Tragic Incident During Hurricane Helene: Camper Swept Over Waterfall in Virginia
During Hurricane Helene, a camper in Fries, Virginia, was tragically swept over a waterfall as the New River peaked significantly above flood stage, prompting widespread alarm and leading to at least two known fatalities in Virginia. Eyewitness accounts captured the moment of the incident on video, and local state parks have closed due to storm damage.
During Hurricane Helene’s devastating storm impacts, a camper was tragically swept over a waterfall in Fries, Virginia. The incident was captured on video, showing the camper being carried away by the tumultuous waters of the New River, which had surged to levels significantly above the flood stage, specifically peaking at seven feet on Friday night before eventually receding. Eyewitness accounts captured in the footage reveal the chaos of the moment, with individuals reacting in horror as the camper was seen disappearing over the waterfall. Initially, a voice can be heard exclaiming in panic, followed by a child’s innocent inquiry regarding the camper’s fate. A woman’s voice responds solemnly, stating, “Destroyed, babe. All into a million pieces.” This tragic event highlights the perilous conditions that prevailed during the storm, which brought about extensive flooding in the region. In response to the hazardous conditions caused by Hurricane Helene, the New River Trail State Park in Fries has announced its closure until further notice to assess and repair storm-related damages. Furthermore, Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin addressed the state on Monday, confirming that the hurricane’s repercussions resulted in a minimum of two fatalities within Virginia alone, while the combined death toll across six states exceeded two hundred by Thursday, signifying the widespread devastation wrought by the storm.
Hurricane Helene has proven to be one of the most destructive weather events in recent history, particularly affecting the eastern United States. As it made landfall, Helene brought unprecedented rainfall, leading to severe flooding in various states, including Virginia. The New River, which flows through Fries, experienced extreme flooding, prompting emergency responses and resulting in significant property damage and loss of life. The impact of the storm necessitated the closure of local state parks and raised concerns regarding public safety in the aftermath of such calamities. The national recovery effort is being complicated by the vast number of casualties reported across the affected states, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and swift action during severe weather phenomena.
The incident involving the camper who was swept over a waterfall serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by severe flooding associated with hurricanes. As communities work to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the loss of life underscores the critical importance of safety measures during such extreme weather events. As the New River returns to normal levels, the ongoing efforts to restore affected areas and support families impacted by this tragedy will remain a priority.
Original Source: www.foxweather.com
