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BUCKHANNON – The West Virginia State Police has released the identities of the two individuals who lost their lives during this week’s flooding in Upshur County.
Judy A. Young, 59, of Upshur County, and James J. Harper, 61, of Upshur County, were found deceased inside a vehicle that was recovered from the Stonecoal Lake area of Upshur County, according to a Friday afternoon State Police press release.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was swept from the roadway due to rapidly rising floodwaters, police said, adding that the next of kin have been notified, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Upshur County officials urge that residents who have loved ones they are unable to reach, or who believe someone may be unaccounted for, should contact the Upshur County Office of Emergency Management at 304‑472‑4983 for immediate assistance.
“Community vigilance and timely reporting remain essential as recovery operations continue,” a joint press release from the City of Buckhannon and Upshur County officials stated Friday.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey stressed the importance of reporting flood damages through the survey so that the state can report accurate information to FEMA.
"We do know that there were a lot of homes that were destroyed and businesses that were harmed, so we want to make sure those damage assessments get reported, and I want to note that there is a place for people to go online to make sure that they're reporting information to us," Morrisey said during a press conference in Buckhannon Thursday.
On Friday, county officials also advised residents that all online‑ordered donations intended for flood‑relief support can be shipped to: Buckhannon Fire Department, 22 S. Florida St., Buckhannon, WV 26201.
“This option is available for orders placed through major online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, Home Depot, and other online vendors,” a county press release states. “The wish list includes extension cords, kousehold fans, air mattresses, toilet paper, paper towels, non‑perishable food items, Gatorade, bottled water, paper plates, plastic silverware, regular‑size trash bags, mops, brooms, shovels, clorox (liquid disinfectant).”
Shipping donations directly to the Fire Department ensures rapid intake, sorting, and distribution to residents impacted by recent flooding, the release reads.
Local in-person donations are still being accepted at the Auxiliary Gymnasium at West Virginia Wesleyan from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those in need of supplies can also visit the Auxiliary Gymnasium during these hours.
The Tygart Valley United Way, which is based in Fairmont and covers Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Marion and Taylor counties, is doing outreach by way of collection drives and an online "Lewis Upshur Flood Fund." Visit Tygart Valley's page on Facebook for all the particulars on how to donate.
"Lewis and Upshur are just outside of our coverage area," said Casey Gilbert, the United Way's community impact director. "They're so close, though. And we are all in this together."
Up to 5 inches of rain fell in Upshur County by 7:26 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Late Tuesday night, Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties as severe storms caused flash flooding, landslides, road closures and other dangerous conditions.