Dear Franklin County School Families,
We are deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy that claimed the life of one of our students. The entire Franklin County School System is praying for the family and friends of those directly affected by the events this morning. We are more than a school system, we are a family at Franklin County Schools, and we share this loss together. At this time, we are working with support staff at our schools and offering services to our students, faculty, and staff who need assistance during this time. We are eternally grateful for our community first responders from both city and county agencies who selflessly responded to assist in this situation.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Mark Kopp
Below are additional statements from our local officials:
Scott Tracy, Frankfort Police Department
Good morning. I’m Assistant Chief of Police Scott Tracy for the Frankfort Police Department. I’m joined by Franklin County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp, Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson, and Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller. Also joining us is Frankfort City Manager Jason Monroe, Franklin County Deputy Judge Jack Kennedy, Franklin County Sheriff Captains Daniel Wills and Jeff Abrams, and Frankfort Police Chief Derrick Napier.
At 6:35AM Friday morning, April 4, Frankfort Dispatch received a call regarding a juvenile male reportedly caught in flood waters in the area of Hickory Hills, while walking to the bus stop. The first Frankfort PD officer arrived on scene shortly after. Frankfort Fire and EMS, Frankfort Franklin County Emergency Management, and other local emergency agencies responded to conduct an extensive search and rescue operation. At approximately 8:45 AM, emergency crews recovered the missing juvenile who was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this time, the Franklin County Coroner’s office is handling the remaining details, and will release a press release later today with further information.
On behalf of the FPD, we would like to give our sincerest condolences to the family of the juvenile. We want to thank all of our first responders who acted swiftly on the scene. Our hearts are with our entire community during this time.
Mayor Wilkerson
On behalf of the entire City of Frankfort, we want to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone directly impacted by this tragedy this morning. A tragedy such as this is felt by our entire community and we all grieve together. We want to thank all of our community first responders, Frankfort Police Department, Fire and EMS, Emergency Management, and our partners at Franklin County for their rapid response. We encourage our community to be diligent and stay safe during this weekend’s continuing severe weather event.
Judge Michael Mueller
Along with everyone else, on behalf of Franklin County, I also want to offer our sincerest condolences to the family of this member of our community. We offer our thoughts and prayers as they go through this time. We are thankful for the rapid response of our first responders, and grateful for the partnership we share with the city to provide prompt emergency response. Thank you to our police and sheriff departments, Emergency Management and Fire and EMS departments.
Scott Tracy
We have no further details at this time, we will issue a statement shortly. Thank you.