Hurricane Helene Tragically Claims Lives of 11 Family Members
One family is coping with an overwhelming loss following Hurricane Helene.
In Fairview, N.C., a landslide on Sept. 27, caused by unprecedented rains from the storm, resulted in the tragic deaths of 11 members of Jesse Craig‘s family. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Support the Craig Family After Tragic Loss” has been set up.
“My mother, father, aunt, uncle, great aunt, uncle, cousins, and second cousins were among the 11 victims of the mudslide,” Jesse shared with local news affiliate ABC11.
Apart from the tragic loss, the city of Fairview, affectionately known as “Craigtown” due to the family’s long-standing presence, also faced significant destruction.
“The area looks completely different now,” Jesse remarked. “But this is where I grew up.”
Jesse’s wife, MeKenzie Craig, is also grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed the lives of at least 223 individuals according to NBC News.
“We will never fully comprehend the extent of this tragedy,” she told ABC11. “Our community and town will never be the same. It’s a life-altering event. I haven’t been able to process it yet. It feels like it’s been forever, but also like it’s brand new. I’ve lost track of time.”