SHOALS — The search for 82-year-old James Petty of Fortville entered a critical and frustrating phase this weekend as historic flooding along the East Fork White River continues to stall recovery efforts. While investigators believe they have located Petty’s submerged vehicle, the same treacherous conditions that swept the truck away are now preventing divers from reaching it.
The incident occurred on Monday, March 9, 2026, on Spout Springs Road, just south of Shoals.
The tragedy began shortly around 2:37 p.m. when Petty’s truck was carried off the roadway by swift-moving currents. While Petty remained with the vehicle as it was pulled downstream, his passenger managed a harrowing escape.
Following the protocols urged by safety experts, the passenger unbuckled his seatbelt, rolled down his window, and jumped from the truck. He was able to grab onto a nearby tree vine and call 911 while suspended over the floodwaters
Members of the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department and the Martin County Sheriff’s Department launched a rescue boat and successfully pulled the passenger to safety.
Using advanced sonar technology, conservation officers have identified a “possible vehicle location” on the river bottom. The truck is believed to be resting in approximately 30 feet of water.
Despite knowing the location, dive teams remain grounded. Officials emphasize that the depth is not the primary obstacle; rather, it is the combination of a high-velocity current and heavy debris—including uprooted trees and logs—moving beneath the surface.
Current River Conditions at Shoals (March 15):
- Observed Gauge Height: ~26.4 feet (Moderate Flood Stage)
- Flood Stage: 20.0 feet
- Current Status: River is cresting but remains nearly 7 feet above flood stage.
The search is taking place against a backdrop of widespread infrastructure failure. Martin County Commissioner Aaron Summers reported that approximately 26 roads across the county were currently underwater as of Friday afternoon.
As the East Fork White River is not expected to fall below flood stage until at least today, Monday, March 16, the message from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remains urgent: Turn around, don’t drown.
Experts warn that as little as six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 12 inches can sweep away most small cars. With the river currently moving at nearly four times its normal flow rate, even heavy trucks are no match for the current.
