Wright County poll workers drown after car swept away by floodwaters

WRIGHT COUNTY, Mo. (KY3) - Two people have died after their car was swept away by floodwaters Tuesday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, around 4 a.m., multiple cars were swept off State Route H near Beaver Creek in Wright County.

Emergency crews began rescuing the swept-away people. Two people in one car were able to escape by swimming to shore.

A couple in the other car, a 70-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman from Wright County, were found dead around 8:45 a.m. not in their car.

According to Wright County Sheriff Sonny Byerly, they used a drone to find the deceased couple. The sheriff also says there were six swift water rescues in the county last night.

According to Sheriff Byerly, the two were on their way to work at a polling location. The Wright County Clerk’s Office has confirmed the two were poll workers.

The Wright County Clerk’s Office is saddened by the loss of life that occurred early this morning of two poll workers. Mrs. Pederson, the Wright County Clerk, is not releasing their names out of respect and privacy to the family. As reported by the Wright County Sheriff this loss of life occurred as a result of swift, high water from the storms that came through the area the night before. This is a tragic loss for Wright County. They were dedicated citizens who valued fair and honest elections. They will be missed. Mrs. Pederson states, “This is a terrible loss for Wright County. This couple were wonderful people who donated their time to serve their community. We will miss them dearly and the service they provided to my office.”

The couple’s family has been notified.

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