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.
Royal Family loses close friend
William and Kate are devastated. It is with great sadness that we share this news.
Peter Morris, a 47-year-old father of two and owner of Little Dragon Pizza, died of cancer and the Prince and Princess of Wales shared their deepest condolences.
The royals met Morris back in 2023 when they bought 12 pizzas from him for the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team during a visit to Dowlais Rugby Club, Merthyr Tydfil.
When they heard of his passing, Kate and William sent a letter to his wife Tracey writing, “We can only begin to imagine what an immense hole he will leave in your life and my heart goes out to you and your family.”
In the past, Morris battled oesophageal cancer and ended up a winner, but sadly, he was later diagnosed with adrenal gland and liver cancer. He received the news around four months after meeting William and Kate. Their letter in which they expressed their sympathy and condolences was read at his funeral.
The letter from Kensington Palace read: “Catherine and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Pete and serving pizzas to everyone from the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team.
“We know that Pete was a hugely dedicated and highly valued member of the community which has been evident from the response to his passing.”
“I hope you can draw knowledge from the impact he had on so many people,” it added.
“You and your family are in our thoughts at such a difficult time.”
The news of Morris’ passing was shared on the social media account of his business. The outpouring from the community was immense, a testament of the greatness of this man.
May he rest in peace.
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