Tropical Storm Helene caused the deaths of 49 people across South Carolina.
Fatalities resulted from falling trees, power outages affecting medical equipment, and vehicle accidents.
The victims came from diverse backgrounds, including a teacher, firefighters, and retirees.
The article serves as a memorial, remembering the names and stories of those who died.
A 78-year-old Navy wife who always cooked enough for an Army. A 41-year-old who worked long hours behind the grill at Cookout while harboring dreams of his own restaurant. A 34-year-old dedicated high school English teacher, and the 66-year-old general manager at the Augusta Carolina Ale Steakhouse, always ready with a menu and a smile. A 31-year-old who just became a dad. A pair of volunteer firefighters, one at the end of his career and one only beginning. A couple who loaded their truck bed with chainsaws looking to help. All these people existed in their own bell jars, separate orbits with distinct paths, until their stories collided, violently, with the indiscriminate horror of Tropical Storm Helene. A year on from the tragedy, these 49 friends, neighbors, co-workers and loved ones remain connected through Mother Nature, all a part of a horrific chapter in South Carolina’s history. And, we mark this melancholy milestone by remembering their names and their stories.
Taken from official releases, on-the-scene conversations, news reports, obituaries and online recollections, these small memorials reflect the diverse quilt of South Carolinians experiences, interests and idiosyncrasies — a tapestry that will forever be changed by their loss.
Jerry Savage
78, Beech Island
Jerry was born on the same day as his wife, Marcia, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life for more than 50 years. He made a career as an electrician and a builder, but found passion as an oil painter and Harley Davidson aficionado. As they came into this world, so too did they go out: Jerry and his wife died on the same day, Sept. 27, in the house they’d called home since 1975, when a tree uprooted by Tropical Storm Helene fell into their home. Their beloved dog, Angel, was also killed.
Marcia Savage
74, Beech IslandMarcia was born on the same day as her husband, Jerry. He was her high school sweetheart and the love of her life for more than 50 years. A retired banker, Marcia reveled in spending as much time as possible with her four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. As they came into this world, so too did they go out: Jerry and his wife died on the same day, Sept. 27, in the house they’d called home since 1975, when a tree uprooted by Tropical Storm Helene fell into their home. Their beloved dog, Angel, was also killed. “My daddy was on top of my mama hugging her, trying to protect her. The coroner had to pull them apart,” her daughter Tammy Estep told USA TODAY.
Michael Roukous
29, North Augusta
Just weeks before Helene bore down on the Upcountry, Michael graduated from the North American Lineman Training Center in Tennessee, the realization of a lifelong dream. A native New Yorker, Michael excelled in sports from a young age, particularly lacrosse, which he played in college at SUNY Potsdam. He found solace in the outdoors, especially in the quiet of hunting for the next big buck. Michael was the favorite grandchild, as his cousins freely admitted in his obituary, and an attentive son, always greeting his parents in the same way: mom with a kiss on the forehead and dad with a bear bug and a loud, “Hey, old man!” He died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on the home he was renting, a temporary space as he got his bearings at his new job with Forbes Bros. Utility. In the wake of his death, his parents set up a scholarship to encourage young people to join the linemen trade.
Joseph Gullen III
70, Aiken
Joe died on Sept. 27 after a tree fell into his home in Aiken, according to the Augusta Press.
David Welch
75, North Augusta
David lived on Circlewood Drive. He died on Sept. 27 from respiratory issues when his supplemental oxygen machine failed during a Helene-related power outage, according to the Augusta Press.
Joyce Barfield
78, Gloverville
Joyce was a Navy wife who cooked for an army. Her overflowing kitchen was the center of her big family and everyone — including 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren — had a seat at the table, especially on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Following her husband’s postings, Joyce traveled widely and forged deep connections in every port she called home. A one-time beauty salon owner, Joyce enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles and Friday night card games with her girlfriends. She was also a Chihuahua enthusiast, owning 10 of the dogs throughout her lifetime. Joyce’s home lost power during the storm and she died on Sept. 29 when a lit candle ignited a house fire.
