Hurricane Helene has left unimaginable destruction with a devastating toll on the lives of many. The Carolinas have been hit the hardest, and one heartbreaking story is that of 7-year-old Micah Drye and his grandparents from Asheville, North Carolina. Tragically, they were swept away by floodwaters while seeking refuge on a rooftop. While Micah’s mother, Megan Drye, managed to survive, she lost her son and parents in this unimaginable disaster.
Micah’s aunt, Jessica Drye Turner, shared the heart-wrenching story online, revealing Micah’s last words: “Jesus! Please help me!” Words that resonate deeply and remind us of the innocence and vulnerability of a young child. Despite the sorrow and pain, Jessica also shared her sister’s unwavering faith stating, “New grief and strong faith. New motto.” Micah’s lifeless body was discovered about a quarter mile away from where his mother was rescued, compounding the family’s grief.
In response to this tragic event, Megan’s sister, Heather Kephart, has set up a GoFundMe page to provide support for Megan as she tries to rebuild her life from scratch. The page includes a poignant final photo of Micah, captured by his grandmother, where he can be seen smiling and wearing a Jurassic World T-shirt – a cherished memory forever frozen in time.
As the affected communities strive to recover and rebuild, the loss of the Drye family is just one example among many caused by Hurricane Helene’s fury. In the face of such devastation, it is the resilience and strength of families like the Dryes that will be vital for healing and moving forward.
