One Photo, One Brave Act
ROSEVILLE, OH – A photo captured during Tuesday’s (08/11) flooding in Roseville is showing more than just how high the water got.
Tuesday’s floodwaters left their mark at Village Green Apartments in Roseville, impacting many residents. But amid the damage, one photo captures a moment of kindness that’s now getting attention far beyond this apartment complex.
The photo shows 14-year-old Brayleigh Bruce making her way through the floodwater with a cat in her arms. But the cat wasn’t hers. When an elderly neighbor’s cat needed saving, Brayleigh stepped in to help.
“I love animals, so I just thought I’d be happy if someone would have done that for me, so why not do it for someone ese?” Brayleigh said.
But behind that photo is the story of just how quickly the water took over Village Green. The property manager says she watched the water continue to rise before making the call to get residents out.
“I thought it wasn’t going to get any higher. Then it kept getting higher, and before it even got to any of the apartments, I was evacuating people. I said get out. You have to go.” Property Manager, Vina Renick said.
And the damage left behind is widespread. 28 of the 32 apartments are now ruined, and for the people who call Village Green home, those apartments held much more than belongings.
“This was their life. You know. This is everything to them.” Renick said.
As residents now begin picking up the pieces, Brayleigh says Tuesday is something she never expected to experience.
“I hope you guys are safe. It was really scary. No one thought that something like this would happen until it did.” Brayleigh said.
But out of a frightening day came a moment that has the community recognizing Brayleigh’s bravery, and her grandmother couldn’t be prouder.
“I am so proud of her. She’s amazing. I’m just very proud of her. There are some adults who would never do that.” Renick said.
The Country Social food truck will be parked at Village Green Apartments, offering free meals to Roseville and Crooksville residents impacted by the flooding. Everything is free, but monetary donations are welcome and not required.
