Couple Missing In Hoover Flood Found Dead

HOOVER, AL — Officials in Hoover say they have found two people dead in a vehicle that was swept away by floodwaters Wednesday night as Hoover and surrounding communities experienced severe flash flooding.

A report from the Shelby County Coroner's Office identified the couple as Myles Jared Butler and Latin Marie Hill. Both were 23 years old and lived in Birmingham.

Hoover rescue crews found the victims more than 400 feet away from the area where their vehicle was swept away around the 1100 block of Riverchase Parkway West.

Duane Prater with Hoover Fire Department said in a news conference Thursday morning that the flooding in the area was "unprecedented," adding that after crews rescued one person from a vehicle, others were spotted immediately.

He said initially, rescue teams were called to the Riverchase Parkway West around 8:30 p.m. to conduct a water rescue. "The rescue was successful and no injuries were incurred," Prater said. "Hoover personnel remained on the scene and blocked the east side of Riverchase Parkway West. Within minutes another car attempted to enter the roadway on the opposite side of the blockade. The car was immediately picked up and pinned against the guardrail, trapping the occupants inside. Officials were unable to get to the vehicle because of where it was positioned and soon the rushing water had pushed the it over the guardrail and out of site."

Reports of severe flooding throughout the city involved several cars submerged in water, with many roads impassible.

Meteorologist James Spann said 8-12 inches of rain fell Wednesday night across parts of Helena, Pelham and Hoover. Here are some rain totals from that area:

• Pelham — 12.12 inches
• Lake Wilborn — 9.9
• Creekside Drive/Hoover — 9.44
• Riverchase — 8.91

At one point last night all roads in Pelham were considered impassable, and creeks and streams in the area will remain well out of their banks Thursday.