Highway Patrol report: Carl Junction teen was standing in drainage ditch when he was swept away by flash flood waters

The Highway Patrol's report on the drowning death of John D. Wheeler, 13, Carl Junction, indicates Wheeler was standing in a drainage ditch between Main Street and Murphy Boulevard in Joplin 8:56 a.m. Saturday when he was swept away by flash flood waters.

Rescuers recovered Wheeler downstream but were unable to revive him.

Dr. Kennedy at Freeman West Hospital pronounced Wheeler dead at 10:27 a.m.







In addition to the Joplin Police Department and Highway Patrol, agencies assisting in the rescue efforts were the Joplin Fire Department, Redings Mill Fire Department, Carl Junction Police Departmentand Metro Emergency Transport System.

The drowning was the ninth this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.