At least 22 people, including twin babies, have lost their lives in Tennessee floods after record-breaking rainfall that resulted in flash floods.

Among the victims of the raging floodwaters was also Wayne Spears, the ranch foreman of country singer Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Hurricane Mills.

According to the reports, the country star’s property was overcome by floodwater on Saturday. While checking on the animals, Spears got caught in the fast-rising water and was forced to hold onto a wooden beam for his safety.

Unfortunately, the entire structure gave up and the ranch foreman was washed away just moments after the tragic photo was taken.

“He’s out at his barn and next thing you know, he goes from checking animals in the barn to hanging on in the barn to people seeing him floating down the creek. And that’s how fast it had come up,” Humphrey County Sheriff Chris Davis explained.

Following the hardworking man’s passing, Lynn paid a touching tribute to her “beloved” and “irreplaceable” rancher.

“With the heaviest of hearts we are saddened to report that our beloved foreman Wayne Spears did not survive being swept up in the flood waters. Wayne has been a family friend to the Lynns and a fixture to the Ranch for decades and we are all devastated by his passing,” the country star wrote.

“The Ranch will never be the same without him but he will always be remembered for his ready smile, kind heart, and willingness to go the extra mile for everyone around him.

“Eventually we’ll rebuild our community, our ranch, our lives and our homes. but only God could build a man like Wayne Spears. There’s just no replacing that. May he rest in peace.”

Our thoughts are with Wayne’s family and friends and all other victims of the Tennessee floods.