More than 200 children and counselors were evacuated from Camp Taum Sauk in Reynolds County, Missouri, by eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters on Friday. The rescues occurred amid severe flooding caused by a "once-in-a-thousand-years" downpour that dropped as much as 12 inches of rain in a matter of hours.
Floodwaters from the nearby Black River threatened the camp, leading to life-threatening conditions. Campers were taken to Arcadia Valley Elementary School to be reunited with their families. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe stated that approximately 35 crew members were involved in the helicopter operation. He commended the state's emergency response teams, noting that "countless men and women, across multiple jurisdictions, have been working around the clock with one mission in mind: saving lives."
Some campers described the helicopter rescue as an adventure. "We got to go on a Black Hawk," said 9-year-old Teddy, who added, "It was very loud and very cool and fast." His 11-year-old brother, Benjamin, shared similar sentiments, initially feeling scared but then becoming "super excited."
The intense rainfall and subsequent flooding raised fears of a recurrence of the Camp Mystic tragedy in Texas from July of the previous year, where 25 campers and staff members died. Ann DeField, mother of Benjamin and Teddy, described the situation as a "whirlwind" but noted her children viewed the experience more as an adventure.
Emergency responders also utilized specialized equipment and rescue boats. Missouri Task Force 1 deployed 50 members to assist in saving people stranded by the rising waters, on rooftops, and in vehicles. The Black River was projected to crest at a record level exceeding 28 feet near Annapolis.
Authorities reported one death as a result of the flooding. Faith Gregory, 23, who went missing when floodwaters swept her home from its foundation in Crawford County, was found dead on Saturday. Her body was discovered approximately 1.8 miles downstream from her home in Huzzah Creek. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to Gregory's family and friends, stating that no other individuals remained unaccounted for.