Myrtle Beach Storm Turns Deadly: Whole Family Perishes Inside Submerged Vehicle
Myrtle Beach, SC — A powerful storm that swept through Myrtle Beach on Friday turned tragic after a family of four was found dead in their vehicle, which had become submerged during severe flooding.
According to local authorities, the family — two adults and two young children — were attempting to evacuate during the height of the storm when their SUV became trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters near a low-lying area along Ocean Boulevard. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the vehicle struggle before it was swept off the road and submerged.
Emergency responders were dispatched shortly after receiving a 911 call from a bystander, but by the time they reached the scene, the vehicle was almost fully underwater. Rescue divers later recovered the bodies late Friday evening.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Horry County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Maria Ellis. “The storm escalated quickly, and unfortunately, the family got caught in a dangerous situation with little chance of escape.”
The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of extended family. Officials noted that the area where the vehicle became submerged had experienced over six inches of rain within an hour, overwhelming drainage systems and flooding multiple roadways.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department is urging residents and visitors to stay off the roads during severe weather warnings and to avoid known flood-prone areas. “Even familiar roads can become deadly traps in a matter of minutes,” said Police Chief Brandon Ellis.
City officials have declared a state of emergency and are assessing further damage across the region. More storms are forecast for the weekend, prompting renewed warnings from meteorologists and emergency services.
Counseling services are being offered to first responders and witnesses shaken by the tragedy.
