Kentucky State Police Post 14 Locates Man Swept Away in Flood Water

This incident remains under investigation

GREENUP, KY. (December 18, 2019) – The Kentucky State Police have located and identified a man swept away in floodwaters early Tuesday morning. Personnel responded to State Route 2 and KY 7 in the Load Community of Greenup County to resume the search early Wednesday morning after the water levels had subsided. After canvasing the area through the early morning hours, a vehicle was located in a field that was heavily flooded. David E. Rice, age 50 of Greenup was located nearby in the same field, deceased.

The investigation and a witness statement revealed, Mr. Rice attempted to cross a flooded portion of the roadway and was swept away in the fast moving water. Mr. Rice exited his vehicle and attempted to swim to safety shortly before disappearing into the floodwaters. The family was subsequently notified and the Greenup County Coroner called to the scene.

This incident remains under investigation by Detective Jeff Kelley. Detective Kelley was assisted on scene by the Load Fire Department, Ashland Fire Department, Russell Fire Department and the Greenup County Sheriff’s Department.

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