A South Carolina mom tragically lost her life while trying to save her children during a flash flood in Pennsylvania. Katie Seley, 32, was visiting relatives with her family when the unexpected and devastating flood occurred. Despite the efforts of Katie’s mother and herself, her two children, Mattie and Conrad, are still missing.
The incident happened over the weekend when a sudden downpour caused a flash flood in Pennsylvania, sweeping away cars and filling houses. Tragically, 11 vehicles were caught in the torrent of water on General Washington Memorial Boulevard.
Katie’s husband, Jim Sheils, their oldest son, Jack, 4, and her 62-year-old mother, Dahlia, managed to survive the flood. Their courageous attempt to save Mattie and Conrad, however, was overpowered by the force of the torrent, snatching them away.
According to a spokesperson for the family, who spoke on their behalf, they were heading to a barbeque when the flood hit them unexpectedly. Katie’s mother managed to pull herself to safety and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Search teams quickly arrived at the scene and discovered Katie’s lifeless body in the wreckage left behind by the flash storm. However, the search for Mattie and Conrad is still ongoing.
The family explained that the flood caught them entirely off guard as the water rushed around their car, almost carrying them away. They want to make it clear that they never drove into a water-filled street.
The Sheils family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from the community during this difficult time. Their unwavering commitment to finding Conrad and Mattie has given them strength. They also thanked the rescue teams for their bravery and vowed to continue their search the next day.
The flood caused significant damage to the local infrastructure, with cars upturned, trees damaged, and houses filled with water. Rescue efforts had to be temporarily suspended until the weather cleared and the floodwaters subsided.
The search resumed the following day with boats scouring the Delaware area and drones combing the region. Although Katie’s body has been recovered, the search for the two missing children, aged nine months and two years, continues.
The surviving family members released a statement, expressing their gratitude for the compassion, kindness, and bravery shown by all involved in the rescue efforts. They are thankful for the support they have received from the community and requested privacy during their grieving process.
Katie’s death was not the only tragedy caused by the flood. Four other individuals lost their lives as well. The damage caused by the storm was unimaginable, with six to seven inches of rain falling within an hour.
The Upper Makefield Fire Chief described the flood as a unexpected natural disaster that surpassed the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida. The Upper Makefield Township Police Department is leading the search efforts and has asked for prayers for the affected families.
The Sheils family expressed their deep appreciation for the overwhelming support from the community and the dedication of the first responders. They want everyone to know that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
