- Gabriel Andrews, 9, is among at least 16 people who have died after recent torrential rain and flash flooding hit parts of the southern and midwestern parts of the U.S.
- Kelly Swails, Gabriel’s teacher, remembered her former student on social media, calling him a “friend to all.”
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also expressed his condolences on social media
A Kentucky teacher is one of many who mourned the death of a 9-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters as he was walking to a school bus stop last week.
Kelly Swails, one of Gabriel Andrews’ teachers at Hearn Elementary School this year, shared a touching tribute to the student posted on Facebook, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
“He was the sweetest boy who always put a smile on my face,” she wrote of Gabriel, who died on Friday, April 4, in Frankfort.
“He told me good morning EVERY morning as soon as he walked in my door. He has so many people who love him, especially every kiddo in our classroom,” Swails continued.
In a separate message, Swails remembered Gabriel as being “impossible not to love.”
“Being a teacher means you pour into and love on someone else’s kid like they are your own,” she continued. “And today has been the most heartbreaking day in my teaching career. I just want to squeeze each of my babies a little tighter and remind them how much I love them.”
Franklin County Schools also mourned the child’s death.
“We are deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy that claimed the life of one of our students,” school district superintendent Mark Kopp wrote. “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,” Kopp’s statement continued. “We are eternally grateful for our community first responders from both city and county agencies who selflessly responded to assist in this situation.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear even expressed his condolences. “My heart breaks for this family,” he wrote in a statement shared on social media. “Please join Britainy and me in praying for them following this unimaginable loss.”
Gabriel is among at least 16 people who have died after recent torrential rain and flash flooding hit parts of the southern and midwestern parts of the U.S., which were already heavily waterlogged by a number of severe storms that also spawned tornadoes.
In the wake of the flooding, and Gabriel’s tragic death, some parents wondered why schools were open in Franklin County for in-person learning to begin with, Fox affiliate WDKY.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“I think Franklin County should have called schools off,” Caitlin Green, a parent, told the outlet. “They did call certain bus routes out. But I mean, at 6 a.m. this morning, we had lightning and thunder. “You’re taking the chance on, you know, putting these kids on a bus through this weather, not knowing, you know, if they’re going to run into flooded waters”
PEOPLE contacted Swails and Franklin County Schools for additional comment on Monday, April 7.
Read the full article here
