Family Finds Daughter, 2, Drowning in Their Basement amid Indiana Floods. She Is Now ‘Fighting for Her Life’ in the ICU

Family Finds Daughter, 2, Drowning in Their Basement amid Indiana Floods. She Is Now ‘Fighting for Her Life’ in the ICU https://ift.tt/zyYABEl

A local farmer helped rescue the child with a tractor after her family’s home became surrounded by water, according to the Rush County Sheriff’s Department

Alayna, the 2-year-girl who was found drowning in her basement amid the devastating Indiana floods
Credit: GoFundMe

NEED TO KNOW

• A 2-year-old Indiana girl was found drowning in her family’s flooded basement amid the state’s devastating severe weather
• Her mother performed CPR while her 13-year-old brother called 911, and a nearby farmer used a tractor to help rescuers reach the family
• The toddler was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital and is “fighting for her life,” according to a GoFundMe established by her aunt

A toddler in Indiana was found drowning in the basement of her home amid the state’s recent historic flooding.

Authorities received a report that a 2-year-old child — who was later identified as Alayna — had drowned in a residence in Rush County at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Aug. 12, according to a press release from the Rush County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD).

As emergency personnel attempted to make their way to the home, they encountered roads that were “impassable in several locations” and found that the home “was surrounded by deep water” upon their arrival, per the department.

A nearby farmer with a tractor ultimately assisted emergency personnel in reaching the residence. The farmer then helped transport the toddler and her family to safety, according to the release. 

The RCSD said the child’s mother had been performing lifesaving measures before emergency services arrived, and first responders continued them once they reached the family. The toddler was ultimately airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis for further treatment.

Flooding in Indiana on Aug. 15, 2026
Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty

RCSD Detective Randy M. Meek called the incident “a tragic situation” in a statement included in the department’s press release.

“Our thoughts are with the child and the family. We also appreciate the quick response from emergency personnel and the local farmer who helped reach the residence during the flooding.”

The RCSD investigated the incident and determined it was an accident, per the release.

In a GoFundMe established by the toddler’s aunt, Poshia Bowling, to help Alayna’s parents with an array of unexpected practical and medical expenses during this time, Bowling said Alayna was placed on a ventilator and was “fighting for her life” in a pediatric ICU.

She also provided more details about the terrifying moments surrounding the incident, sharing that Alayna had been home with her mother, Becky, and her 13-year-old brother, Liem, as their home began to flood.

“In the middle of this terrifying emergency, Alayna was found drowning in the flooded basement,” Bowling said.

Flooding in Indiana on Aug. 15, 2026
Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty

She said that Alayna’s brother remained “remarkably calm” and called 911 while his mother performed CPR on his sister.

“We are holding tightly to every bit of hope,” Bowling said, adding that her niece “is showing signs of improvement.”

“We are incredibly grateful for every positive sign and are praying that she continues to make progress,” she said.

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“Every dollar raised will be used to help meet the needs of Alayna and her immediate family as they navigate this unimaginable situation,” Bowling added.

In an update posted on the fundraising page on Sunday, Aug. 16, Bowling shared that Alayna had begun breathing on her own without the help of a ventilator.

“There is still a long road ahead for our sweet girl, and we know we aren’t out of the woods yet. But today, we are celebrating a HUGE victory,” Bowling added.

Storms and rainfall brought historic flooding to Indiana in recent days. 

The White River, which runs through much of central and southern Indiana, including Indianapolis, reached levels not seen since 1913 in some areas, according to the Associated Press. 

The flooding has left at least seven people dead and has caused “widespread damage” to infrastructure, according to Gov. Mike Braun. 

Nearly 130,000 utility customers statewide remained without power as of late Sunday, which was down from a peak of around 300,000, per AP.