On Election Day, Chuck and Cathie Baldwin were driving through the darkness to fulfill their duties at a polling station in rural Missouri when their vehicle was overtaken by floodwaters, leading to a tragic accident. The couple, who had been married for over fifty years, were discovered deceased, clinging to one another and a tree. Their deaths occurred amid severe weather conditions, which claimed the lives of at least five individuals across the state as torrential rains fell persistently.
Sheriff Sonny Byerley of Wright County noted that the Baldwins, who consistently offered their help during elections, had attempted to swim to safety but tragically drowned. He remembered their positive attitudes as they contributed to the democratic process, stating, “They always believed in the American republic and the polling system.” Although the local highway patrol and sheriff’s department initially withheld their names, their daughter, Michelle Baldwin-Bostian, confirmed the identities of her parents.
The news of their passing reverberated throughout the small, close-knit community of Manes, Missouri, where citizens typically cast their ballots at a music hall used for local performances. Within this predominantly Republican area, the Baldwins stood out as Democrats, a factor that led to their involvement in a bipartisan group overseeing the elections. Patty Squirell, a colleague of Cathie’s from a nearby liquor store, described her as “an angel here on earth,” highlighting her loving and nonjudgmental nature while acknowledging the community’s collective mourning.
Friend Tanisha Ledford shared heartwarming memories of the couple, recalling how they would watch her children while she worked multiple jobs. “You couldn’t go wrong with either one of them,” Ledford remembered, detailing Chuck’s commitment to defend the innocent and Cathie’s dedication to providing food for those in need. Lindsi Snyder, an elementary school teacher, echoed these sentiments, sharing that her parents were close friends with the Baldwins, who met as teenagers and quickly decided to marry. Cathie had celebrated their 52nd anniversary in a heartfelt social media post, describing Chuck as “the love of my life.”
According to Sheriff Byerley, the couple was driving on a two-lane highway around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday when they were swept away by rapid floodwaters from Beaver Creek. At the same time, three teenage boys whose vehicle was also caught in the flood managed to swim to safety and called for help. They returned to attempt to rescue the Baldwins but were hindered by the overwhelming current. Byerley later used a drone to locate the couple, who were found embracing in the water but were unreachably trapped in the strong current when rescuers arrived.
Later that morning, Snyder, who had anticipated seeing Chuck at the polling place, learned of their deaths from an election worker and was devastated. “He would do anything for anybody,” she said of Chuck, a retired construction worker, adding that both he and Cathie were genuinely good people.
In the wake of this tragedy, Missouri has been reeling from over 10 inches of rain in certain areas since Sunday, resulting in the closure of more than 100 roads. Additional rainfall is expected, which could exacerbate the flooding situation. The rapidly rising Meramec River has put homes and businesses at risk, prompting local authorities in Pacific, Missouri, to encourage evacuations among its residents. With classes canceled for the week, officials are preparing for potential severe flooding.
Missouri state Representative Hannah Kelly, a Republican from Wright County, expressed her sorrow for the Baldwins’ deaths, asserting that no matter one’s political beliefs, the situation is undoubtedly heartbreaking. Reflecting on their final moments, a former neighbor remarked that they tragically died together while serving their community, emphasizing the couple’s deep bond and connection. “They were actually made for each other,” Ledford remarked, underscoring the extraordinary love they shared throughout their lives.