Nationwide — Gabriel Andrews, a 9-year-old African American boy from Frankfort, Kentucky, died after floodwaters swept him away whereas strolling to his faculty bus cease. His demise has left his household, faculty, and neighborhood in deep mourning, and raised questions on why colleges remained open throughout extreme climate circumstances.
In line with People, the boy had simply celebrated his ninth birthday three days earlier than the tragic incident. He was strolling to catch his bus on April 4th when flash floods hit the world.
Heavy rains had already flooded elements of the South and Midwest, making circumstances even worse with further storms and tornadoes. Gabriel is certainly one of not less than 20 folks reported to have died as a result of flooding.
His mom, Racheal Andrews, expressed her grief, saying, “I’m overwhelmed with the love that the neighborhood had for my son.”
She remembered him as a boy who “had probably the most stunning smile” and “cherished everybody he got here in touch with.” Gabriel cherished soccer and basketball. He’s survived by his mom, sister, three brothers, and his maternal grandparents.
Former trainer Kasey Swails additionally shared a heartfelt tribute, describing Gabriel as “the sweetest boy who at all times put a smile on my face,” she wrote in a publish. “He advised me good morning EVERY morning as quickly as he walked in my door. He has so many individuals who love him.”
Franklin County Faculties, the place Gabriel was a pupil, expressed their sorrow in a press release. Superintendent Mark Kopp stated, “We’re deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy that claimed the lifetime of certainly one of our college students.” He added that help providers can be found for college students and workers.
Following Gabriel’s demise, some dad and mom questioned why colleges remained open. Gabriel’s mom stated she was “devastated” lessons weren’t canceled. “There by no means ought to have been faculty that day,” she stated.
Because the neighborhood continues to mourn, the tragedy has sparked ongoing discussions about security throughout excessive climate occasions and whether or not colleges ought to take extra precautions.
