Tragic Accident During Tropical Storm Helene Claims Lives of Beloved Newberry Couple

Tragic Accident Leaves Newberry Community Heartbroken

Newberry, S.C. — A devastating incident has shaken the small town of Newberry as the community mourns the loss of a beloved couple after a tragic accident during Tropical Storm Helene. The couple, Robert Wise, 49, and his wife Valencia Jones Wise, 48, lost their lives when a large tree fell on their vehicle last Friday morning.

A Fateful Morning

It was around 9:30 a.m. when the couple was driving on Chapman Road in the Little Mountain area. Earlier that day, they had already encountered challenges posed by fallen trees that made driving hazardous. Just moments before the accident, local police had spoken to them about the dangerous conditions that lay ahead.

Tragically, shortly after their conversation with police, the unthinkable happened. A tree, reportedly standing for over 50 years, slowly came crashing down onto their vehicle. A nearby resident described witnessing the horrifying moment as if it were unfolding in slow motion. “I remember seeing the couple and waving to the wife,” she recounted. “I turned around, and just like that, the tree fell. It was like something out of a movie. I can still see her face in my head.”

Emergency Response

The Newberry County rescue squad and fire department were already nearby and rushed to the scene within moments of the accident. Sheriff Lee Foster shared how they did everything possible to assist, saying, “They had equipment right there and they did, along with a couple neighbors, everything they could to get the tree off the vehicle and extricate them from the car, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be.”

The Aftermath

The accident has left the community shocked, as friends and family of the couple grapple with their unexpected loss. The Newberry County Coroner’s office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are currently investigating the incident to understand what exactly happened.

As the town works through this tragedy, many residents are still dealing with the effects of Tropical Storm Helene, which has left numerous families without power. Sheriff Foster has encouraged everyone to remain patient during the recovery process. “So in that situation, it takes time. People have to pack a little bit of patience. The other thing is to stay off the roads. It’s still very dangerous out there, especially at night,” he advised.

A Community United in Grief

The loss of Robert and Valencia has resonated deeply within the Newberry community. Friends remember them as a loving couple who were involved in local activities and who brought joy to everyone around them. The grieving residents have begun to gather to support one another as they process this heart-wrenching event.

It’s a painful reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of being cautious in hazardous conditions as the storm impacted everyday routines. As recovery efforts continue, the community stands together, cherishing the memories of the Wise couple while supporting each other during this difficult time.

Conclusion

The Town of Newberry has lost two bright lights, and the road to recovery will take time. As residents come to terms with this tragic event, may they find strength in their community bonds and in the cherished memories of Robert and Valencia Wise.