Devastating storms and tornados ripped through multiple states in the Midwest and South this weekend, claiming at least 21 lives and leaving widespread destruction in their wake. The tragic death of 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews in Franklin County, Kentucky, highlighted the devastating impact of these storms.
The young boy was swept away by floodwaters Friday morning while attempting to reach his school bus stop, sparking outrage over the school district’s decision to remain open despite severe weather warnings. Despite the National Weather Service issuing a flash flood warning until 8:30 a.m. for Franklin County and 12 surrounding counties, school officials made only minimal adjustments.
At least 20 people, including children and first responders, are now confirmed dead after a relentless barrage of tornadoes and historic flash flooding across several states. MORE: https://t.co/s61HqPLG7O #foxweather #severeweather #flooding pic.twitter.com/YTtTTYu6Go
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) April 7, 2025
At 5 a.m., they announced the cancellation of just two bus routes on Facebook, later dismissing concerns about school closures even as conditions worsened. Local resident Caitlin Green described the treacherous conditions to CNN affiliate WLKY, saying “the rain was coming down hard” with “flooded roadways” forcing students like Andrews to navigate dangerous obstacles to reach their bus stops.
Searchers discovered Andrews’ body approximately half a mile from where floodwaters had swept him away in the Hickory Hills area, according to CNN reports. The discovery was made around 8:47 a.m. “We are deeply saddened that this horrific tragedy has claimed the life of one of our students,” said Superintendent Mark Kopp in a statement, offering no explanation for the decision to hold classes during the severe weather event.
JUST IN: The death toll continues to rise and now stands at 21 after days of severe weather, tornadoes and flooding. MORE: https://t.co/s61HqPLG7O #foxweather #severeweather #flooding #tornadoes pic.twitter.com/X4g1BCk1JS
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) April 7, 2025
The storms’ impact extended far beyond Kentucky, where Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency as rivers approached record levels. Tennessee suffered the highest death toll with ten fatalities, while Arkansas, Missouri, and Georgia also reported casualties. The destruction claimed victims of all ages, including a 5-year-old Arkansas boy killed when a tree collapsed onto his home and a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter in Missouri who died in an accident while attempting to assist storm victims.
As of Monday morning, Kentucky authorities reported over 500 closed state roads, with numerous locations across multiple states expected to reach “major flood stage.” Meanwhile, local law enforcement and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gabriel’s death.