Charles Daly Dean III
59, Greenville
A globetrotter, Charles lived and worked on both coasts before settling in South Carolina and traveling as much as he could, including to southern Spain, a locale that held a special place in his heart. He loved Grande dames like Barbra Streisand and Elizabeth Taylor, had zero interest in sports and could talk anyone’s ear off about the British Royal Family and their crown jewels, according to his obituary. Charles was killed when a tree fell into his apartment on Sept. 27, his obituary states. Recovering from an alcohol addiction, Dean dedicated 13 years of his life to helping others do the same at the South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center and Pavillon. “He had all these sort of different families out there,” his brother Matthew told the Greenville News. “It’s been affirmed over and over again how special he was.”
Rhonda Gabriel
66, Aiken
As general manager of Augusta’s Carolina Ale Steakhouse, Rhonda greeted regulars and visiting tourists alike with a smile and a warm word of welcome. The West Virginia native had the kind of laugh that made keeping a straight face near impossible. Generous and dedicated, she had a passion for medieval history that she was always willing to share with the curious. After her death, her family requested donations to Tri-Development Center, an organization focused on providing equal opportunities and support to those with autism and intellectual disabilities. Rhonda died on Oct. 1 in a nearby hospital of respiratory distress after her supplemental oxygen machine lost power during an outage.
Paul Linn
86, Aiken
Paul lived on Broughton Drive on the south side of Aiken. He died of respiratory issues on Oct. 2 because the power to his oxygen machine went out.
Wayne Dawes
81, New Ellenton
Wayne lived a life deeply rooted in faith in action. He served as a deacon, an elder and a Sunday school attendant and was involved in a Christian radio station near his hometown in Pennsylvania. After love for his family and his faith came a great interest in home improvement. Wayne was often busy with rehab projects and yard work and was known to keep a meticulous lawn. He died on Oct. 2 of cardiac issues attributed to the storm, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette. A few days after his funeral, his family welcomed their first great grandchild.
Douglas Buck
80, Aiken
Douglas’ careers in the U.S. Army and later as a human resources professional and adjunct professor for more than three decades took him from Ohio to Florida to Georgia. In Ohio, he also served as an arbitrator for the State Employment Relations Board, where he acted as a mediator and fact-finder in labor relations and contract negotiations. He was a natural athlete and took up golf in middle age, playing several days a week. Douglas achieved a low-teen handicap right up until his death on Oct. 3 from cardiac arrest, which the coroner attributed to the fallout from Tropical Storm Helene.
Randy Harris
66, Aiken
An avid Tennessee Volunteers fan, Randy loved the speed of drag racing as much as he did the peace of fishing. He worked as a maintenance mechanic at Kimberly-Clark before an accident forced his retirement. He spent 42 years married to his wife, Donna, and wore the job title of “Grandpa” with pride. He took any opportunity to pass an afternoon with his grandchildren, who all went by the special nicknames he’d given them: Addie, Bubba and Zan man. Randy died on Oct. 7 of respiratory issues attributed to the storm when his oxygen machine lost power.
Richard “Rick” Seigler
65, Aiken
Richard was most at peace heading into the wind on the back of a Harley. A lifelong South Carolinian, Richard worked his entire career in the construction industry and spent his off-time bowling, playing softball or hitting high notes with karaoke. Richard and his two best friends, Mark and Ricky, were “The Three Musketeers” to those who knew them well. One of the Musketeers, Mark, even officiated Richard’s celebration of life ceremony. Richard died on Oct. 12 of cardiac issues attributed to the storm.
Christine Lynn Schmeiske
55, Anderson
Christine died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell into her home in Anderson. She was trapped under heavy debris and pronounced dead at the scene.
Sandy Lee Fisher
54, Anderson
Sandy, a member of the Baptist faith, was born and raised in Anderson County. Her son, Brandon, told a local news reporter that he was sitting next to her when a tree fell through their home on Sept. 27. Sandy died, but her son was able to escape the branches. “I guess Mama saved me,” he said.
