Flooding Death Reported in Mississippi as River Nears Crest

AMELIA, La. -- It's believed to be the first death related to flooding since the Mississippi River's rising water started affecting Mississippi and Louisiana.

Officials say 69-year-old Walter Cook died early today in Vicksburg, Miss., after being pulled yesterday from floodwaters. They say he drowned.

Meanwhile, the threat of flooding is prompting at least one Louisiana school district to end the school year early. The vote came from the school board in Assumption Parish, which is canceling the last week of classes.

The Mississippi River is expected to crest today in Vicksburg at 57.1 feet. That's five inches shy of projections made two weeks ago that were revised yesterday.

In Natchez, Miss., the National Weather Service lowered its crest prediction six inches to 62.5 feet. The crest is still expected to arrive Saturday and the 62.5 feet of water should stick around for days. Flood stage in Natchez is 48 feet.