Tragedy in Moore: Mother and 12-Year-Old Son Drown After Vehicle Is Swept Into Flooded Drainage Ditch During Torrential Storm
Moore, OK – April 19, 2025 — A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the community of Moore, Oklahoma, after a mother and her 12-year-old son lost their lives when their vehicle was swept away by fast-rising floodwaters during a powerful storm Friday night.
The victims have been identified as Erika Lott, a devoted mother and Moore resident, and her son, Rivers Bond, a sixth-grader remembered by teachers and classmates for his kindness, bright smile, and love of reading. Authorities confirmed that the incident took place near the intersection of SE 12th Street and Eastern Avenue, where a dangerous drainage ditch overflowed as heavy rains pounded the region.
According to Moore police and emergency responders, the ordeal began around 9:00 p.m., when Lott’s vehicle was caught in rapidly rising water. Witnesses said the car was swept off the road in a matter of seconds as torrential rainfall flooded low-lying areas.
A third person inside the vehicle — whose name has not yet been released — was able to escape and seek help. However, by the time rescue crews arrived, the car was fully submerged in the drainage channel, which had become a fast-moving torrent under the weight of the storm.
Despite intensive search efforts, Erika and Rivers were not located until around 2:00 a.m. Saturday, when their bodies were recovered from the flooded channel, not far from where their vehicle had been last seen.
A Devastating Loss
The deaths of Erika and her young son have left the community reeling. Flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes have been placed near the site of the incident, and friends, neighbors, and even strangers have offered condolences across social media and local message boards.
Rivers Bond was a student at Highland West Junior High School, where administrators say grief counselors have been made available to both students and staff. A moment of silence was held during Saturday morning events, and many teachers have taken to social media to share memories of a child they describe as “compassionate, curious, and full of potential.”
“Rivers was the kind of student who made you smile just by walking into the room,” one of his teachers wrote. “He always offered help to classmates and loved reading fantasy novels. We’re devastated.”
Erika Lott, described by friends as a “pillar of strength and grace,” was known for her deep dedication to her son. A single mother, she worked multiple jobs to support her household and was often seen at school functions, cheering Rivers on at spelling bees and science fairs.
“She loved her boy more than anything in the world,” said family friend Janessa Green. “They were best friends. You never saw one without the other.”
A Dangerous Storm, A Deadly Intersection
Meteorologists confirmed that Moore experienced several inches of rainfall within a short window of time Friday night, overwhelming the city’s drainage systems and turning streets into rivers in a matter of minutes. Flash flood warnings had been issued earlier in the evening, but the sheer speed of the rainfall created dangerous conditions before many could react.
City officials acknowledged that the intersection at SE 12th and Eastern has long been a problematic flood zone during heavy storms, and called for a renewed review of stormwater infrastructure following this tragedy.
“This isn’t just a weather event. It’s a wake-up call,” said Councilmember Jared Ellis. “We’ve lost two lives, including a child. We owe it to this family — and to every family in Moore — to make our streets safer during storms.”
Community Responds with Compassion
A memorial fund has been established by friends and family to assist with funeral expenses and to support the surviving relatives of Erika and Rivers. As of Saturday evening, a GoFundMe page created in their honor had raised more than $40,000 in less than 12 hours.
Local churches and organizations are also stepping up to provide meals, counseling, and emotional support to those grieving this unimaginable loss.
“This community has a big heart,” said Pastor Glen Walker of Moore Grace Fellowship. “We’ve been through tornadoes, storms, and now this. But we don’t let each other grieve alone. Erika and Rivers won’t be forgotten.”
Remembering Erika and Rivers
Plans are underway for a public memorial to celebrate the lives of Erika Lott and Rivers Bond. Friends say they hope to honor their memory not just with tears, but with action — by advocating for safer streets, better drainage systems, and deeper awareness of flash flood dangers.
“This isn’t just a sad story — it’s a call for change,” said Janessa Green. “But most of all, it’s about a mother and a son who were everything to each other, taken too soon. We will honor them with our voices, our love, and our promise to never forget.”