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Stein honors North Carolinians, first responders killed during Hurricane Helene: 'Incredible bravery'
Stein called for a moment of silence to honor the 106 North Carolinians killed during Hurricane Helene.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a poignant news conference Thursday, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein highlighted the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on the western part of the state and emphasized the human toll and heroic efforts of first responders during the historic storm.
Stein was in Fairview to mark six months since Helene devastated the Carolinas. The storm is responsible for at least 248 deaths across the South, including 106 in North Carolina. Another 50 lives were lost in South Carolina.
“Each of those people had parents, children, spouses, brothers, sisters, cousins, friends and neighbors who are feeling pain,” Stein said before a moment of silence to honor the lives lost.
The governor also briefly touched on the wildfires burning in Polk County and across the mountains, thanking first responders for their tireless effort to control the flames.
Helene recovery has been a focal point for Stein since he took office in January, including a meeting with President Donald Trump in Asheville. Stein signed a $524 million relief package into law earlier this month after several disagreements on where to allocate the funding. Stein originally requested $1 billion from state lawmakers.
“Thousands of people lost their homes, thousands of businesses lost their ability to function,” Stein said. “Lost jobs. Most heartbreaking, 106 North Carolinians lost their lives. Thirteen of them in this very community.”
Among those killed were Battalion Chief Tony Garrison and his nephew Brandon, who died while trying to rescue others trapped by floodwaters.
“I don’t think you can have a better testament to the dedication of service than someone who loses their life trying to save the life of someone else,” Stein said. “Just incredible stories of bravery.”
Despite the progress made in rebuilding efforts, Stein made another urgent plea to federal and state officials for additional help. He called on the White House to extend how long it will work to clear debris, saying it could take an additional nine months to remove everything left in Helene’s wake.
“We need them to fight like hell for the people of western North Carolina,” Stein said. “God bless all the people of western North Carolina.”