On April 4, 2025, tragedy struck the Frankfort, Kentucky, community when 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews was swept away by floodwaters while walking to his school bus stop. His mother, Racheal Andrews, remembers him as a cheerful and loving child with a radiant smile. Gabriel had recently celebrated his ninth birthday just three days before the incident. He had a passion for basketball and football, and his enthusiasm for life was evident to all who knew him. The Washington Times+18Yahoo News+18WHAS 11+18People.com
The incident occurred around 6:35 a.m. near Gabriel’s home in the Hickory Hills area of Frankfort. As he made his way to the bus stop, he was caught in rapidly rising floodwaters. Emergency responders initiated a search, and approximately two hours later, they recovered his body about half a mile from where he was last seen. K105+5VT+5WLKY+5WHAS 11FOX 29 Philadelphia+2FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU)+2FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul+2
Gabriel’s teacher, Kasey Swails, described him as the “sweetest, kindest boy” who had a deep love for basketball and police cars. His untimely death has left the school community and local residents in mourning. People.com+3AP News+3WRAL.com+3
This heartbreaking event has raised questions regarding the decision of Franklin County Schools to hold in-person classes despite severe weather conditions. Neighboring districts had opted to cancel classes due to the storms. Superintendent Mark Kopp referred to Gabriel’s death as a “horrific tragedy” and expressed that the entire school community is grieving. The district has faced criticism from parents and community members who believe that classes should have been canceled to ensure student safety. People.com+3AP News+3WRAL.com+3
The severe storms and subsequent flooding that led to Gabriel’s death have had a devastating impact across the southern and midwestern United States. Kentucky reported two fatalities, including Gabriel, and over 500 road closures. The broader storm system resulted in multiple deaths across several states, with Tennessee reporting ten fatalities. Yahoo+3People.com+3People.com+3Reuters+1AP News+1
Funeral services for Gabriel Andrews were held on April 9 in Pikeville, Kentucky. The community has shown an outpouring of support for the Andrews family during this difficult time. Gabriel’s tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather and underscores the importance of prioritizing safety during such events. 
