Western NC floods: Body of man's fiancée found days after she was swept away by Helene

First responders located the body of Julie Le Roux Friday after she went missing in a mudslide caused by Helene in Marion, North Carolina.

According to family members of Le Roux, she was recovered Friday after days of searching in and around Marion.

Family members of John Norwood, Le Roux’s fiancée, say he doesn’t consider himself lucky or a “miracle survivor.” Rescuers used a pulley system to bring him to safety over dangerous floodwaters.

Norwood had been inside a home in Marion, North Carolina, where severe damage occurred.

The dramatic rescue, captured on cell phone video, unfolded as Hurricane Helene swept through McDowell County in western North Carolina.

In the 60-second clip, rescue teams can be seen battling against the current to pull Norwood to safety. His uncle, Robert Martin, watched as the event unfolded.

Norwood and Le Roux had sought refuge at a neighbor’s home, but a mudslide destroyed the house, sweeping them both into the river.

“He has some injuries that led to an infection, and he’s trying to recover from that. They’ve got the infection specialist talking to him,” Robert Martin, Norwood’s Uncle said

In the midst of uncertainty, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with Norwood’s recovery, and so far, more than $81,000 has been raised.

Martin said he is blown away by the generosity.

“Absolutely, absolutely blown away. I just I don’t even know where it’s all coming from. I’m having trouble comprehending it. It is so generous,” Martin said.

Norwood’s family said they will remember Le Roux as a kind hearted person.

“We take comfort knowing she is at peace and no longer suffering,” Norwood’s sister, Maggy Norwood said on GoFundMe. “Now, we must learn to navigate life without here.

Norwood’s family said he will will be staying with his sister in Apex while he recovers. Those who would like to donate to the GoFundMe can do so here.

WRAL News has a list of people who have reported being safe from the storm. To mark yourself safe, please reach out to us via this form and use the subject line “NC Safe List.”

By calling 211 or visiting nc211.org, families and individuals can obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources in their community. People trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. People can also call those numbers to report missing loved ones.