02-08-2025
Updated: 13-year-old boy dies after being swept into storm drain by floodwaters
A 13-year-old boy died on Thursday evening after being swept into a storm drain during a flash flood in Mount Airy, officials said.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. near the Mount Airy Apartments at 201 W. Watersville Road, according to a statement from Mount Airy Police Chief Mike Ginevra.
"Mount Airy Police and Fire Departments, along with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office and other emergency responders, worked tirelessly in an attempt to rescue the individual," the statement said. "Despite their heroic efforts, the operation transitioned from a rescue to a recovery."
Local officials have not identified the boy, but he is believed to have been a resident of the apartment complex, according to Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company spokesperson Doug Alexander.
"The privacy of minors is strictly protected, and out of respect for the family during this very difficult time, we will not provide details regarding the child's name or other personal identifiers," Ginevra wrote in an email on Friday.
"We ask for the community's compassion and understanding as the family grieves," he continued. "Any additional updates will be provided only when they are both appropriate and consistent with the wishes of the family."
In an interview on Friday, Alexander said the boy was part a group of children who were playing in a low-lying common area between apartment buildings when it began to rain.
A stormwater pond for the community overflowed, creating a "rapid river" that was about five feet deep, Alexander said. The 13-year-old boy was swept away and became trapped inside a drainage pipe down the hill.
Alexander said first responders could do little to help the boy until the water subsided, which took between 45 and 50 minutes.
"The rain at that point was absolutely torrential," Alexander said.
After the rain slowed, first responders were able to free the boy from the storm drain, but he ultimately died at the scene of injuries he sustained while trapped.
According to Alexander, roughly 50 emergency personnel responded to the incident including about 20 fire and rescue units and about 10 police units.
The response involved specialized units such as the Carroll County Advanced Tactical Rescue Team and a dive team from the Gamber and Community Fire Company, which is also based in Carroll County.
Reached by phone on Friday, Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe confirmed that his agency assisted in the rescue and recovery effort in Mount Airy on Thursday, but said he could not provide any more details.
At the time of the incident, a flash flood warning was in effect for Carroll and Frederick counties and a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for Frederick County.
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Service shows that over four inches of rain fell on Mount Airy during Thursday's storm.
In a statement to The Frederick News-Post, Mount Airy Mayor Larry Hushour said all of the rain fell within a two-hour period. He said flooding in the area was widespread on Thursday.
"We are saddened to learn the tragedy of a drowning victim who became trapped in a storm drain at a local apartment complex. Despite the valiant rescue efforts of friends and first responders, the victim could not be freed before drowning in the quickly rising water," Hushour wrote.
"Our hearts go out to his family and as a community, we will extend all our available resources to provide comfort and assistance," the statement continued.
Hushour said town officials received a call from the office of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who expressed concern for the community and offered the state's help.
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