Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest storms on the mainland since Katrina in 2005, has left a trail of devastation and brought tragedy to countless families. As rescuers tirelessly search for survivors, the death toll has reached 200, with lives lost in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
The destruction caused by the hurricane has left hundreds of people missing and nearly a million homes without electricity. The aftermath of the storm has also made rescue efforts challenging, with many roads rendered impassable.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has highlighted the severity of the situation, explaining that the rugged landscape has hindered aid from reaching communities in need.
Among the victims of this devastating storm is 7-year-old Micah Drye from Asheville, North Carolina. Micah and his grandparents sought refuge on a rooftop, but tragically, they were swept away by floodwaters. Micah’s mother, Meghan, miraculously survived.
Heartbroken and filled with grief, Micah’s aunt, Jessica Drye Turner, shared the boy’s final words: “Jesus! Please help me!” These chilling words serve as a reminder of the terror and fear experienced during this tragic event.
Micah’s lifeless body was found about a quarter mile away from where his mother was rescued. The distance between them symbolizes the immense loss experienced by the family.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Meghan’s sister, Heather Kephart, has started a GoFundMe page to support Meghan through this unimaginable tragedy. The page includes a heartwarming photo of Micah, taken by his grandmother just days before the storm. In the picture, he can be seen wearing a Jurassic World T-shirt and smiling, capturing a moment of innocent joy.
This family’s profound loss is just one of many stories of heartbreak caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm has affected countless lives, leaving communities shattered and searching for hope amidst the wreckage.