A Kentucky teacher, Kasey Swails, mourned the death of 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews, who was swept away by floodwaters while walking to a school bus stop last week.
Swails, who taught Gabriel at Hearn Elementary, shared a heartfelt tribute to the student on Facebook.
“He was the sweetest boy who always put a smile on my face,” she wrote of Gabriel, who died on Friday, April 4, in Frankfort, as reported by PEOPLE.
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“He told me good morning EVERY morning as soon as he walked in my door. He has so many people who love him, especially every kiddo in our classroom,” Swails continued.
In a separate message, Swails remembered Gabriel as being “impossible not to love.”
“Being a teacher means you pour into and love on someone else’s kid like they are your own,” she continued. “And today has been the most heartbreaking day in my teaching career. I just want to squeeze each of my babies a little tighter and remind them how much I love them.”
Franklin County Schools also joined in mourning the death of 9-year-old Gabriel.
“We are deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy that claimed the life of one of our students,” school district superintendent Mark Kopp wrote. “The entire Franklin County School System is praying for the family and friends of those directly affected by the events this morning. We are more than a school system, we are a family at Franklin County Schools, and we share this loss together.”
“At this time, we are working with support staff at our schools and offering services to our students, faculty, and staff who need assistance during this time,” Kopp’s statement continued. “We are eternally grateful for our community first responders from both city and county agencies who selflessly responded to assist in this situation.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear even expressed his condolences. “My heart breaks for this family,” he wrote in a statement shared on social media. “Please join Britainy and me in praying for them following this unimaginable loss.”
Gabriel is among at least 16 victims of severe flooding and storms that recently affected the southern and midwestern U.S.
His death has sparked concerns among some parents in Franklin County, questioning why schools were open for in-person learning during the extreme weather.
