Western NC floods: Man hospitalized, search continues for fiancée swept away by Helene

Currently, many people in the western part of the state remain unaccounted for as search and rescue teams work tirelessly.

John Norwood considers himself a miracle survivor. Rescuers used a pulley system to bring him to safety over dangerous floodwaters, but his fiancée is still missing.

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

As the search for Julie and others continues, Norwood is recovering in the hospital.

“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 $45,000 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.

But for the family, the greatest hope remains the safe return of Julie.