Richard Walton Robinson dies in fatal Brunswick County, North Carolina flooding incident
Richard Walton Robinson dies in fatal Brunswick County, North Carolina flooding incident
Fatal Brunswick County, North Carolina flooding death of Richard Walton Robinson – Obituary.
An 80-year-old man tragically lost his life while attempting to navigate a flooded road in Brunswick County, North Carolina, during an unprecedented rainfall event on Tuesday, as reported by highway officials.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol was alerted to a vehicle submerged in water after Robinson drove his blue Subaru Crosstrek around stationary vehicles belonging to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and into the high water on NC 211.
Authorities noted that the sheriff’s office vehicles were parked on the road with their lights flashing due to flooding at the Lockwood Folly River Bridge, making the route impassable.
The incident occurred around 12:17 a.m. in Brunswick County, located approximately 34 miles southwest of Wilmington.
After Robinson bypassed the sheriff’s vehicles, his SUV became completely submerged. A water rescue team arrived to locate his vehicle but was unable to find it at that time.
The following day, responders returned and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team discovered the SUV with Robinson inside, deceased.
Officials stated that neither alcohol nor speed contributed to the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This incident occurred amid a severe weather event characterized by historic rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding that struck the North Carolina coast earlier that week. Some areas experienced over a foot of rain within just 12 hours, a rare occurrence expected only once every two centuries, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington.
Floods are known to be one of the most prevalent hazards in the U.S., and can occur at any time of year across North Carolina. They typically arise from heavy rain, hurricanes, or dam failures.
Ready NC advises that flooding poses significant risks whether in a vehicle, at home, or on foot. Just a few inches of water can be dangerous enough to sweep away vehicles or knock individuals off their feet. They recommend avoiding flooded roadways and moving to higher ground if caught in rising waters.
Saleen Martin is a reporter for USA TODAY. Follow her on Twitter or contact her via email for more information.
Richard Walton Robinson dies in fatal Brunswick County, North Carolina flooding incident Fatal Brunswick County, North Carolina flooding death of Richard Walton Robinson – Obituary. An 80-year-old man tragically lost his life while attempting to navigate a flooded road in Brunswick County, North Carolina, during an unprecedented rainfall event on Tuesday, as reported by highway…
Richard Walton Robinson dies in fatal Brunswick County, North Carolina flooding incident Fatal Brunswick County, North Carolina flooding death of Richard Walton Robinson – Obituary. An 80-year-old man tragically lost his life while attempting to navigate a flooded road in Brunswick County, North Carolina, during an unprecedented rainfall event on Tuesday, as reported by highway…