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A River Ran Through It…
On July 11th, 2019 tragedy struck in Pine Forge, PA when flash flooding at the confluence of the Ironstone and Manatawny Creeks crashed over the banks and surged through the home of Matt and Jessi Wolfe and their 4 children; Chloe (14), Kiera (12), Tessa (10) and Matthew (7).
Thankfully nobody was home all day. When Jessi had left with the kids late that morning to drop them off with her mom for a long weekend, it wasn’t even raining.
Later that afternoon when Matt & Jessi got home, they found their home completely surrounded by a raging river. Then, they realized that there was an even more alarming situation developing. Across the bridge at the end of their driveway, there was a vehicle with people trapped inside of their car. Despite 911 efforts, their lives were taken in the flood.
The Wolfe family can never even begin to compare their loss to that of the family who perished; a pregnant mother and 9-year old boy (who they later found out went to school with their kids).
All that Matt and Jessi and their family lost were “things”…and a place to live…all of which can and WILL be replaced eventually.
The basement and entire first floor (kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry room, office, etc.) of Matt and Jessi’s home (as well as all of their personal belongings) were destroyed. Their garage and adjacent family room were also damaged. Because of the category of water involved in this disaster, all personal belongings had to be thrown out….anything that the floodwaters had touched.
Yes, thankfully Matt and Jessi DO have flood insurance however they are facing a $20,000 deductible. They have learned that the flood insurance does not cover any damage to any of their property that was outside of the home and garage/barn (which is also extensive).
Their home is currently unlivable and flood insurance also doesn’t provide coverage for temporary housing while their home is restored….and school will be starting back up in a few short weeks.
The financial burden that they are facing is great.
The emotional trauma of the entire experience has been burdensome to say the least.
They are reminded daily as they pull into their driveway of the terrible tragedy that happened here, far more devastating than the destruction that hit their own home.
Friends, family, neighbors…even strangers….have come out to help them. They feel very blessed to have each other and their community’s outpouring of support.
There have been many unforeseen challenges (and expenses) that have - and will -continue to come up over the next several months and every bit of help is greatly appreciated.
Your prayers, thoughts, words of encouragement and donations will help get this family of 6 back home again!! Much gratitude and thankfulness to all.
Mailing address P.O. Box 237 Pine Forge, PA 19512
Anyone interested in volunteering with the clean-up and restoration or other forms of donations please contact via email with “Wolfe Family” in the subject line. There is something for any skill level to help with and it is ALL appreciated.
Looking ahead, the “Wolfepack” plans to create a memorial garden at the end of their driveway to honor the lives of the young family who were lost in this flood. Although they realize that it will never replace what was lost, they hope it will provide comfort to any who see it and know what happened here.
On July 11th, 2019 tragedy struck in Pine Forge, PA when flash flooding at the confluence of the Ironstone and Manatawny Creeks crashed over the banks and surged through the home of Matt and Jessi Wolfe and their 4 children; Chloe (14), Kiera (12), Tessa (10) and Matthew (7).
Thankfully nobody was home all day. When Jessi had left with the kids late that morning to drop them off with her mom for a long weekend, it wasn’t even raining.
Later that afternoon when Matt & Jessi got home, they found their home completely surrounded by a raging river. Then, they realized that there was an even more alarming situation developing. Across the bridge at the end of their driveway, there was a vehicle with people trapped inside of their car. Despite 911 efforts, their lives were taken in the flood.
The Wolfe family can never even begin to compare their loss to that of the family who perished; a pregnant mother and 9-year old boy (who they later found out went to school with their kids).
All that Matt and Jessi and their family lost were “things”…and a place to live…all of which can and WILL be replaced eventually.
The basement and entire first floor (kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry room, office, etc.) of Matt and Jessi’s home (as well as all of their personal belongings) were destroyed. Their garage and adjacent family room were also damaged. Because of the category of water involved in this disaster, all personal belongings had to be thrown out….anything that the floodwaters had touched.
Yes, thankfully Matt and Jessi DO have flood insurance however they are facing a $20,000 deductible. They have learned that the flood insurance does not cover any damage to any of their property that was outside of the home and garage/barn (which is also extensive).
Their home is currently unlivable and flood insurance also doesn’t provide coverage for temporary housing while their home is restored….and school will be starting back up in a few short weeks.
The financial burden that they are facing is great.
The emotional trauma of the entire experience has been burdensome to say the least.
They are reminded daily as they pull into their driveway of the terrible tragedy that happened here, far more devastating than the destruction that hit their own home.
Friends, family, neighbors…even strangers….have come out to help them. They feel very blessed to have each other and their community’s outpouring of support.
There have been many unforeseen challenges (and expenses) that have - and will -continue to come up over the next several months and every bit of help is greatly appreciated.
Your prayers, thoughts, words of encouragement and donations will help get this family of 6 back home again!! Much gratitude and thankfulness to all.
Mailing address P.O. Box 237 Pine Forge, PA 19512
Anyone interested in volunteering with the clean-up and restoration or other forms of donations please contact via email with “Wolfe Family” in the subject line. There is something for any skill level to help with and it is ALL appreciated.
Looking ahead, the “Wolfepack” plans to create a memorial garden at the end of their driveway to honor the lives of the young family who were lost in this flood. Although they realize that it will never replace what was lost, they hope it will provide comfort to any who see it and know what happened here.