Child, mother, killed in Moore flood identified

Moore Police say that Erika Lott and her 12-year-old son, Rivers Bond, are the two people who were swept away and died in dangerous floodwaters Saturday night. 

Related: 2 killed after truck swept away in Moore floodwaters

“We had floods like we've haven't seen in quite a while here in town. At one point in time you couldn't cross from any low points in the city on any of the east-west roadways because of the flooding,” said Maj. Kyle Dudley, Moore Police Department.

In the area of Southeast 12th and Eastern, the floodwaters caused two cars to go off the main roadway, one of which became caught under a bridge.

“During the torrential rainfall that we experienced here in Moore, we had quite a few roads that were impassable due to high water. Behind me, two vehicles were swept off the roadway into the creek, one being a truck and another being a smaller vehicle,” said Major Dudley. “When the vehicles went off the road here that you couldn't see the road, the flood waters were at least a foot above it. I think that we would even be standing in water here.”

Major Dudley says two people were safely rescued from one of the vehicles, and a third person was rescued from the second vehicle, but two people were unaccounted for.

A swift water rescue ensued with multiple agencies, dive teams, drones, and additional crews searching the creekbank.

Related: UPDATE: water sweeps truck under bridge in Moore, police confirm 2 killed

Moore Police posted to social media, saying, “It is with great sadness that we report that two individuals, an adult female and a 12-year-old male, were later located deceased.”

Moore Public Schools confirms that a letter was sent to sixth-grade families of Apple Creek Elementary, saying in part, “It is with profound sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that one of our sixth-grade students, Rivers Bond, and his mother tragically passed away during the severe flooding last night. Our entire school community is grieving this devastating loss.”

The letter was sent by the Apple Creek Principal, Rachel McNear, who went on to say she wanted to notify families before students return to school Monday morning. They add that school counselors and support staff will be available throughout the day and in the coming weeks for students.

The letter goes on to say, “As we navigate this loss together, we ask that you hold River’s family in your thoughts and hearts. Please take extra time to hug your children a little tighter today.”