely-from-storm
Associated Press, St. Louis. “The Latest: Body of 5th soldier recovered from floodwaters.” Fox 10 TV, 12-29-2015. Accessed 12-29-2015 at: http://www.fox10tv.com/story/30847022/the-latest-body-of-5th-soldier-recovered-from-floodwaters
Associated Press. “The Mississippi River is Rising.” U.S. News & World Report, 12-29-2015. Accessed 12-29-2015 at: http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015-12-29/latest-13-confirmed-flood-related-deaths-in-missouri
Bretbart.com. “Live updates. Death Toll Rises to 20 in Missouri, Illinois Flooding – 9 Levees Topped by Water, Nearly Dozen More at Risk.” 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015 at: http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/12/30/death-toll-rises-to-20-in-missouri-illinois-flooding/
CBS News. “Craig Strickland’s wife gives update on search.” 12-31-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/craig-strickland-wife-gives-update-on-search/
Chicago Tribune. “Flooded St. Louis area faces massive cleanup as death toll continues to rise.” 1-3-2016. Accessed 1-3-2016: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-midwest-flooding-missouri-illinois-20160103-story.html
CNN (Ana Cabrera and Jason Hanna). “Country singer Craig Strickland found dead.” 1-4-2016. Accessed 1-4-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/04/entertainment/missing-country-singer-oklahoma/index.html
CNN (Melissa Gray and Tony Marco). “Tornadoes, storms kill 11 in Texas; six die in floods in Missouri.” 12-27-2015. Accessed 12-27-2015 at: http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/27/us/severe-weather/
Fox 23, Tulsa, OK. “Officials identify Bixby drowning victim.” 12-28-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://www.fox23.com/news/news/local/womans-body-found-bixby/npsWX/
Heartland News. “Corps moves equipment, staff to Birds Point.” Tucson News Now, 12-27-2015, updated 12-29-2015. Accessed 12-29-2015 at: http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/30833784/watch-mo-gov-nixon-in-perryville-to-address-flooding
Heartland News. “Everything you need to know about the New Year Flood. KFWS 12, Cape Girardeau, MO and Carterville, IL, 12-26-2015, updated 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015 at: http://www.kfvs12.com/story/30833784/death-toll-up-to-15-in-mo-il-as-floodwaters-close-heartland-roads
Insurangle.com. “Oklahoma Health-related Examiner Backlinks five deaths to Weekend Storm.” 1-1-2016. Accessed 1-2-2016: http://www.insurangle.com/oklahoma-health-related-examiner-backlinks-five-deaths-to-weekend-storm.html
KATV (Sarah Chaffin), Little Rock, AR. “Pope Co. drowning victim identified,” 12-29-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://katv.com/news/local/authorities-respond-to-drowning-death-in-pope-county
KJRH, Tulsa (Nathan Edwards). “Bixby flood victim Melissa Phillips remembered as pioneer bull rider.” 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/bixby-flood-vicitm-melissa-phillips-remembered-as-pioneer-bull-rider
Masters, Jeffrey. “Midwest Flooding: Levee Break Threatens Missouri Homes.” Weather Underground, 1-3-2016. Accessed 1-4-2016 at: http://www.wunderground.com/news/plains-midwest-flooding-news-mississippi-river-st-louis
McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK. “Obituaries…Darrell G. Sennett.” 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://www.mcalesternews.com/obituaries/darrell-g-sennett/article_01ced5de-d629-581c-951b-f1a8f5900d92.html
MyMOinfo.com (Mark Toti). “Dec 31, 2015 Bourbon Man Drowns,” 12-31-2015. Accessed 1-1-2016 at: http://www.mymoinfo.com/DEC-31-2015-BOURBON-MAN-DROWNS/22325190
NBC News (Phil Helsel). “Death Toll Rises in Missouri Floods, Threat Not Over.” 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/death-toll-rises-missouri-floods-threat-not-over-n488181
News-Leader, Springfield, MO (Stephen Herzog and Harrison Keegan). “Third day of flooding takes toll on Ozarks.” 12-28-2015. Accessed 12-30-2015 at: http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2015/12/28/rain-falling-ozarks-deals-third-day-flooding/77965216/
