KEVIL, KY — Tragedy struck McCracken County over the weekend as 27-year-old Lee Chandler, a resident of LaCenter, Kentucky, lost his life after being swept away by powerful floodwaters. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 6, 2025, around 3:45 p.m. Central Time, in the 8000 block of Elliot Road near Kevil, where Chandler was attempting to retrieve his boat as waters rapidly rose in the area.
According to officials, Chandler was caught in the swift current and was unable to escape. Emergency crews from multiple agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and local rescue teams, quickly mobilized a large-scale search and recovery operation. Boats and drones were deployed to comb the flooded terrain throughout the evening and into the following morning.
Despite their tireless efforts, rescue personnel were unable to locate Chandler alive. His body was recovered on Monday, April 7, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search.
The fatal incident occurred during a period of severe flooding throughout the state of Kentucky, which has already claimed several lives in recent days. Among the victims are a young child in Frankfort and a woman in Nelson County, further highlighting the dangers posed by the ongoing weather emergency.
Local and state authorities continue to urge residents to take flood warnings seriously. Officials are reminding the public never to attempt to drive, walk, or swim through flooded areas, emphasizing that even seemingly shallow water can conceal strong, fast-moving currents capable of sweeping people and vehicles away.
“This is a tragic reminder of just how dangerous floodwaters can be,” a spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Emergency Management stated. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Chandler family during this difficult time.”
As Kentucky continues to battle the effects of widespread flooding, communities across the state remain on high alert, with additional rainfall in the forecast. Officials are encouraging residents to monitor weather updates and to follow all evacuation and safety advisories as conditions evolve.
Lee Chandler is remembered by loved ones as a kind, hardworking individual with a deep love for the outdoors. His loss marks another painful chapter in the state’s ongoing struggle with the forces of nature.