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Updated: 7:44 AM Jul 22, 2010
NEW INFO: Franklin Furnace Woman Dies in Flash Flooding
The Scioto County Sheriff says Barbara Botkins, 53, died after being swept away by flood waters.
Posted: 9:12 AM Jul 21, 2010Reporter: Randy Yohe Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com |
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43 Comments 
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UPDATE 7/21/10 @ 8:15 p.m.
SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- There were at least a dozen dramatic, successful flood rescues Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
But for one first response team, the mission went from rescue to recovery.
We’re starting to hear the same scenario when it comes to deadly swift flood waters – stunned victims getting several inches of rain in minutes and saying, "I’ve seen flooding here before, but never anything like this."
That situation played out tragically Wednesday morning in eastern Scioto County, just outside Franklin Furnace, where Barbara Botkins lost her life in the flooding.
"They checked, and (the water) wasn’t up," says Amanda Steele, who is Botkins’ daughter. "And they checked back, and it was coming in the door."
Lucille Burns, another flood victim, said, "I heard Barb say, 'Oh Lord, somebody help me.' "
In the light of day, there were hugs and tears along Ohio Furnace Creek, which had calmed by then.
At about 1 a.m., however, it was sheer terror. With no warning, her daughter says catastrophic flood waters slammed into Botkins' front door. The 10 people inside -- adults and babies -- all frantically scrambled to find higher ground.
Botkins' daughter Amanda said, "The water was rushing in the door. My brother had his baby on his shoulders, up on the roof. Then, he went back down to get my mom. She was hanging on the fence."
They say at least three people were hanging in the trees, gripping limbs as water rushed by below. They also say Botkins lost her grip on the fence and was swept a quarter mile down the road. Her body was found a few hours later.
"It was the worst I've seen down this road -- propane tanks and porches rushing away," neighbor Greg Thompson says.
Delbert Dixon, another neighbor, added, "Crops were leveled, and that house -- the van was moved 300 feet. It's terrible."
These tight-knit folks say they'll slowly but surely recover and always remember a beloved friend and neighbor.
Lucille Burns says Botkins was a helping soul -- she'll be missed, and she was loved.
"She’d do anything for anybody," Steele says.
Botkins, just 53 and a fairly recent widow, leaves behind four children and four grand children, as well as many friends.
There were dozens of homes and families and roads hit hard by these particular flood waters. Numerous large gardens also were flattened.
One man told WSAZ.com's Randy Yohe that many depend on those gardens for their basic meals.
But they also said it's now neighbor helping neighbor -- something that comes naturally in our area when disaster strikes.
UPDATE 7/21/10 @ 11:10 a.m.
OHIO FURNACE, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Family members tell WSAZ.com, that ten family members, including young children, were in the house when flood water hit.
They say the victim, Barbara Botkins, was outside trying to hold onto fence when she was swept way.
Her body was found about a quarter of mile down the road.
Other family members were able to scramble to higher ground. They say some had to cling to trees to survive the flooding.
Ohio Furnace Creek runs next to the house.
ORIGINAL STORY 7/21@8:10 a.m.
FRANKLIN FURNACE, Ohio (WSAZ) -- One person has died in flash flooding that hit Franklin Furnace early Wednesday morning.
The Scioto County Sheriff says the victim is 53-year-old Barbara Botkins.
The death happened on Disterdick Lane. Botkins was reported missing shortly after 1 a.m.
According to the sheriff, 911 got a call that that one family member was on top of a vehicle and another had been swept away as family members tried to get to higher ground.
Green Twp. FD and EMS, along with the Porter and Portsmouth Fire Department responded with rescue equipment.
The Sheriff’s Office says her body was recovered around 4 a.m.
We have a crew at the scene.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for updated information.
Latest Comments
This is such a tragedy! Has anyone checked on getting this declared a national tragedy? There are alot of homes that were flooded in this area. That would help with Barb's funeral and her family so much.I'm know they need help along with other people in that area.
I am so sorry for your loss...I cant imagine what you are going through. Just know people you dont even know and are aquainted by relation are thinking of your family!!..hugs!
Barbs visitation is at Phillips Funeral Home in Ironton Ohio. It is from 11am - 1pm. Friends please stop by and show your concerns for the Botkins family. An account at Desco in Ironton has been set up for the family. All checks make payable to Amanda Steele. The Franklin Furnace Giovanni's is taking up donations as well.
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