A North Carolina family is grappling with an unimaginable loss after Hurricane Helene ripped through the western part of the state, leaving tragedy in its wake. The Craig family, who live in a tight-knit community known as “Craigtown” in Fairview, a suburb of Asheville, is mourning the deaths of 11 family members who were killed in a catastrophic mudslide caused by the hurricane’s relentless rains. The mudslide hit without warning in the early morning hours of September 27, crushing the homes where the Craig family members lived beside each other.
A GoFundMe page titled “Support the Craig Family After Tragic Loss” describes the Craigs as “pillars of the community,” and calls for donations to help with rebuilding homes, funeral arrangements, medical expenses, and to support the family during their grieving process. The devastation of losing so many loved ones has left the community in shock, as they rally to provide comfort and aid to the survivors.
Among those who lost their lives during the storm was Tony Garrison, a firefighter from Fairview who tragically died while trying to save others from the mudslides. His sacrifice highlights the heroism displayed by first responders who put their lives on the line, even as the devastation continues to unfold in the hardest-hit areas.
In another heartbreaking turn of events, the Wisely family in Green Mountain, about an hour north of Fairview, lost two young boys and their mother when they were swept into the Toe River during the storm. Alison Wisely, along with her sons, 9-year-old Felix and 7-year-old Lucas, died while trying to flee their home by car as the storm intensified. According to a GoFundMe page set up in their memory, the car began to float in the rising floodwaters, forcing the family to get out and attempt to return to safety, only to be overtaken by a powerful wave. The body of Alison’s fiancé, Knox Petrucci, remains missing as search efforts continue.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has claimed the lives of more than 230 people across the region, and that number is expected to rise as recovery crews continue to sift through the wreckage in southern Appalachia. With more than 3,200 people rescued so far, according to FEMA, there are still many who remain unaccounted for, their families desperately seeking answers.
On social media, a Facebook page called “Hurricane Helene Safety Check In” has become a virtual gathering point for those searching for loved ones. Hundreds of people from across the country have posted photos and descriptions of missing family members, pleading for any information in an area where cell service and internet connectivity have been severely disrupted.
Officials in North Carolina are coordinating with FEMA to manage the disaster response and assist those who have lost family members. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) emphasized their commitment to providing help for those affected by this disaster, stating that emergency responders are ready to offer support to families in need.
In Black Mountain, a town that has seen significant destruction, Police Chief Steve Parker assured that search and rescue missions will persist until every last missing person is accounted for. He noted the overwhelming response from volunteers and rescue teams, including individuals traveling from as far as Los Angeles to lend a hand in the recovery efforts. Despite the initial chaos and the slow arrival of resources during the first few days after the storm, the community’s resolve has remained strong.
Parker highlighted the resilience and solidarity of the Black Mountain community, where neighbors are stepping up to support one another in these dark times. “One gentleman the other day, he said, ‘I never knew my neighbors.’ But he said, ‘Joe over here needed this, and Susie over here needed that and Jake over there needed this. And we all got it for them.’ So, they’re working together to help each other, and they’re truly becoming a community,” Parker shared.
As the town of Black Mountain works to restore its water systems and rebuild its infrastructure, there is hope that the area will recover in time to welcome visitors for its vibrant fall season when the mountains’ leaves transform into a display of stunning colors.
While the community remains focused on immediate recovery efforts, there’s also concern about the long-term support and resources needed to help families like the Craigs and Wiselys rebuild their lives. Chief Parker’s remark that they were already looking ahead to the possibility of another storm underscores the urgent need for sustained federal and state assistance in these vulnerable areas.