During the recent severe weather in East Tennessee, a family faced a harrowing ordeal as floodwaters threatened their home in Jonesborough. Steven Cloyd, the father, found himself in a dangerous situation as the waters rose rapidly. His communication with his wife, Keli Cloyd, painted a vivid picture of the escalating crisis.
Steven informed Keli that their basement was completely flooded and the water was close to breaching the upstairs. With his cell phone running low on power, he managed to get into his jeep with their dog, Orion, despite injuring his back in the process. The floodwaters were so powerful that they caused vehicles to float and collide.
In a heartbreaking exchange of text messages, Steven indicated that he was about to leave as the jeep started to float away. This left his family in a state of anguish and uncertainty. Matthew Cloyd, the son, and his younger brother embarked on a challenging journey from Rockford, Illinois, to Jonesborough to search for their missing father.
After locating Steven's stranded jeep, the family received a glimmer of hope when a kind woman informed them that she had found their dog, Orion, alive. However, Steven's whereabouts remain unknown, prompting the family to report him missing and seek assistance from the community.
Matthew Cloyd expressed feelings of helplessness and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in locating not only his father but also other missing individuals. He intends to establish a support group to provide assistance and solidarity to those affected by the devastating floods.
As the search for Steven continues, the Cloyd family remains hopeful for his safe return and urges residents along the Nolichucky River to be vigilant. The community's support and cooperation are crucial in ensuring the well-being of all those impacted by the natural disaster.