“I’m going to have nightmares for the rest of my life,” Brandon told a Gray Local Media news crew.
Bobby Foster
83, Belton
A United States Air Force veteran, Bobby was retired from his career as a tree surgeon and arborist. Bobby died on Sept. 28 when his car was hit by a motorist attempting to avoid storm debris.
Karen McCall
60, Anderson
Whether one of her five grandchildren or not, Karen McCall was “Nona” to any and all kids she ever met. She drowned when her car was swept away by flood waters. A helicopter search team discovered her car overturned in a wooded embankment near the deluged road.According to a Greenville News report, she died on Sept. 27.
Samuel L. Cilli Sr.
79, Pelzer
Samuel dedicated most of his life to serving his country: After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he continued to hold rank in the Naval Reserves, USAF Reserves and the National Guard. Born in New Jersey, Samuel left his mark on this little corner of South Carolina, often going to local festivals and cruising around in a Fox Body Mustang, as a friend wrote in an online tribute. According to his obituary, Samuel died on Oct. 1.
Gloria Jean Reid Price
74, Great Falls
A Chester County native, Gloria was a private sitter for elderly adults. She was married to her husband for more than 30 years and had five children, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Her family asked for donations in her honor to a Cancer of Many Colors, a nonprofit that provides small monetary gifts to help cancer patients ease the burden of basic living expenses as they seek treatment. After Helene caused widespread power outages, Gloria died in her Great Falls home when she wasn’t able to charge her oxygen machine. According to her obituary, Gloria died on Sept. 29.
Charlotte Estelle Doster Taylor
Blackstock
A faithful Baptist, Charlotte spent her working life in the textile industry, including as a spinner at J.P. Stevens. She attended Lewisville schools where she was a basketball player. She met her husband as a teenager and they spent more than six decades together. If she wasn’t doting on her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, Charlotte was probably in the kitchen or elbow-deep in her garden. She died ― on Sept. 29, according to her obituary ― when she was unable to use her oxygen machine due to storm-induced power outages.
Shelby Jean Winburn
66, Chesterfield
Visitors always knew where to find Shelby: rocking away on her front porch. Watching her family enjoy the sunshine and outdoors was one of her favorite activities, second only to spoiling the littlest members of her clan. Caring for others came naturally to Shelby. She spent decades as a nurse’s aide in hospitals and home health care. When she wasn’t working or on the porch, Maw Maw, as she was known in the family, was probably watching old episodes of her two favorite shows, “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Conners.” Shelby died from a medical emergency as Helene’s strongest winds bore down. Her obituary states that she died on Sept. 27. Shelby’s family said they tried to dial 911, but the storm disrupted emergency communications and the calls dropped.
Ceresa Anna Butler
54, Greenville
Born and raised in Greenville, Ceresa married her husband, Jeffery, in 1998 and together they grew their family to include three children and four grandchildren. Ceresa was used to big families and lots of kids: she was a twin and had one additional sister and three brothers. She died on Sept. 29, according to her obituary. Ceresa died in a house fire caused by candles, which were lit because of power outages from the storm’s winds.
Alex Fields
26, Greenville
As a Marine veteran and firefighter, service was motivation for Alex. A maintenance supervisor for a local apartment complex, he was a devoted husband and father of two. He died in an Oct. 2 motorcycle accident after traffic lights stopped functioning due to the storm. Even in death, he’s serving, his wife, said: His organs have been able to save the lives of numerous people. “My oldest is five and his point of view is that God needed Daddy to help him build houses for all the people that are coming to heaven,” his wife, Kristina, told the Greenville News. “That’s big for a five-year-old.”
Aaron Marshall Lance
40, Marietta
A twin, Aaron loved electronics — passing hours tinkering with his Ham radio and flying drones — almost as much as he did the Carolina Panthers. His fandom ran so deep that his family asked those attending his funeral to wear blue, black or silver in honor of his beloved team. Aaron was struck by a falling tree on Sept. 27.
