ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Floodwaters that devastated cities, towns and communities across the mountains have left an unknown number dead in their wake. The storm’s death toll is estimated to have surpassed 100.
Buncombe County authorities have said at least 35 have been confirmed dead, and Henderson County officials have said the death toll there is six.
In a Facebook post, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed one of its officers had been killed in the flooding. According to the Facebook post, someone called 911 about 11:30 a.m. Friday after witnesses said they saw someone in a truck before it went underwater.
“It was soon realized that one of our courthouse security officers, Jim Lau, hadn’t returned to work from lunch and his truck matched the description of the truck that was seen in the river,” the post said.
Multiple emergency service agencies initiated foot and drone searches that afternoon, and multiple swift-water rescue teams were called in. The search was put on hold as night fell but resumed early Saturday morning.
“Jim’s body was found and recovered from the river shortly after the search began,” the Facebook post said. “Jim was very liked and respected within our department. He was known to be a hard worker, dependable, and he jumped in wherever help was needed. His absence will truly be felt in our agency.”
A Madison County deputy, who has not been identified, was also killed in floodwaters, according to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.
“We ask that you keep the families, friends, and colleagues of these deputies as well as the entirety of Western North Carolina in your thoughts and prayers during this unfathomable and difficult time,” the group said in a Facebook post.