Mom Mourns Death of 9-Year-Old Son Who Was Swept Away by Floodwaters While Walking to School Bus Stop

The mother of a 9-year-old Kentucky boy who was swept away by floodwaters last week paid tribute to her late son and expressed gratitude towards the community for their support.

"I’m overwhelmed with the love that the community had for my son," Gabriel Andrews' mother, Racheal Andrews, told ABC News in a story published on Tuesday, April 8. 

Gabriel is one of at least 20 people who died following recent torrential rain and flash flooding hit parts of the southern and midwestern parts of the U.S., which were already heavily waterlogged by a number of severe storms that also spawned tornadoes.

The boy was found dead in Frankfort, Ky., after being swept away by floodwaters while walking to a school bus stop, local station WKYT reported.

In her interview with ABC News, Racheal said her son was a basketball and football fan who "had the most beautiful smile" and "loved everyone he came in contact with.”

According to a published obituary, Gabriel turned 9 three days before his death and is survived by his mother, sister, three brothers and his maternal grandparents. 

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Among those who also recently paid tribute to Gabriel are former teacher, Kasey Swails. She described him as the “sweetest boy who always put a smile on my face” in a social media post, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

“He told me good morning EVERY morning as soon as he walked in my door," Swails continued. "He has so many people who love him, especially every kiddo in our classroom."

In the wake of Gabriel's death, some parents wondered why schools in Franklin County were open for in-person learning to begin with — and Gabriel's mom told ABC News she was "devastated" classes hadn't been canceled.

"There never should have been school that day," she added.

PEOPLE contacted Franklin County Schools as well as Gabriel's mom for additional comment on Monday, April 7, but did not immediately hear back.

Franklin County Schools also mourned the child’s death.

“We are deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy that claimed the life of one of our students,” school district superintendent Mark Kopp wrote in a statement shared on social media last week. “The entire Franklin County School System is praying for the family and friends of those directly affected by the events this morning. We are more than a school system, we are a family at Franklin County Schools, and we share this loss together. 

“At this time, we are working with support staff at our schools and offering services to our students, faculty, and staff who need assistance during this time,” Kopp continued. 

According to his obituary, Gabriel’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, at the chapel of the Thacker Memorial Funeral Home in Pikeville.