Learnda Lee Palmer
56, Greenville
The fun-loving aunt to three nieces and a nephew, Learnda was born and raised in Spartanburg County. Learnda died when a tree fell on her home on Sept. 27.
James “J.W.” Parrish
47, Greenville
J.W. was a tradesman through and through, joining various guilds and associations during his years as a truck driver, a construction worker and a forklift operator. An adventurer, J.W. loved vintage cars and was an avid motorcyclist who found peace in the horizon of an open road. At mealtime, he was probably searching for ranch dressing, a dash of which was an improvement, he believed, to all dishes. J.W. was killed when a car swerved to avoid a downed tree and collided with his motorcycle. His death occurred on Sept. 29, according to his obituary.
Moreno Arnez Maddox
68, Greenville
Moreno — Reno to those who knew him — was good with his hands and keenly street smart, the sort of guy people went to when they had a gear problem or when they needed a friend. A mechanic by trade, he could fix anything with an engine and made sure his three daughters knew their way around a wrench, too. Central to the local motorcycle community and a member of the Matrix Bike Group, he helped countless bikers get out on the road by either selling them a bike or offering to teach them the finer points of riding. Out of the garage, he was a grandfather extraordinaire, learning new technologies, albeit slowly, too keep up with his grandkids and mastering the video call to ensure regular chats with his grandson stationed in Japan with the military. Reno was killed on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on him outside his house. On the day of his services, more than 75 bikers honored Reno by riding in a procession to the funeral home.
John Archie Patterson
66, Greenwood County
Life just could not get John Archie down. Raised by his mother and grandmother to have a positive outlook despite the headwinds, John Archie spent nearly all of his working life at Georgia-Pacific, a paper and consumer products company. Frowning and complaining were anathema to John Archie, who was constantly checking in on his loved ones. But come Sundays in the fall, he had one dedication: his beloved Miami Dolphins. John Archie died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on his home, according to the Greenwood Index-Journal.
More: Tropical Storm Helene lookback: See trail of damage, recovery efforts in Upstate
Dr. Carl Thomas Bailey
59, Cross Hill
A pediatrician, Carl practiced for many years in the Upstate, including in Mauldin. He was holding hands with his wife when a tree fell on their camper, she wrote on his digital memorial wall. She survived. He did not. His death occurred on Sept. 27, according to an obituary.
Thomas Carson Lawson
41, Clinton
Thomas’ passion for operating large heavy machinery — especially excavators — was challenged only by his deep fandom for the orange and purple of the Clemson Tigers. A father of three with a sharp sense of humor and a fishing habit, Thomas was also caretaker to his wife, Kayla, who is on dialysis. A GoFundMe setup in his honor raised nearly $8,000. He died when a tree fell on the car he was driving in with a friend. His death occurred on Sept. 27, according to an obituary.
Richard Dylan Rathbone
31, Clinton
Richard was in the car with his friend Thomas Lawson when a falling tree struck the vehicle, according to the Lauren County Advertiser. Both men were killed.
Robert Wise
49, Newberry County
Robert died when his vehicle was struck by a falling tree, according to a WLTX19 report. He was with his wife, Valencia Jones Wise. His death occurred on Sept. 27, according to an obituary.
Valencia Jones Wise
48, Newberry County
Valencia was traveling with her husband Robert when their vehicle was struck by a falling tree. A neighbor who saw the tragedy told WLTX that “a tree that has been standing for over 50 years just slowly came down and landed right on top of the car. It was like slow motion, something out a movie. I can still see her face in my head.”
Timothy Merchant
68, Kinards
Growing up with seven siblings, Timothy was dedicated to family, and especially his late wife, Betty Merchant, who he was married to for 49 years. A retired textile worker, he tried to get out hunting and fishing as much as he could. Timothy died on Sept. 29 as a result of being unable to keep his medication regulated due to widespread power outages, according to South Carolina Daily Gazette.
