Flooding fatality in Mt. Airy leads to new standards in storm drainage construction

MT. AIRY, Md. (DC News Now) — Local and state leaders turned out in western Maryland to mourn the loss of a young man swept into a drain pipe during a fierce summer storm.

The occasion was a tribute to valiant first responders, and the facility could lead to measures preventing tragedies like this from ever happening again.

The drowning of 13-year-old Mason Kearns has triggered a crusade for safe standards for storm drainage infrastructure across Maryland.

Mt. Airy’s mayor, Larry Hushour, has ordered inspections of all drainage pipes in his town and placing grates over them, to prevent a repeat of the July 31 fatality that took Kearns’ life.

“In a matter of seconds, he was submerged under water, stuck and invisible,” explained Kearns’ aunt, Allison Eggleston.

Maryland’s Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller addressed a special ceremony in town on Friday.

“The waters were fierce, the conditions overwhelming, and yet our first responders held on and refused to let go of Mason,” Miller said.

It was a sentiment amplified by Eggleston, and she was called.

“To the fire and police department of our beautiful town, thank you for continuing to show up for us. From the very first 911 dispatch to today, there are not enough words to express our gratitude,” Eggleston said. “We will ensure that no family in the State of Maryland ever has to endure the pain and loss that our family has.”

“The town, the county and the state have all followed up to find ways to keep this from happening again,” Doug Alexander with the Mt. Airy Fire Department said.