Tragedy Strikes as Severe Storms Claim Lives Across South Carolina
This past Friday, the city of Anderson and other areas across South Carolina were hit hard by severe storms, leading to heartbreaking news of multiple storm-related deaths. The aftermath of the storm, named Helene, has brought with it not only destruction but also a deep sense of loss felt by many families.
Storm-Related Fatalities in Anderson County
The Anderson County Coroner’s Office confirmed a total of four lives lost within the county alone. Tragically, two of the victims were killed when trees fell on their homes during the storm’s furious winds. One victim, identified as 55-year-old Christine Schmeiske, resided on West Whitner Street. The other, 54-year-old Sandy Lee Fisher, was discovered after a tree collapsed on her house on Williams Road off Whiten Road.
Additionally, an early morning collision on Saturday claimed the life of 83-year-old Bobby Jean Foster. The accident occurred on Main Street in Pelzer, where the road was reduced to one lane due to storm debris. This dangerous situation led to a head-on crash shortly after 1:40 a.m., leaving the community mourning another loss.
The final casualty reported in Anderson County was 60-year-old Karen Denise McCall, who went missing just after the storm began. Sadly, her body was later found in her vehicle, which had been swept away by the intense flooding. Coroner officials utilized piloted drones to locate her in the river where the vehicle was discovered.
Fatalities Reported in Spartanburg County
Another victim in Chesnee, 41-year-old Alvaro Burgos-Guitierrez, was killed when a tree fell on his sleeping camper. In Landrum, 88-year-old Ralph Selle lost his life in his submerged vehicle amid the extensive flooding.
In a heart-wrenching incident, two men, 64-year-old Christopher Mark Owens and 70-year-old Derrill Eugene “Gene” Pitts, were tragically killed while attempting to survey damage in a golf cart. A tree suddenly fell on them, leaving the community in shock.
Finally, the sixth fatality recorded in Spartanburg involved Anna Maria Smith from Rainbow Circle in Inman, who died when a tree fell on her house while she was inside.
Casualties in Greenville County
Greenville County also reported four storm-related deaths. Among the casualties was 56-year-old Lornder Lee Palmer, who died when a tree fell on her residence on Cedar Avenue early Friday morning. Another victim, 59-year-old Charles Daly Dean III, was found following a similar incident on Cleveland Street Ext. Not to be left behind, 40-year-old Aaron Marshall Lance fell victim to another falling tree at his home on Chestnut Ridge Road.
The last death reported by Greenville County involved 68-year-old Moreno Arnez Maddox, who was outside when a tree branch struck him as he tried to navigate through the storm.
A Statewide Tragedy
Reports indicate that at least 22 storm-related deaths have been confirmed across South Carolina due to the unforgiving conditions brought on by Helene. As communities band together in the wake of this tragedy, the emotional toll is felt by many, making it a difficult time for residents across the region.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, many families are left to grapple with the loss of their loved ones, united in their grief as they seek to restore some semblance of normalcy in the wake of such devastating storms.
