Fatal Drowning in West Plains Floodwaters – A second drowning fatality has been confirmed in the West Plains area following severe flooding over the weekend. A 45-year-old local man was found dead on Sunday afternoon, two days after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters near Mustion Creek. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the tragic incident occurred on Friday evening, marking the second drowning event of the day in the region.
According to officials, the man attempted to cross a low-water slab at around 6:16 p.m. on Friday, when rising floodwaters rapidly overtook his vehicle. As the water quickly swelled, the man exited his vehicle in an effort to escape the flood but tragically drowned before he could reach safety. His body was recovered from the creek on Sunday, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Howell County coroner at 2:14 p.m.
At this time, the identity of the deceased has not been released, as authorities are awaiting proper family notification. However, this incident marks the second tragic death associated with the same flood event. Just 20 minutes earlier, another drowning occurred in the area. In that case, a 57-year-old man from O’Fallon, Missouri, also attempted to escape from his vehicle after it was carried away by floodwaters. Like the 45-year-old, he was unable to survive the rushing water.
These two fatalities mark the first drownings in the West Plains region for 2025, as Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop G had reported zero drowning fatalities at this time in the previous year. The occurrence of two such incidents within a short period underscores the unpredictable and dangerous nature of flooding, especially in low-water crossing areas that are prone to being overtaken by fast-moving waters.
Emergency response teams, along with local authorities, continue to urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and to never attempt to drive through moving water. The National Weather Service, in cooperation with local agencies, has issued repeated warnings about the dangers of flood-prone areas, particularly in the wake of recent heavy rainfall that has saturated the region. Authorities strongly advise residents to exercise extreme caution when navigating low-water crossings and to seek alternative routes when flooding is imminent or ongoing.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and other agencies continue to investigate both drowning incidents. As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that the devastating consequences of floodwaters should not be underestimated, and these fatalities serve as a tragic reminder of the importance of adhering to safety recommendations during severe weather conditions.
In conclusion, the two drownings in West Plains this weekend have served as stark reminders of the deadly dangers posed by floodwaters. As emergency officials work to prevent further tragedies, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe in flood-prone areas. The community remains in mourning for the victims, and local authorities are committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.