Hurricane Helene, the deadliest mainland storm since Katrina in 2005, has claimed the lives of 200 people as rescuers continue their search for survivors. The deaths have been reported in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
The number of people missing is counted in hundreds, and the number of homes left without electricity is nearly a million. Unfortunately, rescue teams face challenges as many roads rendered impassable by the storm’s destruction.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper highlighted the severity of the situation, saying that the rugged landscape has made it difficult for many communities to receive any assistance.
Among those who lost their lives is 7-year-old Micah Drye of Asheville, North Carolina. He and his grandparents were swept away by floodwaters after seeking refuge on a rooftop. The boy’s mother, Meghan, survived.
The news of Micah’s death was disclosed by his aunt, Jessica Drye Turner, who also shared the boy’s final words, “Jesus! Please help me!”
The heartbroken aunt expressed her grief and pain over the loss of her sister’s son. “New grief and strong faith. New motto.”
The boy’s lifeless body was located about a quarter mile from where his mother had been rescued.
Meghan’s other sister, Heather Kephart, started a GoFundMe page to help Meghan after the devastating loss of her son, her parents, and all her belongings, including her home.
The fundraising page included a photo of sweet Micah, taken by his grandmother mere days before the tragedy. He could be seen wearing a Jurassic World T-shirt and smiling.
This family’s huge loss is just one of many caused by the devastating storm.
Tragic Loss of Parents of Six During First Family Vacation
While on their first family vacation in Florida, six-time parents Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishart, 48, encountered an unbelievable tragedy.
On June 20, a tragic event happened when they were swimming off Hutchinson Island with two of their kids. Brian and Erica were left to the mercy of the strong ocean currents, even though the adolescents were able to rescue themselves.
Rescue efforts were started as soon as emergency personnel arrived. But despite everything they did, Brian and Erica were unfortunately declared dead at a local hospital, unable to be saved.
The water conditions were extremely dangerous on the day the couple perished. Red flags were flown along the beach, according to Cory Pippen of Martin County Fire Rescue, to warn swimmers of the hazardous riptide conditions. These flags are intended to alert beachgoers to possible aquatic dangers, like powerful rip currents.
After more than a year of dating, Brian and Erica got engaged. According to CBS 12 News, they intended to wed once their kids graduated from college. The family had been looking forward to this much-needed vacation for a long time. They took their kids along.
Brian’s father, Larry Warter, put their joy into words when he said, “They were so thrilled, they couldn’t see straight about going down.” It had never happened before. The experiment was this one. All six of their children were born together. It had taken them more than a month to plan.”
The overwhelming support that Brian’s family received from friends and relatives as well as the community left them in shock. Larry Warter conveyed his appreciation by saying, “Offers of assistance and other things have poured in.” We didn’t realize that we weren’t experiencing this alone.
A GoFundMe website was created in the couple’s memory, and Wayne Sallurday wrote a moving ode to Erica on it. He praised her as a remarkable individual, a devoted teacher, a caring mother, and someone who occasionally volunteered at her neighborhood church. He underlined that Erica was among the kindest people he had ever met.
Important information about rip currents is provided by the National Weather Service, which emphasizes that although they do not drag swimmers underwater, they can swiftly wear them out. In these kinds of situations, maintaining composure is essential.
It is advised on the website that swimming against a rip current will simply sap your energy, which is necessary for survival and escape. Avoid attempting to swim straight up to the coast. Swim parallel to the coast until you are no longer pulled by the current. Swim at an angle away from the current and toward the shore once you are free of its pull. Additionally, the service exhorts swimmers to always swim in pairs and to follow the maxim “If in doubt, don’t go out!”
This terrible incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks presented by rip currents and the importance of listening to safety advisories when swimming. Peace be with Brian and Erica.
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