Remembering the seven lives lost in July 15, 2023 Upper Makefield fatal flood
It was raining — just another summer downpour, like so many others we've seen in recent years in July and August in Bucks County. Some didn't even get any rain. But in this corner of our community, a normally beautiful stretch near the Delaware River, tragedy would fall.
A flash flood would engulf the area of Houghs Creek in Upper Makefield, causing chaos, damage and loss of life unseen before.
More: Inside chaos of fatal flash floods near the Delaware, and the 11 days that followed
A wall of water would take out vehicles, sending their occupants scared and scattered into the rushing and violent deluge. By miracle and sheer determination of first responders, some would be rescued, but seven others would be lost on July 15.
This page is dedicated to those lost and their loved ones, as well as those who risked their lives in search and rescue efforts.
Newtown Township couple perished in flood
As he visited his childhood home for the first time without his parents, Zack DePiero took comfort in knowing one thing for certain about the sudden tragic death of his parents.
They ate their last meal — likely tomato pie and fish tacos — together at their favorite restaurant.
Enzo and Linda DePiero, who recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary, were driving home after dinner at a Titusville, N.J. diner known for its ice cream, fried chicken and tomato pies.
More: They spent more than 40 years together. The fatal flooding took their lives
A South Carolina family torn apart
Katie Seley was visiting family in Bucks County then the flood happened. On route to an Upper Bucks family barbecue with her partner, mother and three children, tragedy engulfed them.
An outpouring of shock and sympathy followed on social media.
More: South Carolina mom who died in Upper Makefield flooding was proud mama, sister, friend
Washington Crossing postal worker was 'always there to help'
Neighbors, customers mourn loss of flash flood victim Susan Barnhart.
At the Washington Crossing post office where she worked, Barnhart will be remembered for the care and attention she gave to her customers. And to her neighbors, Barnhart was known to bring joy to her community and for the endless love she showed to the animals in her life.
Sarah Orfe, who has lived next door to Barnhart in Titusville, New Jersey, said that “from the time we moved in, she was just about the friendliest, most helpful person.”
More: Titusville resident killed in Upper Makefield flooding known to always lend a helping hand
Yuko Love was known for her kind, loving spirit
Yuko Love was among the lives lost, leaving behind her husband, Dave, who was hospitalized for injuries sustained in the flood.
“She was unbelievably amazing,” said Maria Egan, a friend.
Before her life was taken, Love could be found on any given day working out at the Newtown Athletic Club. Three times a week, she would take a Zumba class taught by Egan, who said Love was always eager to get up on stage and use her positive energy to help others.
More: Before the fatal floods took her life, Yuko Love was known for her kind, loving spirit
Dave Love recounts harrowing events of July 15
From inside the car, all Dave Love could see was water.
In mere seconds, the powerful menace had risen to the top of the driver’s side window and was coming through the floorboards.
“We need to get out of this car now,” Dave said to his wife.
In the weeks that followed, he would replay that day over and over again in his mind, wondering what might’ve been had the couple simply carried out their usual Saturday shopping routine.
More: 'I was at the mercy of the water': Survivor recalls losing wife in floods along Delaware
Intense weather conditions alone not responsible for flash flood
Summer brings rain and when the rains come fast, so does the flooding.
More: What caused the Upper Makefield fatal flash flood?
Vigil organizers talk of miracles
Where the floods came, community finds hope among tragic loss.
More: As community gathers for Upper Makefield flood vigil, organizers talk of miracles
Loyal, loving companion Koda survived the flood
Susan Barnhart's dog was found the day after the flood, just blocks from the post office where Susan had worked.
More: Among fatal Upper Makefield flood survivors, Koda the dog was a loyal, loved companion
A timeline of July 15 tragedy and rescue efforts
The rains fell quickly. The floods came instantly. Within minutes, it was an emergency.
More: How the Upper Makefield flooding happened: A timeline of tragedy
Many obstacles impede search & rescue efforts
Steep cliffs and debris await searchers looking for children swept away in fatal floods.
More: Tactics to change as search for kids lost to fatal flooding comes up empty on third day
More: Steep cliffs and debris await searchers looking for children swept away in fatal floods
'We've never seen anything like it.'
Upper Makefield residents were caught by surprise as roads and nearby waterways were left littered with debris.
More: 'We've never seen anything like it': What they saw when the floods came to Upper Makefield
More: Bucks County issues emergency declaration in wake of fatal flooding. What does it mean?
More: Road closures remain in effect following fatal flooding. The latest
More: Fatal floods: Who does water rescues in Bucks County?
More: Did heavy rains that caused fatal floods impact roads in your Bucks County town?
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Remembering the 7 lives lost in July 15 Upper Makefield fatal flood
