FRANKFORT, Ky. — A tragic incident in Kentucky has left the community mourning after a 9-year-old boy was swept away by floodwaters while heading to his school bus stop.
The devastating death of Gabriel Andrews has raised serious concerns among residents about the decision of the Franklin County school district to keep in-person classes open despite severe storms causing flash flooding.
Local parent Caitlin Green expressed her bewilderment regarding the district’s decision, emphasizing the dangers posed to students.
“You’re risking children’s lives by putting them on buses in this weather, not knowing if they’ll encounter flooded roads,” she stated.
In contrast, several nearby school districts opted to cancel classes on the same day.
Superintendent Mark Kopp referred to the tragedy as “horrific,” emphasizing the school community’s shared loss.
“We are more than a school system; we are a family at Franklin County Schools, and we share in this loss together,” Kopp expressed.
The school district has not addressed concerns voiced by parents on social media about the continuation of classes during flooding.
Authorities were notified around 6:35 a.m. Friday regarding the boy caught in the floodwaters, and a search-and-rescue operation was initiated. Tragically, he was discovered deceased approximately two hours later.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences, stating, “My heart breaks for this family.”
