Clay County Sheriff’s Office Finds Missing Individuals With Help Of Drone

On June 16, 2025, the Clay County area received heavy rain showers ranging from 2-3” causing flooding in several low lying areas. Later that night, at approximately 11:14 p.m., the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a parent stating that her daughter went “tubing” with two friends in the back waters, but hadn’t had any contact with her since approximately 7:30 p.m.

When deputies arrived to the area, they located the vehicle, but were unable to locate or track the three individuals. Deputies checked multiple other locations but were unable to locate them or any more information on their whereabouts. During their investigation they determined that one of the individuals suffers from a medical issue that requires medicine to keep it regulated.

The sheriff’s office requested assistance from Clay County ESDA/Rescue, Iuka Fire Protection District (Drone) and North Clay Fire Protection District. At approximately 12:31 a.m., while emergency personnel were staging nearby, an Iuka Fire Protection District member deployed their drone. At approximately 12:34 a.m. the drone operator located the three individuals in a wooded area approximately ¼ mi from their vehicle. Deputies walked into their location and escorted them to the road.

The individuals were checked by EMS, declined treatment and were left in the care of their families.