Kentucky teachers rescue missing elementary student from steep, muddy hillside

Floyd County teachers climbed down a steep, muddy hillside to rescue a missing student Wednesday night, according to a news release from Superintendent Tonya Horne-Williams.

Teachers and community members heard the girl calling out, and they navigated treacherous terrain to rescue her, Horne-Williams said.

The rescue happened around 11:30 p.m., said district spokesperson Bobby Akers.

The South Floyd Elementary student was missing for hours after the school day, Horne-Williams said, and school officials and community members sprang into action during “deteriorating weather conditions.”

The search became more frantic as night fell.

But Scott Stanley, a teacher at South Floyd, teachers’ aid Taylor Johnson and community members Tiffany and Michael Blair heard the girl calling out and “pinpointed their location on a steep, muddy hillside,” Horne-Williams said.

Byron Hall, the school’s physical education teacher, and teacher Damon Adkins navigated the terrain to reach her.

“We are incredibly grateful for their bravery and quick actions,” Horne-Williams said.

This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM.