Aiken County, SC — Hurricane Helene has been confirmed as the cause of three additional deaths in Aiken County, raising the storm’s fatal toll to seven since its onset last Friday. The newly reported fatalities further underscore the havoc wreaked by the hurricane, which continues to affect various parts of the county.
Local authorities and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office identified the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Among the new fatalities is a North Augusta man, 75-year-old David Welch, who succumbed to a respiratory issue on Friday on Circlewood Drive, coinciding with the hurricane’s landfall.
In a separate incident, 78-year-old Joyce Barfield of Gloverville lost her life in a house fire early Sunday morning on School Street. The blaze was reported at around 5:30 a.m. and highlights the secondary dangers posed by such storms, including heightened risks of fire.
Additionally, 66-year-old Rhonda Gabriel passed away on Tuesday at ARMC Hospital due to respiratory complications, further illustrating the broad health impacts severe weather can inflict.
Previously, the Aiken County Coroner’s Office had reported four fatalities, each attributed to falling trees, an immediate and visually devastating effect of Hurricane Helene. The storm’s powerful winds have toppled numerous trees across residential areas, leading to widespread damage and danger.
Elsewhere, Richmond County has also reported casualties with at least three confirmed deaths directly related to the storm, emphasizing the regional impact of Hurricane Helene. Among these was a tragic incident where a tree fell on a home, claiming the life of a resident.
As the community grapples with these losses, local officials continue to assess the full scale of damage and coordinate recovery efforts. Hurricane Helene has drawn attention to the critical need for preparedness and swift emergency responses in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Officials stress the importance of adhering to evacuation orders and safety guidelines during such natural disasters. Community leaders and safety personnel are working tirelessly to provide support and prevent further tragedies as they urge the public to remain vigilant.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has indeed been a stark reminder of nature’s force, driving efforts to bolster disaster readiness and response strategies in Aiken County and beyond. As recovery operations persist, the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities are expected to be a focal point in overcoming the challenges posed by such catastrophic events.