Two Dead After Being Swept Away by Flood Waters in Nash County

Nash County Flood Kills Two Near Spring Hope

A man and a woman have died after they were swept away by flood waters in Nash County Wednesday afternoon, Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone said at a press conference.

The sheriff said around 2:14 p.m., Nash County Communications received a call about a single-vehicle crash on N.C. 581 and U.S. 64 Alt. near Spring Hope, where a car was swept into a ravine due to flood waters. He said several agencies were dispatched to the call.

Sheriff Stone said the vehicle was swept off the right side of the road and went about 30-35 yards into the ravine or ditch that was flowing with fast-moving water.

“At that time, the two occupants got out of the vehicle, got on top of the vehicle,” Sheriff Stone said. “The vehicle was unstable, the vehicle was shaking.”

An officer who was at the scene and attempted to rescue the man and woman was present at the press conference, as he was not swept away. Sheriff Stone said the officer tried to rescue the female occupant who fell in the water.

“She was swept away. At that time, he was trying to get to her and he began stranded hisself,” Sheriff Stone said.

Sheriff Stone said by the time rescue arrived to help save the officer and the occupants, the male occupant had fallen into the water and was also swept away. He said a search and rescue operation was launched that included several agencies.

First responders were unable to rescue them before they were found dead. 

The identities of the victims have not yet been released.