Hurricane Helene has caused great damage, claiming at least 135 lives, especially in the Carolinas. Among the victims were 7-year-old Micah Drye and his grandparents in Asheville, North Carolina, who were taken by floodwaters after trying to escape to a rooftop. Micah’s mother, Megan, survived but lost her son and parents.
Her sister, Jessica, shared the sad story online, including Micah’s last words: “Please help me!” Jessica expressed her sorrow and faith, saying, “New grief and strong faith. New motto.” Micah’s body was later found about a quarter mile from where Megan was rescued.
Megan’s sister, Heather Kephart, started a GoFundMe page to help Megan after she lost everything. The page features a last photo of Micah smiling in a Jurassic World T-shirt, taken by his grandmother before the tragedy.
As communities work to recover, the Drye family’s loss is just one of many from the storm. The strength of families like theirs will be important for healing.