Hurricane Helene Storm Related Fatalities
The NC Medical Examiner System and OCME uses guidance from the CDC for certifying deaths and offers specific guidance for certifying deaths in the event of a natural disaster:
- Vital Statistics Reporting Guidance
- Guidance for Certification of Deaths in the Event of a Natural, Human-Induced, or Chemical/Radiological Disaster
There are 108 verified storm-related fatalities in North Carolina as of June 17, 2025, due to Hurricane Helene. Beginning December 19, 2024, NCDHHS started providing updates only when there are changes. The information is verified through official channels and is subject to change based on investigation.
It is important to note that only emergency responders tasked with supporting fatality management after the storm are qualified to move, document and transport decedents. Anyone else who encounters evidence of a person who has died, or a family who needs help with a loved one who has died, should call emergency services for assistance.
| County | Number of Fatalities |
|---|---|
| Ashe | 1 |
| Avery | 6 |
| Buncombe | 43 |
| Burke | 1 |
| Catawba | 1 |
| Cleveland | 2 |
| Gaston | 1 |
| Haywood | 5 |
| Henderson | 12 |
| Macon | 2 |
| Madison | 4 |
| McDowell | 2 |
| Mecklenburg | 3 |
| Mitchell | 3 |
| Polk | 1 |
| Rowan | 1 |
| Rutherford | 4 |
| Wake | 1 |
| Watauga | 2 |
| Wilkes | 1 |
| Yadkin | 1 |
| Yancey | 11 |