In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a North Carolina family is mourning the devastating loss of their loved ones. The hurricane, which brought unprecedented rainfall and strong winds to Asheville, claimed the lives of seven-year-old Micah Drye and his grandparents, leaving the family in unimaginable grief. The trio was tragically swept away by floodwaters after seeking shelter on the roof of their home in a desperate attempt to escape the rising waters.
The family were trapped in their roof.Credit: Jessica Drye Turner/Facebook
A Desperate Attempt to Escape the Floodwaters
Megan Drye, her parents, and her son Micah were among the many families impacted by the torrential rains of Hurricane Helene. As floodwaters engulfed their home, the family was forced to climb onto the roof in a last-ditch effort to stay safe. Despite their best efforts, the relentless waters continued to rise, turning their situation from desperate to deadly.
Megan’s sister, Jessica Drye Turner, took to Facebook to share the family’s terrifying ordeal. In her post, she included heartbreaking photos of her loved ones stranded on the roof. One image captured Megan’s elderly parents, both in their 70s, huddled under blankets as they awaited rescue. Jessica described the heart-wrenching scene, recounting how they watched in horror as “18 wheelers and cars floated by,” a visual testament to the sheer power of the flood.
A Tragic Collapse
Shortly after the photos were taken, the unimaginable happened. The roof, weakened by the weight and pressure of the floodwaters, gave way and collapsed. Megan’s parents and her young son Micah were swept away in the rushing waters. Despite efforts to save them, both grandparents and Micah tragically drowned.
Megan herself miraculously survived, becoming wedged in debris that likely saved her life. However, the loss of her son and parents has left her with unimaginable grief. Her survival, while a miracle, is tempered by the deep sorrow of losing those she loved most.
Tributes Pour In for Micah and His Grandparents
In the days following the tragedy, tributes to the lost family members have poured in from across the community and beyond. Jessica Turner, Megan’s sister, expressed her gratitude for the support and prayers the family has received, saying, “Prayers have definitely carried us thus far (and will continue to do so). I feel a bit guilty because I’m so at peace with things. We will see them again one day and there’s nothing that could entice them to come back after being with Jesus.”
Jessica, along with their other sister, Heather, drove through dangerous conditions to reach Megan. Despite warnings that travel was prohibited in Western North Carolina due to the treacherous roads, the sisters were determined to be by Megan’s side. Their commitment underscores the deep bond the family shares, even in the face of overwhelming loss.
Seven-year-old Micah was swept away in the flood. Credit: GoFundMe
A Gut-Wrenching Moment: The Discovery of Micah’s Body
On Monday, Jessica provided a devastating update: Micah’s body had been found roughly a quarter-mile from where Megan was rescued. She described the moment as “gut-wrenching,” recalling how difficult it was to process the news. “He was such a perfect little boy. He wanted to be a superhero. And now he is,” she wrote in tribute to her nephew.
Micah’s youthful dream of becoming a superhero has now become a poignant memory for his family, who will forever remember him for his bravery and bright spirit. The loss of a child, particularly under such tragic circumstances, is a pain no family should have to bear.
Community Rallies Behind Megan: A GoFundMe for Support
As Megan faces the overwhelming loss of her parents and child, her sisters have launched a GoFundMe page titled “For Megan Drye, our miracle.” The fundraiser seeks to provide financial support for Megan, who has not only lost her loved ones but also her home and possessions in the flood.
Credit: Jessica Drye Turner/Facebook
The fundraiser’s description captures the gravity of Megan’s situation: “She has survived the unimaginable and lost absolutely everything. The support of others will carry her and encourage her to keep taking one breath, one step, and one day at a time.”
The response has been heartwarming. As of this writing, more than $75,000 has been raised to help Megan rebuild her life. Donations have come from friends, family, and strangers alike, all touched by her heartbreaking story.
An Outpouring of Support: Prayers from Around the World
Messages of support have flooded social media, with people offering condolences and prayers for the Drye family. One commenter from Florida shared, “Prayers for your family. We are in Port Charlotte, Florida & luckily we are fortunate that we aren’t flooded. Please keep us posted on their situation.”
Others, like Whitney Elizabeth, a resident of Asheville, echoed the sentiments of many in the community. “My heart breaks for Megan who lost her 7-year-old son Micah, and both parents after their roof collapsed from underneath them while waiting on emergency efforts from Hurricane Helene. This is an unimaginable loss to our Erwin neighbors and sister community.”
Hurricane Helene’s Devastation Across the Southeast
Hurricane Helene has left a trail of devastation across the southeastern United States, impacting states like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The storm, which made landfall late Thursday, has resulted in over 130 confirmed deaths, with officials warning that the toll may continue to rise as floodwaters recede and rescue teams gain access to more remote areas.
In Asheville and surrounding regions, the destruction has been profound. Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and lives lost. The aftermath of the storm has sparked a massive relief effort, with government agencies and local organizations working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected.
Remembering Micah and His Grandparents
As the community rallies around Megan and her family, the memories of Micah and his grandparents will live on. The strength of the Drye family in the face of such an immense tragedy is a testament to their faith and resilience. Though they have lost so much, the support they are receiving from loved ones and strangers alike offers a glimmer of hope as they navigate this dark time.
The legacy of Micah—a little boy who dreamed of being a superhero—serves as a reminder of the innocence and joy that lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His grandparents, who shared a life of love and devotion, will also be remembered for their strength and kindness.
Though their lives were tragically cut short, their spirits will continue to inspire those left behind.
