Photographer's flood image gets first place in photo contest

Southeast Missourian photographer Aaron Eisenhauer's widely published picture of Fed Ex driver Jay McMullin working to save motorist Odell Bunch during a March flash flood was honored as the top spot news photograph by the 2008 Southern Newspaper Publishers Association photo contest.

Eisenhauer, a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, joined the Southeast Missourian in May 2007.

Eisenhauer and reporter Peg McNichol were traveling west on Highway 34 on March 18 when they were stopped by floodwaters spilling out of Byrd Creek over the highway. As they watched, the 78-year-old Bunch attempted to drive east through the floodwaters when his pickup truck, caught in the rush, slid south and became perched on the shoulder.

McMullin drove his delivery van into the stream, stopped, climbed out through his passenger door into the water and grabbed McMullin by the hand as he exited the truck.

"The photographer made a story-telling image out of a difficult situation, with strong news value," the judges wrote of Eisenhauer's photo. "We see many pictures of the aftermath of disasters. However, this image shows us the disaster."

Eisenhauer will receive a $500 cash prize and a plaque as part of the honor.

The top prize in the contest went to Eric Kayne of the Houston Chronicle, who was awarded Photo of the Year for an artistic photo depicting the funeral of an American soldier who died serving his country in Iraq. Contest winners were announced Monday at the SNPA annual convention.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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