Donations pour in for Hattiesburg therapist after wife dies in Petal flash flood
Hattiesburg, Mississippi — Friends and supporters are rallying around a local therapist after his wife was killed in a flash flood over Memorial Day weekend and a GoFundMe for the family drew an outpouring of contributions, organizers said.
Organizers said the fundraiser, set up for Ben Floyd, was originally launched after he was diagnosed with a high-grade astrocytoma with piloid features, an aggressive form of brain cancer located in the cerebellum. Floyd, who is self-employed as a therapist in Hattiesburg, has been unable to work regularly while undergoing treatment.
Organizers said Rachael Floyd was killed May 25 during a flash flood in Petal. They updated the fundraiser after her death to say donations will now help Ben Floyd care for the couple’s three young sons while he navigates both his medical battle and the sudden loss of his wife.
Supporters described Floyd as a compassionate counselor, devoted father and active member of the community who has spent years helping others through personal crises. The fundraiser listed the couple’s children as Joshua, 4; Gilead, 2; and Mayhew, 1. Organizers said additional information about funeral arrangements is expected to be announced later. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
