One close-knit family was ripped apart by devastating flash floods that hit Knott County, Kentucky. The parents encouraged their kids to hold on, but the water was unrelenting, and after a few hours, the mom and dad’s worst nightmare came true.

Children rely on their parents for love and protection, but sometimes they must fight battles alone. Moms and dads aren’t always able to swoop in and save the day, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t try their best.




When a couple realized their four kids were in danger because of raging flood waters, they feared for the worst. However, they held onto hope that somehow their kids would survive the ordeal. Tragically, fate had other plans.

THEY TRIED TO ESCAPE

A typical day in July quickly turned into a horror story for Amber Smith and Riley Noble. The couple’s mobile home rapidly started filling with water, and they had a few minutes to get to safety.

The parents dressed their four kids in warm clothing and escaped the home by climbing onto the roof. They were filled with panic and fear as flood waters rose and the situation became more dangerous.

The couple and their beloved kids, Maddison, 8, Riley Jr., 6, Nevaeh, 4, and Chance, 2, were hoping for a miracle. However, the flash floods took them by surprise and left very little room for survival.

THEIR HOME WAS WASHED AWAY

The family thought they could wait out the flood, but it was crueler than anyone realized. As the family of six clung to the roof of their trailer, they witnessed their home slowly giving into the water.

While Amber and Riley expected the worst after seeing the force of the water, they still held onto a glimmer of hope.
Before they could make another plan, their home was swept away. The couple held onto their kids and told them to hold onto each other as they were swept away by the water.

It was an unimaginably terrifying experience, and the parents gave everything in the fight to stay alive and keep their loved ones safe.

THEY CLUNG TO EACH OTHER

The family managed to float to a tree, where they started screaming for help. Sadly, their desperate cries were drowned out by the waters that continued to rage around them.

Amber and Riley held onto their kids with everything within them, but the little ones couldn’t fight the current. Amber’s cousin, Brittany Trejo, said:

“They managed to get to a tree and … held the children a few hours before a big tide came and wash them all away at the same time. The rage of the water took their children out of their hands.”

THE SHOCKING NEWS

The heartbroken and devastated parents remained in the tree for about eight hours before strangers found them and took them to safety. They were in shock after the tragic ordeal and waited for news about their kids.

While Amber and Riley expected the worst after seeing the force of the water, they still held onto a glimmer of hope. Sadly, all four kids passed away, leaving the parents alone and grieving.

The family was extremely close, and Amber had never spent a single night away from her beloved babies. The children’s uncle, Steven Smith, shared:

“I know they hung on to each other till the very end.”

THANKFUL FOR THE SUPPORT

The family’s world was turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and the parents’ lives would never be the same again. A GoFundMe page was created on behalf of the family to help cover costs for the funeral and other expenses.

The grieving mother was immensely grateful for the support in their time of need. Trejo revealed that Amber said:

“Thank you all truly from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate all the help.”

PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILIES

The violent flooding affected many families in the area, and Kentucky State Police spokesman Shane Goodall revealed that it was too early to share the total death toll.




Rescue efforts continued at the start of August 2022, and people were still waiting to hear if their loved ones survived. Gov. Andy Beshear held a press conference wherein he sympathized with citizens. He stated:

“We continue to pray for families that have suffered unfathomable loss, some having lost almost everyone in their household.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected families. We also send heartfelt condolences to Amber and Riley as they grieve during this heartbreaking time. May they find comfort knowing their kids are together in heaven now.

Click here for another story about a mother who lost her husband and son in a tragic drowning. The incident happened after her family lost their home and faced tough times. Fortunately, kind strangers stepped in to help.