Aiken County, SC — The death toll in Aiken County from Hurricane Helene has risen to seven, following the report of three additional fatalities linked to the storm’s devastating impact. The intensifying numbers were reported by the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the hurricane that struck the area last Friday.
The recent victims include 75-year-old David Welch of North Augusta, who succumbed to a respiratory issue on Friday shortly after the storm made landfall. Welch passed away at his residence on Circlewood Drive. In another tragic incident, 78-year-old Joyce Barfield lost her life in a house fire in Gloverville on early Sunday. The blaze, which investigators believe was related to storm damage, broke out on School Street around 5:30 a.m. The third death reported this week occurred at ARMC Hospital, where 66-year-old Rhonda Gabriel of Aiken County died from a respiratory issue on Tuesday.
These recent deaths add a grim layer to the earlier reported fatalities, all of which involved individuals who were killed by trees falling on their homes during the storm. The hazardous conditions created by Hurricane Helene have starkly highlighted the lethal nature of such natural disasters.
Richmond County has also reported casualties, with three confirmed deaths directly resulting from the hurricane’s violent onset. An additional fatality involved a resident whose home was crushed by a falling tree during the storm’s peak intensity on Friday.
The local government and emergency services have been fully mobilized to respond to the crisis, focusing on safety measures and immediate relief efforts for those affected. Recovery teams continue to clear debris and restore power in multiple neighborhoods, as many areas remain vulnerable to the secondary effects of the hurricane.
Community support services have been set up to assist displaced residents and those grieving the loss of loved ones. Mental health professionals and volunteers are working together to provide emotional support and practical assistance as the community begins the difficult task of rebuilding.
As residents of Aiken County confront the painful aftermath of Hurricane Helene, stories of survival and acts of heroism have begun to emerge. Neighbors helping neighbors and strangers coming together to aid in recovery efforts depict the resilience and solidarity of the impacted communities.
The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, but the focus remains on the human cost of this disaster, as families mourn their lost members and face the challenge of rebuilding their lives. It’s a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of nature, and the importance of preparedness and community support in times of crisis.