News-Leader, Springfield, MO (Harrison Keegan). “Weekend storm leads to two deaths in Greene County.” 12-28-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/2015/12/27/slow-moving-storm-leads-flooding-springfield/77940454/
Oklahoman, Oklahoma City. “Deaths,” NewsOK, 1-1-2016. Accessed 1-1-2016 at: http://newsok.com/article/5469982
Reuters. “Death toll rises to 27 in Midwestern floods as region braces for freezing temps.” 12-31-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/death-toll-rises-27-midwestern-floods-article-1.2481874
Reuters (Mary Wisniewski), Chicago. “Widespread flooding hits U.S. Midwest, rivers still rising.” 12-30-2015. Accessed 12-3-2015 at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-weather-storm-idUSKBN0UC0PD20151230
State Journal Register (Jason Nevel), Springfield, IL. “Body of Christian County teen found in floodwaters.” 1-1-2016. Accessed 1-2-2016 at: http://www.sj-r.com/article/20160101/NEWS/160109972
The Weather Channel (Sean Breslin). “Midwest Flooding: Interstate 55 Closed Near St. Louis,” 12-31-2015. Accessed 12-31-2015 at: http://www.weather.com/safety/floods/news/plains-midwest-flooding-news-mississippi-river-st-louis
Tulsa World (Stacy Ryburn). “Sixth death attributed to severe weather in Oklahoma.” 1-1-2016. Accessed 1-1-2016 at: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/weather/sixth-death-attributed-to-severe-weather-in-oklahoma/article_308f8baf-756c-5c38-bee2-67a439b24be4.html
Tulsa World, OK (Kyle Hinchey and Paighten Harkins). “Winter storm death toll rises to five; floodgates release record amounts of water.” 12-30-2015. Accessed 1-1-2016 at: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/weather/winter-storm-death-toll-rises-to-five-floodgates-release-record/article_86674aaf-5034-5404-94c6-2e491747a067.html
WAND 17, Decatur, IL. “Taylorville search teams find body of second missing teen.” 1-3-2016. Accessed 1-4-2016 at: http://www.wandtv.com/story/30873188/taylorville-search-teams-find-body-of-second-missing-teen
[1] Dates relate to time-frame flood-related (and other) deaths occurred, not to the time-frame of the flood event.
[2] “Residents of Southern states along the Mississippi…are bracing for the flooding that has swamped communities in Illinois and Missouri over the last week, causing thousands of evacuations and killing at least 29 people.”
[3] We have seen several reports of two Arkansas deaths independent of the Pope County death. It appears, though, these are references to the two Arkansas duck-hunters who drowned in Oklahoma.
[4] The Weather Channel (Sean Breslin). “Midwest Flooding: Interstate 55 Closed Near St. Louis,” 12-31-2015. Arkansas Democrat Gazette, in its obituary for Mr. LaRue, notes his death was on Sunday, Dec 27 (The Weather Channel/Sean Breslin article just noted the death took place over the weekend [Dec 26-27].) KATV (Sarah Chaffin), article provides information that the victim’s vehicle was found on a low water bridge, near rapidly flowing water, near Dover, which is north of Russellville, Arkansas. (“Pope Co. drowning victim identified,” 12-29-2015.
[5] Cites Illinois Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Patti Thompson.
[6] “Two central Illinois residents have drowned…raising the state’s death toll since the weekend to seven.”
[7] Pickup found five miles north of Taylorville in about 17 feet of water. Teens last seen Dec 28. (State Journal Register, Springfield, IL. “Body of Christian County teen found in floodwaters.” 1-1-2016.) Brandon Mann’s body found Jan 3. (WAND 17, Decatur, IL. “Taylorville search teams find body of second missing teen.” 1-3-2016.)
[8] AP, St. Louis. “Latest: Flooding Closes 3 Historic Sites in Illinois.” ABC News, 12-30-2015. “Christian County officials say a man and a woman were found Tuesday morning [Dec 29] in floodwaters about 6 miles east of Edinburg. Officials say it appears they were trying to cross a flooded area…their minivan is still missing. The Christian County Coroner’s Office told the (Springfield) State Journal-Register…that both died of drowning.” Names from: State Journal Register, Springfield. “Body of Christian County teen found in floodwaters.” 1-1-2016.
