Knott County football player dies after helping flood victims

MrsTylerKSR

On3 image — HAZARD, KY - AUGUST 06: A car is still partially submerged in Troublesome Creek in Perry County, Kentucky near Hazard on August 6, 2022. Thousands of Eastern Kentucky residents have lost their homes ater devastating rain storms have flooded the area over the past week. The death toll stands at 37 people. (Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

The stories coming out of Eastern Kentucky this week have been unimaginable. Sadly, we have another to share. Aaron Crawford, a member of the Knott County football and wrestling teams, passed away this weekend after helping flood victims in his community. According to his family, Crawford had been volunteering for several days and while shoveling mud and debris, started to not feel well. He came home and was rushed to the ICU and eventually, UK Hospital. Tragically, he did not survive.

Please Pray for our Knott County family and the family of Aaron Crawford, yesterday while doin hero’s work, shoveling mud for local flood victims, Crawford was took from us! Crawford’s football & wrestling teammates, family & friends need your prayers in the worst way right now! pic.twitter.com/SWvzjpcel9
— D&D Sports Network (@DavidandDarryl) August 7, 2022

Our hearts go out to Crawford’s family, the Knott County community, and all of those impacted by the floods in Eastern Kentucky.

Latest on Eastern Kentucky flood recovery

According to Governor Andy Beshear, the death toll from the floods still stands at 37 people, with two remaining missing. As of this morning, roughly 300 households were still without power. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved individual assistance for people in 12 counties thus far: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Whitley.

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Tomorrow, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will tour the area, visiting with families affected by the devastation. This morning, Governor Beshear announced that under President Biden’s order, the federal government will cover 100% of the cost of certain emergency services for Eastern Kentucky cities and counties for up to 30 days.

Yesterday we received news that under @POTUS’s order, the federal government will cover 100% of the cost of certain emergency services for Eastern Kentucky cities and counties for a continuous 30 day period. This is good news and will be a big help. 1/4
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) August 7, 2022

How to help Eastern Kentucky

There are several ways to give back to the victims of last week’s floods. KSR and the Kentucky Chamber have formed the KSR Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to help our fellow Kentuckians rebuild. The Kentucky Basketball team and the Red Cross also partnered to raise over $3 million for flood relief at a telethon earlier this week. The Kentucky Football team also raised money for the Red Cross during yesterday’s Fan Day. Donations are still being accepted.

On Friday, the football team helped Father Jim Sichko pack 10,000 boxes of donations, which are on their way to Eastern Kentucky.

OMG — THE ENTIRE UK FOOTBALL TEAM IS ON THEIR WAY TO ASSIST ME UNLOAD AND PACK THESE 10,000 PACKAGES FROM THE FR JIM WISH LIST!!!!!! OMG – TY JESUS #missionaryofmercy pic.twitter.com/PbOCTViFMM
— Father Jim Sichko (@JimSichko) August 5, 2022

AMAZON GIFT CARDS FOR THE PEEPS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY!!!! TY ALL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! #missionaryofmercy pic.twitter.com/yC20ctLPM0
— Father Jim Sichko (@JimSichko) August 5, 2022

Kentucky Strong.