Tragic Incident: Camper Swept Over Waterfall Amid Hurricane Helene Flooding in Virginia

During Hurricane Helene’s flooding in Fries, Virginia, a camper was swept over a waterfall in the New River, leading to distress among witnesses. The river peaked at 7 feet above major flood stage, with Governor Glenn Youngkin confirming at least two fatalities in Virginia due to the storm.

On Friday, during the havoc wrought by Hurricane Helene in Fries, Virginia, a camper tragically fell victim to the devastating floodwaters of the New River, cascading over a nearby waterfall. This alarming event was captured on video, where viewers can observe the camper being overwhelmed by the rushing flood before disappearing over the edge of the waterfall, prompting distressing reactions from bystanders. Witnesses could be heard in the background, with one individual shouting as the camper was swept away. A child’s voice can then be heard asking, “Where is it?” to which a woman somberly responded, “Destroyed, babe. All into a million pieces.” The New River had surged to an alarming peak of 7 feet above the major flood stage before beginning to recede later that evening. As the waters calmed, the New River Trail State Park in Fries declared its closure until further notice due to substantial damage caused by the storm. In a subsequent press conference on Monday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin confirmed that the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Helene resulted in at least two fatalities within the state, contributing to a rising death toll of over 200 across six states as of Thursday.

Hurricane Helene brought significant rainfall and flooding to Virginia and several other states, leading to dangerously high water levels and tragic accidents. The New River, located in Fries, Virginia, experienced severe flooding, reaching critical peak levels that led to the evacuation of areas near the river. This incident illustrates the perilous effects of natural disasters and highlights the importance of safety during extreme weather events. The repercussions of such flooding extend beyond immediate physical danger, impacting local infrastructure and community resources as well.

This tragic incident underscores the grave dangers posed by flooding resulting from hurricanes, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard individuals during natural disasters. The emotional reactions captured in the video reflect the urgency of survival and the profound impact of the event on those who witnessed it. As cleanup and recovery efforts begin, it is crucial for the community to come together and support each other in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation.

Original Source: www.foxweather.com