[9] Associated Press. “Ky. Family identified as So. Illinois drowning victims.” 12-28-2015. Victims were Adam Schutt, his wife Erin Schutt, and their children Logan, Robbyn and Chad Schutt. (AP. Drowning Victims of Illinois Flood Identified.” Lex18, Lexington, KY, 12-28-2015.)
[10] We show a range of 14-15 in that the highest reported death toll we have for Missouri is fourteen, but our tally of individual deaths indicate fifteen. Difference may be our inclusion of the death of a tow truck driver who was electrocuted while attempting to get to a vehicle swept off the road by flood waters in Greene County.
[11] Another source notes that “Seven of the 14 deaths occurred in Pulaski County.” (NBC News (Phil Helsel). “Death Toll Rises in Missouri Floods, Threat Not Over.” 12-30-2015.)
[12] MyMOinfo.com (Mark Toti). “Dec 31, 2015 Bourbon Man Drowns,” 12-31-2015. Notes victim left his vehicle at the flooded Meramec River on Highway N, southeast of Bourbon. He then got caught up in flood waters and drowned. His body was recovered from a tree at the Campbell Bridge Conservation Boat Ramp. McPherson is the eight drowning in Missouri in the month of December.” See also: Associated Press, St. Louis. “Latest: Flooding Closes 3 Historic Sites in Illinois.” ABC News, 12-30-2015.
[13] AP. “Drowning Victim Identified, 10th Missouri Flooding Death.” 12-29-2015. Notes “The truck then was carried downstream in the Spring River. The [MO Highway] patrol says Lee left the truck but was unable to make it to shore and drowned about seven miles south of Ava.” Another report notes that Mr. Lee was attempting to bring cattle to higher ground. (Weather Channel. “Midwest Flooding: Interstate 55 Closed Near St. Louis,” 12-31-2015.
[14] According to the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, the tow truck driver was trying to retrieve a vehicle that had gone off the road and was electrocuted by as downed power line. (News-Leader, Springfield, MO (Harrison Keegan). “Weekend storm leads to two deaths in Greene County.” 12-28-2015.) The Weather Channel identified the driver as Edward Kammerer, 60 (TWC/Sean Breslin. “Midwest Flooding: Interstate 55 Closed Near St. Louis,” 12-31-2015.)
[15] News-Leader, Springfield, MO (H. Keegan). “Weekend storm leads to two deaths in Greene County.” 12-28-2015. Probably a reference to death of Steven Welton, 42, who, according to MO Highway Patrol, drowned in a creek when his car was washed off the road on Saturday [Dec 26]. The Weather Channel (Sean Breslin). “Midwest Flooding: Interstate 55 Closed Near St. Louis,” 12-31-2015.
[16] The Weather Channel (Sean Breslin). “Midwest Flooding: Interstate 55 Closed Near St. Louis,” 12-31-2015; Joplin Globe, MO, “Flooding claims two lives in Southwest Missouri,” 12-29-2015. Joplin Globe piece writes “The body was recovered a third of a mile downstream from where Forman’s truck left the road during high water, near County Road 300 in northwest Jasper County…[MO Hwy Patrol] said the accident was reported at 7:27 a.m. Monday when two trucks, including Forman’s, were blocked by floodwaters…state troopers saw the man get swept downstream as they were rescuing the other driver.”
[17] AP, Verona, MO. “Authorities identify man killed in Lawrence County flooding.” Maryville Daily, 12-30-2015. Age noted in: NBC News (Phil Helsel). “Death Toll Rises in Missouri Floods, Threat Not Over.” 12-30-2015.
[18] Presumed drowned. Victim was in a vehicle on the bridge; guardrails prevented his vehicle from washing away.
