ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Authorities have recovered a body while searching for a 12-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters in rural Virginia on Tuesday.
At about 5:30 p.m., Albemarle County fire and police units were called to a swift water rescue in rural Virginia. A 911 caller reported that a 12-year-old boy, who was walking outside, was swept away by rushing water from a nearby creek that had flooded into the roadway.
Search and rescue efforts continued for three hours on Tuesday before limited visibility paused them, fire officials said. The decision was made to ensure the safety of all of those involved.
As those efforts resumed Wednesday morning, the Albemarle County Police said first responders found a body, whom they believe to be the 12-year-old.
“This is a heartbreaking outcome, and our hearts are with the [boy’s] family and loved ones,” said Albemarle County Fire Rescue Chief Dan Eggleston. “We are incredibly grateful to our local and regional partners who supported this search effort with urgency, professionalism, and care.”
The medical examiner has yet to positively identify the body.
Several rounds of rainfall have battered Virginia this week, with additional storms expected Wednesday. The week is expected to end with hot and humid conditions, according to meteorologists with Nexstar’s WRIC.