A 39-year-old woman died Sunday while trying to rescue her son from floodwaters in Grainger County, Tennessee, authorities said.
Mary Evelyn Nicole Manning-Kellione entered a culvert after her son was swept into it by high water.
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The boy managed to exit safely, but his mother became trapped inside.
The Grainger County Sheriff's Office stated that the son surfaced at the other end and came to safety when he realized his mother was in the water.
Rescue personnel later located Manning-Kellione lodged inside the culvert.
Her death is one of at least five confirmed fatalities across Tennessee and Kentucky following heavy rainfall, according to The Guardian.
The National Weather Service upgraded the flood threat for both states on Sunday, warning of potential hourly rainfall rates of up to three inches.
The agency categorized the situation as a moderate risk.
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A social media tribute honored Manning-Kellione's actions, calling her "a real-life super mom" and "the tragic and perfect example of the absolute superhuman lengths a mother will go to for her children."
States of Emergency Declared
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that nine counties have declared states of emergency due to the rainfall.
"Bridges have been wiped out, entire roads have been wiped away and there is still standing and moving water," Beshear said.
The governor also issued an executive order to help affected residents obtain medicine.
"Pharmacies in areas that are hit can go ahead and fill people's prescriptions that have been washed away or are no longer safe to take," he explained.
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Beshear requested prayers for families affected by "this difficult time."