Ann P. Stone
75, Newberry
Ann found her calling when she became a registered nurse in her 30s. She was at bedsides for 30 years at Prisma Health Richland Memorial Hospital, where she specialized in oncology and hematology, teaching classes in both fields, and was one of the first bone marrow transplant nurses. Her last placement before retirement in 2015 saw her work with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. And even in retirement, Ann found ways to stay connected to the health care world, acting as a substitute nurse in the local school district. An only child, Ann worked long hours to care for her parents until their deaths and to provide for her three children. But she made sure to create special memories with family, too, whether during big birthday gatherings or at the Ocean Lakes Campground in Myrtle Beach. Ann died on Oct. 2, according to her obituary. Her final wish was to donate her body to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Neva Ann Rouse
77, Columbia
An Indiana native, Neva was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She spent her life as a homemaker and relished the opportunity to quilt, read, garden, cook or snuggle with her “fur babies,” according to her obituary. Neva died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on her camper, according to South Carolina Daily Gazette.
George Chad Satcher
53, Leesville
Fire Chief Chad Satcher had been fighting fires for more than two-thirds of his life when the calls for Hurricane Helene started flowing into the Circle Volunteer Fire Department. Chad constantly sought to better himself and those around him, seeking new firefighting certifications and continuing education opportunities while also providing mentoring and training to the guys just joining their squad. When not in uniform, Satcher was a plumber by trade and a lifelong Boy Scouts enthusiast, achieving Eagle Scout and returning to be a Cub Scout Master. Chief Satcher and his fellow fireman, Landon Bodie — who was 18, the same age Satcher was when he joined — died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on their fire engine as they were on their way to respond to a structure fire. “I have no words right now except to say that we feel your love, prayers and support. The love of my life, my best friend, is gone. Please continue to pray for us. We love you all,” said his wife Summer the day after his death.
Landon Cale Bodie
18, Leesville
Whether hunting, fishing, volunteering at firefighting department, participating in Future Farmers of America or working on carpentry projects with his grandfather, Landon always felt most comfortable when outdoors and working with his hands. A recent graduate of Blythewood High School, Landon’s life was just getting started when he and his fellow fireman, Chief Chad Satcher, died on Sept. 27 after a tree fell on their fire engine while on the way to a structure fire during Tropical Storm Helene.
Claria Elaine Jackson
75, Ridge Spring
Claria was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and beloved friend. She died when a tree fell on her home. Her death occurred on Sept. 27, according to her obituary.
Alvaro Burgos-Gutierrez
41, Chesnee
An immigrant from Nicaragua, Alvaro went to college in his native country, earning a degree in engineering. He came to America on a two-year visa and worked long hours at Cookout, hoping to make enough money to build a strong foundation for his family — his wife, 90-year-old mother, and 8-year-old daughter. Tall, with an iron grip, he made a big impression for the small time he was in the U.S., including on his English teacher who wrote a letter to his daughter telling her about the last two years of her kind and gentle father’s life. Alvaro died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on the camper where he was sleeping. His wife was given a humanitarian visa to visit South Carolina, and the last place her husband was alive, for a cremation and prayer service. “He did not suffer. He was fast asleep, and I think he remained in his dream,'” his cousin Ricardo Obando told his wife over the phone.
Lester A. Brown Jr.
79, Wellford
Lester exuded so much warmth, joy and energy that neighbors and friends took to calling him Sonny, an endearing nod to his distinct ability to light up a room. His height made him an imposing figure, but his humor set everyone at ease and left them in smiles and stitches, as friends wrote in online memories. A local boy through and through, Lester graduated from Bethune-Bowman High in 1964 and was once employed at the Honeywell factory. Lester died in an Oct. 1 car crash when a tree fell across the highway, causing vehicles to swerve.