[19] Associated Press. “Flooding death toll at 22 in Missouri, Illinois.” KSDK, St. Louis, 1-1-2016. We highlight in yellow to indicate that we do not include in our tally – may refer to the Polk County flood death already recorded though the circumstances are described differently – the Pleasant Hope victim’s car being stuck on a bridge, and this account which is of a victim being found “just downstream from where his vehicle left the road.”
[20] Associated Press. “The Latest: Body of 5th soldier recovered from floodwaters.” Fox 10 TV, 12-29-2015. The soldiers were attending officer education at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence. “The victims were identified…as Maj. Mohammad Hassan Ibrahim, 32, Egypt; Maj. Akram Abu Al-rub, 38, Jordan; Cat. Ahmed Moussouni, 32, Algeria; Capt. Ahmed Abdelghani, 29, Egypt; and Capt. Hasman Hussin, 33, Malaysia.” (Bretbart.com. “Live updates. Death Toll Rises to 20 in Missouri, Illinois Flooding…” 12-30-2015.)
[21] NBC News (Phil Helsel). “Death Toll Rises in Missouri Floods, Threat Not Over.” 12-30-2015. Another source notes incident took place about ten miles from where the Fort Hood international military officers were drowned. (Heartland News. “Corps moves equipment, staff to Birds Point.” Tucson News Now, 12-27-2015, updated Dec 29.) Date of deaths from: Weather Channel. “Midwest Flooding: Interstate 55 Closed Near St. Louis,” 12-31-2015.
[22] “The number of deaths resulting from torrential rainfall and wintry weather that hit Oklahoma over the weekend and the flooding that ensued has climbed to six, according to the state Department of Emergency Management.”
[23] Fox 23, Tulsa. “Officials identify Bixby drowning victim.” 12-28-2015. Cites OK Hwy. Patrol for determination of death by drowning in flood water, noting it was believed her vehicle ran off the road and became submerged.
[24] KJRH, Tulsa (N. Edwards). “Bixby flood victim Melissa Phillips remembered as pioneer bull rider.” 12-30-2015.
[25] Tulsa World (Ryburn). “Sixth death attributed to severe weather in Oklahoma.” 1-1-2016. Does not note date of death nor cause. Does note that the source was Medical Examiner’s Office news release.
[26] AP, Kaw City, OK. “Latest: More Than 2,800 Flights Canceled Amid Winter Storm.” ABC News, 12-28-2015; CBS News. “Craig Strickland’s wife gives update on search.” 12-31-2015; CNN (Ana Cabrera and Jason Hanna). “Country singer Craig Strickland found dead.” 1-4-2016.
[27] Tulsa World, OK (Kyle Hinchey and Paighten Harkins). “Winter storm death toll rises to five; floodgates release record amounts of water.” 12-30-2015. Article cites Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. Identification of victim from: AP, Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma medical examiner says 5 deaths likely from storm.” NewsOn6.com, Tulsa, OK, 12-29-2015. Another source notes she was most likely a drowning victim. (Insurangle.com. “Oklahoma Health-related Examiner Backlinks five deaths to Weekend Storm.” 1-1-2016.)
[28] Date of death is from McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK. “Obituaries…Darrell G. Sennett.” 12-30-2015.
[29] AP, Kaw City, OK. “Latest: More Than 2,800 Flights Canceled Amid Winter Storm.” ABC News, 12-28-2015. Victim’s age is from: Tulsa World, OK (Kyle Hinchey and Paighten Harkins). “Winter storm death toll rises to five; floodgates release record amounts of water.” 12-30-2015. Tulsa World notes Mr. Sennett was from McAlester.
[30] Tulsa World, OK (Kyle Hinchey and Paighten Harkins). “Winter storm death toll rises to five; floodgates release record amounts of water.” 12-30-2015 (Cites OK DEM). Identification of victim from: AP, Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma medical examiner says 5 deaths likely from storm.” NewsOn6.com, Tulsa, OK, 12-29-2015. Date of death from: Oklahoman. “Deaths,” NewsOK, 1-1-2016. Another source notes she was most likely a drowning victim. (Insurangle.com. “Oklahoma Health-related Examiner Backlinks five deaths to Weekend Storm.” 1-1-2016.)