9 Members of One Family Among Dead on Duck Boat

More grim news out of Missouri with reports that nine of the 17 people killed when a duck boat capsized came from a single family. No further details about them were immediately available. Per USA Today, two other members of that family survived the ordeal aboard the amphibious vessel as a powerful storm blew across Branson's Table Rock Lake. The boat, built to tour both land and water, was carrying 29 passengers and two crew members when it was upended by strong winds and high waves after 6pm, the AP reports. One of the fatalities was the boat's driver. Gov. Mike Parson's office confirmed that nine of the victims were related but did not identify anyone who was killed.

"What happened in Branson last night was a heart-breaking tragedy, & we must all work together to support the victims & their families," Parson said in a statement after ordering all state agencies to fly all flags at half mast. Sen. Claire McCaskill called off all events scheduled as part of her re-election campaign and traveled to Branson on Friday. "Heavy hearts for the families of those who have died and are hurt. And as always sincere thanks to the first responders," McCaskill tweeted. (More Branson, Missouri stories.)