WAVERLY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Five years after catastrophic flooding devastated Waverly and surrounding communities in Humphreys County, empty lots and concrete slabs still serve as reminders of the lives lost and the destruction left behind.
On Aug. 21, 2021, record rainfall triggered flash flooding that swept through neighborhoods, businesses and homes. The disaster claimed the lives of 20 people and forever changed the community.
Their names: Wayne Douglas Spears, Mark Steven Kee, Robert Scott Kilburn, Robin Denise Shawl, Ryan Rigney, Rileigh Rigney, Regenia Lynn Brake, Nathaniel D. S. Whitsett, Mary Louise Luten, Lucy Lane Connor, Linda Almond Bryant, Lilly-Anne Grace Bryant, Leslie Jean Kersten, Kellen Cole Burrow-Vaughn, Joshua Lee Tyrone Hendrix, James Michael Betty, Hallie Lee Gerber, Donna Gail Bradley, Amber Rose Newman, and Joseph Anthony Reeves.
The flooding unfolded with little warning. "It came out of nowhere," flood survivor Lindsey Daniel recalled in an interview conducted shortly after the disaster.
Others described watching floodwaters rapidly overwhelm their homes. "Water is raging through our house," Matthew Rigney recalled.
For many families, the losses extended far beyond damaged property. Kayla Brake lost her mother in the disaster. "She was the best momma ever. I'm going to miss my momma and I'm going to think about my momma every day for the rest of my life," she said.
Danielle Hall remembered losing twin infants. "Never ever imagined we'd be burying two babies who are seven months old," Hall said.
The flood also claimed the lives of several people who died while helping others escape rising water. "[Mary Luten] wasn't even worried about herself," Jodie Stawski said. "That's what gets me. She didn't care, she just worried about us."
Amid the tragedy, remarkable stories of survival also emerged. Debra Ashton was among those rescued from a rooftop after having to float on a piece of debris. "And they said, 'Debra, how are we going to get down from here?' And I said, 'God didn't save us to leave us up here for the rest of our lives. God's going to send us a helicopter,'" Ashton recalled.
Rescue crews worked around the clock in the hours after the flood, helping reunite families and search for survivors. In the days and weeks that followed, volunteers from across Tennessee and beyond poured into Humphreys County to assist with cleanup efforts. "People will stop and say, 'What can I do? This is the skill I have,'" one resident said during recovery efforts.
Despite the support, rebuilding has been a long process. Not long after the disaster, local leaders estimated it could take as much as a decade for life to return to normal. "For normal, everyday life to happen back in Waverly, Tennessee and Humphreys County will probably take 10 years," Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis For normal, everyday life to happen back in Waverly, Tennessee and Humphreys County will probably take 10 years, said in 2021.
Five years later, that recovery effort continues, but several significant milestones have been reached.
Construction is underway on the Cherry Hill development, a new affordable housing community being built on higher ground above flood-affected areas. "We'll have 62 families calling this home here in a few months," Waverly Mayor Buddy Frazier said.
Frazier also said officials are close to finalizing an updated FEMA flood map, a step he believes will help advance long-term recovery efforts by allowing government agencies to begin purchasing properties located within the revised floodplain.
While recovery work remains ongoing, Frazier said he believes the community is moving in the right direction. "I do feel strongly, by the time we get to the 10-year mark, that we'll see a pretty full recovery by then," he said.
Additional infrastructure projects are also moving forward. Frazier said construction is expected to begin on two replacement bridges over Trace Creek. The bridges will feature redesigned supports intended to reduce the risk of debris blocking the waterway during future flooding events.
Though much has changed since August 2021, residents continue to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made during one of the deadliest natural disasters in Tennessee history. "Our biggest asset in our county is our people, and we're going to take care of each other," Sheriff Davis said.
Five years later, Waverly continues rebuilding — while ensuring the memories of those lost are never forgotten.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at Chris.Davis@NewsChannel5.com.
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