TRIADELPHIA, WV — June 20, 2025 — Community Grieves After Beloved 83-Year-Old Found Deceased in Wake of Historic Ohio County Floods
The small community of Triadelphia, West Virginia, is grappling with overwhelming grief and loss following the heartbreaking confirmation that Sandra Kay Parsons, an 83-year-old resident reported missing during the catastrophic flooding earlier this week, has been found deceased. Officials with the Ohio County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) confirmed the devastating discovery on Wednesday, marking her as the ninth confirmed fatality from the natural disaster that has left Ohio County battered and its residents in mourning.
What began as a hopeful search for a missing grandmother concluded with solemn tears, as emergency crews found her body amid the flood’s debris and devastation. Her passing, while deeply saddening, has united the community in collective remembrance and catalyzed a powerful call for increased flood readiness, infrastructure protection, and attention to vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.
A Devastating Week for Ohio County
The recent storms that ravaged West Virginia brought torrential rain, overwhelming rivers and creeks, and flooding roadways and homes with little warning. According to meteorological data, over 6 inches of rain fell across Ohio County in less than 48 hours. The rainfall triggered widespread flash flooding, washing out roads, destroying bridges, and forcing dozens of residents to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.
In Triadelphia and surrounding towns, the impact has been catastrophic. Emergency shelters have filled to capacity. Families have been displaced. And lives—such as that of the 83-year-old woman whose story now anchors the community’s heartbreak—have been lost.
The Ohio County EMA, in partnership with search-and-rescue teams, the West Virginia National Guard, and dozens of volunteers, launched an immediate and extensive operation to locate those unaccounted for, including elderly and disabled residents who may have been trapped or isolated by rising waters.
The Search for an 83-Year-Old Neighbor
Sandra Kay Parsons had been reported missing by family and neighbors after she failed to respond to phone calls and was not seen evacuating with others in her neighborhood. As floodwaters quickly consumed streets in Triadelphia, concerns mounted about her whereabouts and safety. Volunteers and emergency responders canvassed the area by boat and on foot, but high water levels, hazardous conditions, and unstable terrain hampered early search efforts.
According to officials, Parsons’ residence was one of many affected by the fast-rising floodwaters. Neighbors said she had lived in her home for decades, a beloved elder in the community who often sat on her front porch, greeted passersby, and participated in church events.
“She was like a second grandmother to all of us,” said one local resident. “She would tell stories, give advice, and always reminded us to take care of one another. It’s hard to believe she’s really gone.”
Her remains were found during a methodical search of low-lying areas that had only recently become accessible after floodwaters began to recede. The recovery, while anticipated after several days of missing reports, was no less devastating for family and community members.
Mourning the Loss of a Beloved Figure
As news of her passing spread through the Triadelphia area, tributes poured in from all corners of the community. Friends, neighbors, and local officials gathered outside her church to light candles, leave flowers, and share stories of a woman remembered for her warmth, wisdom, and unshakable spirit.
“She taught Sunday school here for over 30 years,” said a fellow congregant. “Even when her health began to slow her down, she never missed a service. She was part of the fabric of this town.”
Family members released a statement thanking search crews and community members for their prayers and support, saying they take comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved and respected.
“We are heartbroken by this loss but grateful to know that she is at peace. She was a light in all our lives, and her memory will live on through the kindness she shared every day,” the statement read.
The Human Toll of Natural Disasters
Sandra’s death has highlighted the increasing vulnerability of elderly residents during natural disasters, especially in rural areas where emergency services may be delayed by poor infrastructure or dangerous conditions.
Disaster response experts say that the needs of older adults must be prioritized in both emergency planning and recovery efforts. Mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, and communication barriers often place seniors at greater risk during weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and winter storms.
“We need better systems for checking in on our elders during these crises,” said one disaster preparedness advocate. “Too often they are left behind—either because they’re unable to leave on their own or because we assume someone else has checked on them.”
Several community groups are already discussing the creation of a “vulnerable residents registry” to better track and assist seniors in future emergencies. Similar systems have been implemented in other flood-prone areas, allowing emergency teams to proactively reach those at highest risk.
Ninth Confirmed Fatality—and Rising
Sandra Kay Parsons’ death brings the total number of confirmed fatalities from this week’s Ohio County flooding to nine. Officials caution that the toll may rise further as recovery crews continue to search damaged areas and as some hospitals begin reporting delayed flood-related complications.
In addition to the fatalities, dozens of residents have been injured, and hundreds have been displaced from their homes. Several bridges and roadways remain impassable, and power outages continue to affect portions of the county.
Governor statements in response to the disaster have promised swift federal assistance, and FEMA is already on the ground conducting damage assessments. Ohio County has been approved for emergency disaster relief, which includes temporary housing assistance, infrastructure repair, and recovery grants.
A Call to Action Amid the Grief
While the community mourns the loss of a beloved elder, residents and local leaders are also calling for systemic changes to better prepare for extreme weather in the future. Climate scientists note that flash flooding events like this one are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change and urban sprawl, which reduces land’s ability to absorb water.
“This is not a once-in-a-lifetime flood anymore,” said a local environmental researcher. “We need floodplain reforms, stronger infrastructure, and localized response plans that include everyone — especially our most vulnerable.”
Some residents have already begun organizing grassroots efforts to build stronger community response teams, purchase high-water rescue equipment, and create neighborhood safety networks.
“This loss cannot be in vain,” one organizer said. “We owe it to her and to everyone affected by this tragedy to be better prepared next time.”
Moving Forward in Honor
Plans are underway for a community memorial service that will honor all nine victims of the flood, including Sandra Kay Parsons. Churches and nonprofit organizations have pledged support for grieving families and those whose homes were destroyed or damaged.
Volunteers have also begun coordinating cleanup and rebuilding efforts. From removing debris to delivering meals and supplies, the residents of Ohio County are once again showing their trademark resilience — bound together by loss, but also by hope.
A lifelong friend of Parsons summed it up best at a candlelight vigil held Thursday evening:
“She survived wars, recessions, the loss of her husband and two siblings — but she never lost her faith, her joy, or her love for this town. And even though the waters took her from us, nothing can take what she gave.”
In Her Memory:
A scholarship fund in her name is being established to support young women in Triadelphia pursuing careers in education and community service — two passions she held close. Donations can be made through the Ohio County Community Foundation.
If You Need Help:
Residents affected by the flood can contact the Ohio County Flood Relief Hotline at 1-800-555-RESPOND. Mental health services, housing assistance, and volunteer opportunities are also available through the county’s emergency response webpage.
As Ohio County recovers, one name will remain etched in its memory — not just as the ninth fatality, but as a woman who embodied the soul of her community. And though she is gone, her legacy of kindness, strength, and grace will continue to guide those who knew and loved her.
