May 12, 2002
After several rounds of precipitation over Central Illinois during the first couple weeks of May, area rivers rose above flood stage at most locations. The following rivers were in flood during May: Spoon River, Illinois River, Mackinaw River, Sangamon River, Embarras River and the Little Wabash. The death of the 8 year old boy in Mason county occurred when he was playing in a boat that was tied to the shore in a flooded part of the Illinois River. The rope got loose and the boat started to
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5301452). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Mason County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.