State Police identify two people killed in Upshur County flooding
West Virginia State Police identified Judy A. Young, 59, and James J. Harper, 61, as the victims found Thursday in a vehicle swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters.

West Virginia State Police identified Judy A. Young, 59, and James J. Harper, 61, as the victims found Thursday in a vehicle swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters.
Officials are asking anyone who knows of someone still missing after flooding in Buckhannon and Upshur County to report it to the Office of Emergency Management. Recovery efforts continue as crews remove debris and coordinate relief supplies and volunteers.
Officials are centralizing flood-relief supplies and volunteer coordination while urging everyone with damage to complete a state survey that could affect potential FEMA assistance.
Buckhannon and Upshur County officials seek essential supplies for residents affected by recent flooding. Donations are accepted daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and all aid and volunteer offers must be coordinated at 304-472-4983.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey urged residents to report property damage to support disaster recovery efforts. Road-clearing and utility restoration work continues as local communities begin to clean up from Tuesday’s historic flash flooding.
Two missing people have been confirmed to have died in an overturned vehicle on Stonecoal Road after historic flooding in Upshur County, Sheriff Mike Coffman announced Thursday afternoon.
Upshur County officials urge flood victims to use verified updates, report damage and watch for scams. Donations are being accepted at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with all aid coordinated through emergency management.
At a Buckhannon news conference, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said search and rescue remained the priority after this week’s catastrophic flooding, pledging the state would “not spare any time or cost.” Local leaders and the National Guard detailed a full-scale response.
The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office helped conduct dozens of rescues and was searching for residents still unaccounted for a day after Tuesday’s catastrophic flash flooding. Officials said they were concerned about possible fatalities.
The Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department will offer free Tdap and hepatitis A vaccines beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, at West Virginia Wesleyan College for anyone who was in floodwater or is helping with cleanup.
WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital canceled all clinic, outpatient and surgical appointments for Thursday, July 23, citing connectivity problems from the flooding, while keeping its emergency department open around the clock.
Community Care of West Virginia is offering free, no-appointment tetanus shots at all locations and collecting cleanup supplies for flood-hit families in Upshur and Lewis counties, after the flooding forced some clinics to close early.
Richard D. “Dick” Booth, 95, of the Old Elkins Road, Buckhannon, died at his home on July 23, 2026. A Korean War veteran and retired Columbia Gas Transmission clerk, he enjoyed antique cars and mowing grass.
Danny Joe Webster, 76, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, passed away on July 22, 2026. An Air Force veteran, he treasured his family, friends, dogs, fishing, and favorite sports teams.
Maya Faye Hamner, a 17-month-old infant of Buckhannon, passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2026, at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
A Kentucky health center will bring flood-relief supplies and serve free lunch in Buckhannon on Friday, July 24. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be available at 11:30 a.m. at the Upshur County Senior Center until food runs out.
Delmas Wade Ware, 77, of Buckhannon, WV, died unexpectedly at his home on July 22, 2026. A retired postmaster, devoted family man, and Mountaineers fan, he was loved by many.
Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital will offer free tetanus and hepatitis A vaccines to flood-affected residents July 24-31, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome at the hospital’s main entrance lobby in Weston.
The UCRC canceled the rest of its Bobcat Division postseason tournament after devastating regional flooding turned the venue into a donation center. Regular-season leader WV Split Rail was awarded the championship as organizers prioritize community recovery.
West Virginia health officials urge flood-affected residents to avoid contaminated water, use protective gear and follow food, water and wound-safety guidance. Keep tetanus shots current, run generators outdoors and seek care for illness or infection.
Community Bulletin
Hank Ellis Insurance Agency in Buckhannon is urging drivers to ask about an auto insurance rate lock — a way to hold a rate steady as premiums climb. The independent Erie agency, owner-operated since 2006, writes auto, home, life and commercial coverage.
TKS Contracting rallied past Sam’s Pizza, 41-35, to win the Buccaneer Division championship in the Upshur County Summer Basketball League. Kaden Moore led the champions with 19 points.
Buckhannon-Upshur faces six 2025 playoff teams and opens 2026 with three road games, starting at Bridgeport. Coach Sloan Baisden breaks down the daunting slate, a week-four home opener and Senior Night, plus a well-timed week-five bye.