One year ago today, six people died as the result of catastrophic flooding in Alexander County.
Heavy rains began overnight on November 11th but by daybreak on the 12th, it was obvious this was not just another night and morning of heavy rains. Around 6am, emergency teams were dispatched to the Hiddenite Family Campground on Princess Lane in Hiddenite. The waters from the South Yadkin River had roared onto the campground and a number of people were missing.
Floodwaters at Hiddenite Family Campground
Photo: WBTV
Another person was missing as well but they were not thought to be at the campground. That person would be killed as the result of a collapsed roadway. Some 50 roadways were closed or compromised and at least four bridges were destroyed.
Search and rescue teams fought the elements as the rain lessened by the early morning hours. An emergency shelter was established at East Taylorsville Baptist Church.
At the campground, three bodies were recovered and by late morning the missing-count stood at two. On the 13th, the body of an one-year-old was found. The rescue was taking it’s toll on the rescue teams and the community. Alexander County Sheriff said, “It’s a tragedy that you can’t get over, I know I won’t.”
The campground was “under 11-14 feet of water” according to Alexander County Director of Public Services Doug Gillispie at a press conference on November 13th. A body was recovered after a bridge on Hopewell Church Road collapsed earlier that day.
Over the course of several days, all those missing were found. They were identified on November 16th as
Crystal Dawn LeVan Reed, age 49 of Hiddenite,
Tyrell Jordan “Ty” Reed, age 18 of Hiddenite
Tina Ann Allen, age 52 of Hiddenite
Ronald James Wintemute, age 76 of Hiddenite
Mason Lee Flowers, age 1 of Hiddenite
The driver who died as result of the bridge collapse was Daniel Keith Ballew, age 64 of Hiddenite.