A woman not seen since historic flooding struck eastern Kentucky in July 2022 has been declared legally dead.
Vanessa Baker, 60, of Lost Creek, was declared dead on Monday “according to findings by Breathitt District Judge Gary Salyers,” WKYT.com reports.
Baker went missing on July 28 after floodwaters overwhelmed the Lost Creek community in Breathitt County. Search crews worked tirelessly searching for Baker and 29-year-old Nancy Cundiff, who both lived on Lower River Caney Road. Cundiff’s body was found in early October.
The death toll from the flood now stands at 45.
The U.S. Social Security Administration considers someone deceased after the person has not been seen or heard from for seven years. In Kentucky, though, a judge may declare someone deceased after the person goes missing following a “catastrophic event” and “a diligent search or inquiry” has been conducted.
(Photo: Vanessa Baker, courtesy of WKYT.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
