A devastating tragedy struck Hart County, Kentucky, on Saturday night when a woman and her 7-year-old daughter, Charlotte Philpott, lost their lives after their vehicle was swept away by flash flooding in the Bonnieville community. The incident occurred on Campground Road near Bacon Creek, where emergency responders were called to perform a water rescue. Despite their efforts, rising floodwaters and hazardous nighttime conditions forced crews to suspend operations, leaving the victims unreachable until conditions improved.
Late Saturday night, rescue teams recovered the body of the young child from the submerged vehicle. However, the search for the mother had to be paused until Sunday morning, when teams resumed efforts and successfully located her body later in the day. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Louisville reported that the tragedy occurred around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, when the vehicle was overtaken by rapidly rising floodwaters.
This heartbreaking incident is part of a larger disaster that has gripped Kentucky, with Governor Andy Beshear calling it “one of the most serious weather events we’ve dealt with in at least a decade.” The floods have claimed at least eight lives statewide, with fatalities reported in Hart, Pike, and Clay counties. Many of the deaths involved vehicles caught in floodwaters, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid driving in flooded areas.
- The flooding has caused widespread devastation across Kentucky:
- Nearly 40,000 residents remain without power.
- 9,800 service connections are without water.
- 26,000 residents are under a boil-water advisory.
- The Pike County School District has announced indefinite school closures due to the disaster.
Governor Beshear announced on Sunday that President Donald Trump had approved his request for federal disaster relief funding to assist impacted communities. The state is working tirelessly to provide support and resources to those affected. The flooding was caused by heavy rainfall, with parts of Kentucky and Tennessee receiving up to six inches of rain over the weekend.
Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads, and follow local emergency guidelines as rescue and recovery efforts continue. The tragic loss of life in Hart County serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by flash flooding and the importance of heeding weather warnings. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this devastating disaster.