Christopher Mark Owens
64, Landrum
Most at home on a fairway, Chris had a green thumb since his earliest days mowing lawns for pocket change. He studied golf course management and was a grounds superintendent for prestigious clubs including Grove Park Inn, Fairfield Country Club, Spartanburg Country Club and Scotch Meadows Country Club. Chris faced his fair share of health problems with ailments spanning from at least eight broken bones during an adventurous childhood to a double-knee replacement and a bout of liver cancer in his later years. During these challenges, his spirit was buoyed by sunshine and his volunteer work ministering to prisoners at a local jail. Chris and his friend, Derrill Eugene Pitts, died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on the golf cart they were riding in to survey damage and offer help where they could. “Chris loved life, he wanted to live more than anyone I ever knew. I can’t say I knew Chris’ inner feelings, but he seemed to face every challenge without fear. It totally amazed me how he dealt with life’s challenges,” his brother, Mark, told the Greenville News.
Derrill Eugene “Gene” Pitts
70, Newberry
Gene — a real estate developer, bicyclist and deep-sea fisher — dedicated much of his time to his community’s local youth sports association as both a board member and a coach. When he wasn’t calling plays for his kids or grandkids’ teams, he was on the sidelines, cheering or volunteering on the chain crew for the Landrum High School football team. His love for community shined even in his last moments, on Sept. 27, when he and his friend, Chris Owens, jumped in a golf cart to survey damage and offer help where they could. They died when an uprooted tree fell on their vehicle.
Annamarie Denise Fletcher
34, Inman
A dedicated high school English teacher at Boiling Springs, Annamarie came alive in the classroom, reveling in her students growth as people as much as their development as readers and writers. Those who were in her class said she was attentive and funny, always quick with a smile and a word of encouragement. Outside of school, she loved Def Leppard, sunflowers and a good hang in San Diego. Annamarie died when a tree fell into her home. Her death occurred on Sept. 27, according to her obituary. Her sister, Autumn, who was also home, wasn’t injured. In lieu of flowers, the Fletchers asked funeral attendees to bring backpacks, pencils, markers and sticky notes. They were later donated to the high school in Annamarie’s honor.
Ralph Selle
88, Columbus, North Carolina
Ralph’s name was read during a memorial eucharist at St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville. Ralph drowned when his car was swept away in flash flooding. His body was discovered in Landrum, according to reporting by the Greenville News.
Jimmy Lee Wall
68, Chesnee
Coffee, corny jokes and old-time gospel music were the three quickest ways to Jimmy Lee Wall’s good graces. When not fishing or hunting for whitetail deer, Jimmy traveled to Nicaragua with Chosen Children Ministries, where he worked with teams to make meals, host Bible studies and plant churches. Jimmy was found dead inside his home on Sept. 27, which had elevated level of carbon monoxide due to a generator.
Sarah Ann Farr
77, Jonesville
Born with cerebral palsy, Sarah Ann never let her physical limitations get in the way of living a good life. She raised chickens and sold their eggs, pushed her own lawnmower and baked the best cornbread in her beloved Pea Ridge community. A classic people-person and social butterfly, she never forgot a face and never met a stranger. Ann died on Oct. 1 in a car crash due to a misfunctioning traffic light caused by power outages during the storm surge. Her, sister, Faye also died in the crash.
Faye Farr Webber
86, Jonesville
Faye was a devoted caregiver her entire life: first, to her parents; then her husband of more than 60 years and her daughter and her family; and, finally, to her sister, Sarah Ann. She relished feeding her loved ones, cherishing the snap of a fresh vegetable from her garden and the joy of a big Sunday supper with as many of her extended family members as could come. And when the guests all left, Faye was known for tidying up until her home was spotless — perfectly ready for another wave of diners to fill her rooms with laughter. Faye died in an Oct. 1 car crash due to a misfunctioning traffic light caused by power outages during the storm surge. Her sister Ann also died in the crash.
Victoria Rose Leger
66, Clover
Victoria’s love for her husband, Mitchell, was so deep, those who knew the pair described it as “the kind of love only found in fairytales.” That warm tenderness extended to her son and his children and his children’s children. When she wasn’t playing caretaker to her family or their farm, she was on her beloved horse. In the wake of the storm, Victoria was helping her neighbors remove a tree from a road when she was struck by a car. Her death occurred on Sept. 28, according to her obituary.