Rains claim 1 life, destroys roads

High, fast-running water in the area of Piney Creek Road claimed the life of a Corrigan man on Wednesday. Courtesy photo

By Tony Farkas
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The rains throughout Trinity County over the last week cause flooding with led to the death of a Corrigan man, as well as numerous washed-out roadways.

The county received just under 13 inches of rain on average over the week, while the monthly average is around 2.5 inches.

On Wednesday night, Roy Beauchamp, 74, of Corrigan, was found dead after being taken by flood waters in the area of Piney Creek Road and FM 287.

A report from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office states they were notified on Wednesday that multiple cars were stranded in high water, and that Beauchamp was missing.

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The report states that the victim attempted to return to his vehicle to retrieve some items.

Several agencies, including the Groveton Volunteer Fire Department and Texas Game and Fish, joined in to search for the missing man. The body was found just before midnight in swift water and retrieved. He was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Richard Steptoe.

According to Trinity Fire Chief Keith Johnson, heavy rain caused flooding on FM 356 at Cowboy Church, causing two trees down at Arndts Lane which were blocking traffic. 

At same time a large tree fell across Highway 19 at Ramey Street blocking traffic, and firefighters cut up both trees and removed them with help from Trinity Public Works, Johnson said. While returning from Arndts Lane a small car stalled out in the water and was pushed against the curb.

The Trinity school district closed on Jan. 23, and delayed start on Wednesday. Additionally, school buses will be unable to pick up children for at least two weeks in the Lake L subdivision. In Groveton, Centerville and Apple Springs, weather prompted the schools to have a late start on Wednesday.