Southern Indiana flooding turns deadly as 3 die and 1 remains missing

Staff report

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — March 10, 2026

Recent rainstorms and flooding turned deadly across southern Indiana, with at least three people confirmed dead and another man still missing in incidents south of Monroe County, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The flooding, which struck parts of the region over several days, led to search and recovery operations in Lawrence, Jackson and Martin counties, all south of Bloomington and Monroe County.

In Lawrence County, Indiana Conservation Officers recovered the bodies of two missing motorists shortly before noon Tuesday in the floodwaters of the East Fork White River.

Authorities identified the victims as Kasee Allman, 21, and Jesse Brock, 35, both of Bedford.

According to DNR, the two were found inside the pickup truck they were last known to be driving after family and friends reported them missing late Sunday night. Conservation officers and other agencies searched a wide flooded area, using cellphone data, sonar, divers and drones to narrow the search near Earl Road and Lawrenceport Road. The truck was eventually found in about 8 feet of water.

In Jackson County, Indiana Conservation Officers said Bradley Deaton, 55, of Seymour, was recovered Sunday afternoon after going missing in floodwaters east of Cortland.

DNR said Deaton was a passenger in an airboat that had been trying to help people stranded in a submerged vehicle near County Road 400 East and State Road 258. Investigators said the boat experienced mechanical problems and was forced under a nearby bridge by swift floodwater. The operator was able to rescue himself, but Deaton was swept downstream. Authorities said neither man was wearing a life jacket.

In Martin County, conservation officers were still searching Tuesday for James Petty, 82, of Fortville, after his truck was swept off Spout Springs Road south of Shoals near the White River, an area DNR described as prone to flooding.

According to DNR, a passenger in the vehicle called 911 for help at 2:37 p.m. Monday after climbing out of a window and holding onto a nearby tree vine. Emergency responders launched a boat and rescued the passenger, but Petty remained missing Tuesday as crews continued surface searches and sonar operations in swift-moving water.

The deaths and ongoing search underscore how dangerous floodwaters became in southern Indiana after the recent storms, including in counties just south of Monroe County. Lawrence County borders Monroe County to the south, while Jackson and Martin counties are also part of the storm-hit region.

Emergency officials routinely warn drivers not to enter flooded roadways, where moving water can quickly sweep away vehicles and make rescue efforts difficult or impossible.

Agencies involved in the flood response included Indiana Conservation Officers, local sheriff’s departments, fire departments, emergency medical services, Indiana State Police and IU Health Ambulance Services.

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