Fifth Child Found Deceased Following Buggy Creek Accident (UPDATED)

For the past several days I have been checking news sources regularly hoping for a miracle. But after the child wasn’t found the first evening, it was harder and harder to see a happy outcome for that one unaccounted-for girl or boy. I was really hoping not to see this…but the sad news finally broke a few hours ago.

The fifth child lost in Wednesday’s high-water buggy accident was found this morning (Saturday) at around 11:20 AM:

PEASTICKS, Ky. (WKYT) – The tragic story of an Amish family has grown even more heartbreaking after the last of the five children swept away in a buggy earlier this week has been found dead.

The child was found at about 11:20 a.m. on Saturday.

In a Facebook post, Bath County Judge-Executive Bobby Rogers wrote, “All Search and Rescue crews are safe, and will be leaving the area now that their mission is done. Please continue to pray for the family. I for one appreciate all efforts made, along with those volunteering to recover this child.”

Swollen river
Image: WKYT/Nick Oliver

This tragic accident echoes another that befell Amish on the other side of the state, nine years ago. In that 2011 incident in Graves County, a buggy tipped over in a flooded creek, costing four children their lives.

The five children who died in Bath County were from a family of 11 children. The mother was the one driving the buggy when the accident happened. Hard to imagine what she must be going through. Prayers for this family and community.

Update: The children were ages 1 to 12 years old. A local priest is paying for the funeral expenses. The family passed on their appreciation during the search efforts, which county official Bobby Rogers shared:

“I’ve been in regular contact with the family since the accident occurred, and they would like for me to pass on their appreciation and gratefulness for the outpouring of support and prayers they have, and will be receiving in the days ahead,” Rogers said in a Facebook post Thursday.

The county coroner also passed on this for anyone wishing to reach out:

Anyone who wants to donate to the Hochstetlers can send donations to the funeral home, and the funeral home will give contributions directly to the family, Owens said. Those interested can contact the funeral home at mrgrayfh.com/contact-us, or call (606) 784-4134.

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    9 Comments

    1. Deborah Hill

      Sending prayers to the family...

      I have been following this tragic accident, my heart goes out to thee family with so much love and prayers! God bless you and your family, you will always be in my heart….. Debbie Hill….. Prayers being sent your way……

      1. Connie May

        Condolences

        Condolences to the family who has lost 5 of their 11 children this passed week . My heart and prayers are with you and your family .

    2. Alice Mary

      Just terrible news

      I actually first heard about this tragedy via local radio, which tells you how serious an accident this was. Along with everyone else, my prayers and thoughts are with this family.I am so sorry. God give them all strength, now and for the rest of their lives.

      Alice Mary

    3. Melanie Fitch

      Mourning The Loss.

      I have just found out about the accident and want you to know that I am mourning the loss right along with you. God Bless You All.Melanie Fitch

    4. Overturned buggy

      How very sad for the family! A great loss for their community.

    5. Robin Burgess

      We are praying for this devastated family. May God carry them through this now and in their future.

    6. Geo

      Heartbreaking loss

      This is heartbreaking to even read about. Unimaginable what the family must be going through. May their belief in life hereafter give them strength. For what it is worth, hopefully news of this tragedy spreads awareness of the lethal danger of rushing water.

    7. Angel

      Heavens

      https://youtu.be/_f5rOLWPS4w

    8. Horrible Accident

      A Horrible Accident… no one’s fault. I m so sorry. Bill