Help the Flaharty Family Rebuild After Flood

Ohio County Family's Life Upended by Flash Flood

Wheeling, West Virginia in Ohio County, was struck by a devastating flash flood on Saturday, June 14, 2025, turning a tranquil afternoon into a harrowing ordeal for many families. The sudden deluge, which inundated U.S. Route 40, triggered a swift emergency response that stretched into Father's Day, leaving residents grappling with widespread destruction.

Among those deeply affected by the disaster are Mark and Jessica Flaharty and their daughter, Ava. The family was at home when the floodwaters surged into their single-story residence with terrifying speed. Trapped inside and unable to escape through the doors, they were forced to seek refuge in the unfinished attic. For over four agonizing hours, they huddled in the darkness with their two dogs, desperately hoping for rescue.

The sheer volume of water and debris-strewn roads delayed help. Finally, as the water began to recede, their brother and rescuers were able to reach the Flaharty family. The next morning revealed the full extent of the devastation. Mark's work truck, essential for his heating and air conditioning business, was gone, swept away by the raging current along with countless other debris.

The water rose to 14 feet inside their home, rendering the basement completely unusable and the first floor uninhabitable. The family has lost everything: clothes, vehicles, tools, their outdoor pool, shed, and even their fence. Their property is now a landscape of debris, representing a total loss that will take months to overcome as they navigate insurance claims and wait for contractors.

In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the Flaharty family cope with the immediate financial burden and begin the long road to recovery. The funds will be used to purchase emergency necessities and help cover living expenses in the coming months. The loss of Mark’s work truck, tools, and equipment has left him unable to operate his HVAC business, further compounding their financial challenges.

The GoFundMe organizers are appealing to the community for support, emphasizing the family's gratitude for their survival and the survival of their pets. "We are grateful for their survival and the survival of their family pets. Some in the area were not so lucky. Our prayers go out to the families in the Ohio Valley that have been affected. They appreciate any donations made."

This devastating event has left the Flaharty family facing an unimaginable challenge. Please consider contributing to their GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate financial relief and help them rebuild their lives. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in assisting them as they navigate this difficult time and recover from the catastrophic floods that took everything they owned.