A South Carolina family is grappling with unimaginable loss and clinging to hope after a catastrophic flash flood in eastern Pennsylvania claimed the life of a mother and swept away her two young children. The desperate search for 9-month-old Conrad Sheils and his 2-year-old sister, Matilda "Mattie" Sheils, continues as authorities remain committed to bringing them home.
The family was en route to a barbecue on Saturday when their vehicles were overtaken by rapidly rising floodwaters on Route 532. The children's father, Jim Sheils, managed to escape the deluge with their 4-year-old son, but their mother, 32-year-old Katie Seley, and grandmother were carried away by the torrent while attempting to save Conrad and Mattie. Tragically, Katie Seley perished in the flood, while the grandmother miraculously survived and received medical treatment.
The Upper Makefield Township Police Department, along with numerous emergency personnel, are working tirelessly to locate the missing children. The family expressed profound gratitude for the rescuers' dedication and bravery, asking for continued prayers for Conrad and Mattie's safe return.
The devastating flood, described by police as a "mass casualty incident," also claimed the lives of Enzo Depiero, 78, Linda Depiero, 74, Yuko Love, 64, and Susan Barnhart, 53. Authorities emphasized that the victims were caught off guard by the sudden surge of water and did not drive into a flooded roadway.
The search efforts continue, and the community remains hopeful for the safe return of Conrad and Mattie Sheils.
