10 bodies recovered in Yancey County including an 8th grader due to Hurricane Helene

In the continuing aftermath of Hurricane Helene, nearly five weeks after the storm, the death toll in one mountain county has risen substantially.

During a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard stated that ten bodies had been recovered, eight were residents of Yancey County and the other two were from Mitchell County. An eighth grader who attended East Yancey Middle School is among the dead according to WLOS TV.

Three individuals are still reported missing, according to the Sheriff.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families affected by this tragic loss. Continued prayers for the families, and our community.” the Sheriff also stated.

As of Wednesday morning, October 30th, there are 101 verified storm-related fatalities in North Carolina according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services dashboard.  Two were in Watauga, 1 in Ashe, 5 in Avery, and 2 in Mitchell. Buncombe County is reporting the largest number of fatalities at 43.