The Wright County couple recalled drowning in floodwaters

MANES, Mo. (KY3) – A Manes couple died early Monday morning after being caught up in significant flooding.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the couple, a 70-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman, became stranded in their car. They escaped and tried to swim to dry ground.

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office, who was also on the scene, said there were five people in three different cars on State Highway H just east of Manes Monday morning. There was one man in one car; another had two teenage boys, about 18 years old. The two boys tried several times to reach the couple, who they saw clinging to a tree.

“I want to give credit to these two boys because they were brave,” said Sheriff Sonny Byerley. “Not only were they in crisis, but they made it to shore, called for help, came back and made several attempts to get there to rescue those two.”

It was around 8 a.m. when Sheriff Byerley arrived on the scene and used his drone to search for the couple. He said they were found about 100 yards from the road. They died holding each other.

According to the Wright County Clerk, the poll workers were on their way to a polling station when they ended up in the water. Sheriff Byerley said he knew the couple personally. They were among the best people in Wright County. Now their family is left to mourn their loss.

“They’re not easy,” Byerley said. “I mean, to go in and tell them that you know the loved one they had just seen has now passed away. It’s tough for them.”

The flood damaged State Highway H. The shoulder on the north side of the road was washed away. Some of the road bases under that side have also been wiped out, and Byerley says they are in danger of collapsing in those spots.

According to Sheriff Byerley, emergency responders from multiple municipalities have all responded to several rescues in the county, and he is grateful for their assistance.

“Fire departments in our region are volunteers, which means they don’t make money. They do it out of love for the public,” said Sheriff Byerley. “I think that’s great, and they deserve thanks for all the things they do for our community on their own time.”

The couple’s names have not been released.

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