Cape Girardeau flood rescue survivors reunite with rescuers
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Just two weeks after being rescued from floodwaters in Cape Girardeau, two women returned to the restaurant where their frightening day began — this time to thank the people who helped save their lives.
On Monday, June 6, Al Bisher Enterprises, Cape Girardeau Police Officer Bobby Newton and Dexter Barbecue hosted a reception honoring the first responders, medical staff and Good Samaritans who came together during the June 26 rescue.
Carolyn Green of Jackson and Paula Woods of Scott City had just left Dexter Barbecue when heavy rain quickly flooded South Kingshighway.
As Green drove Woods home, rising water lifted their vehicle, spinning it several times before it came to rest in a ditch near South Kingshighway and Bloomfield Road.
Inside the submerged vehicle, Green said she held onto her Bible and prayed.
Woods said she remained calm, trusting Green’s prayers and believing someone would come to help.
After the rescue, Green’s Bible was found to be almost completely dry despite the vehicle being submerged.
That help came within minutes.
Father and son Wayne and Blayke Duffell were among the first to stop after spotting the vehicle in the floodwaters. The pair grabbed a recovery strap and tried to pull the vehicle to safety.
“We’re going down KingsHighway and we saw a car in a ditch and like the water was coming up rapidly and no one was there,” Blayke Duffell said.
As more people arrived, Trademark Car Wash employees Caleb Jones and Atreyu McCallister ran over carrying a crowbar after seeing the rescue unfold from work.
When a window punch failed to break the glass, Cape Girardeau Police Officer Bobby Newton used the crowbar to break the vehicle’s rear window and pull Green from the car.
Cape Girardeau Fire Chief Randy Morris then rescued Woods from the vehicle as neighbors and first responders continued working together.
After helping free the women, the Duffells drove them to Crosstrails Medical Center, where licensed practical nurse Ashley Abraham and coworker Ladonna Williams immediately began providing medical care.
“I ran back to Crosstrails from the corner in the floodwaters. And when I got back, I actually took Carolyn into an exam room by wheelchair with some of my coworkers, and we did vitals on her because she was experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath,” Abraham said.
Medical staff determined Green was hypothermic and worked to warm her with blankets, jackets, dry clothing and a space heater while monitoring her condition.
Abraham said helping that day reminded her why she chose a career in health care.
“I went into the medical field to help people, and I really feel like I chose the right path. This was what God meant for me, and I was so thankful that I was there to help them that day,” Abraham said.
Both Green and Woods were treated and released from Saint Francis Medical Center later that day.
For Green, Sunday’s luncheon was more than a meal — it was a chance to finally thank the people she couldn’t fully see during one of the scariest moments of her life.
“It’s really just amazing,” Green said. “I was so scared that all I could do was pray and wonder where Paula was.”
Organizers said they hoped the reception would recognize not only the first responders, but also the everyday community members whose quick actions helped save two lives.
