2018 — Sep 14, Hurricane Florence and aftermath; NC (45), SC (10), VA (3) — 58
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 5-3-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
— 58 Blanchard tally from State and local breakouts below.[1]
–45 NC
–10 SC
— 3 VA
— 53 Wikipedia. “Hurricane Florence.” 10-17-2018. (30 direct and 23 indirect)[2]
— 52 National Hurricane Center (Stewart & Berg). Hurricane Florence, 31 Aug-17 Sep 2018.
–22 direct
–30 associated indirect fatalities
— 51 Reuters (Gabriella Borter). “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018.
— 50 News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence…” 10-2-2018.
–39 NC
— 9 SC
— 2 VA
— 49 Clark. “The difficulty of Counting The Death Toll…Florence.” New Yorker, 9-27-2018.[3]
— 48 Assoc. Press. “Florence death toll increases; 1,500 still in NC shelters.” 9-27-2018.
— >44 CNN. “At least 44 people have died since Hurricane Florence…” 9-22-2018.
— 43 WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick County man killed in tree-cutting accident.” 9-21-2018.
— 42 Weather Channel. “Florence’s Devastation: Death Toll Rises to 42…” 9-20-2018.
— >37 CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of [NC].” 9-19-2018 update.
— 36 Charlotte Observer, NC. “Florence death toll rises to 36…” 9-19-2018 update.
— 35 CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of [NC].” 9-18-2018.
— 32 Weather Channel. “Florence’s Devastation: More Evacuations as Rivers…” 9-17-2018.
— 31 BBC US & Canada. “Florence death toll rises to 31 as flooding continues.” 9-17-2018.
— >24 CBS/AP. “Florence wrecking havoc in North and South Carolina…” 9-17-2018.
— 18 Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths…6 killed in [SC].” 9-16-2018.
— 17 ABC7 Chicago. “Hurricane Florence updates: 17 dead…11 in NC…” 9-16-2018.
— 15 WP. “Florence: At least 15 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018.
— 14 NYT. “Hurricane Florence…Storm ‘Has Never Been More Dangerous’.” 9-16-2018.
Summary of State Breakout from Below
North Carolina (45)
South Carolina (10)
Virginia ( 3)
Total 58
Breakout of Hurricane Florence and Aftermath Related Deaths
North Carolina ( 45)[4]
–45 NC Dept. of Public Safety. Storm Statistics. Hurricane Florence. STEP Statistics (as of 9/13/2019).
–45 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below (includes death of evacuee in shelter).[5]
–42 NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. Storm-Related Fatalities as of 11-16-2018.
–41 NC Department of Health and Human Services.[6]
–40 National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Florence, 31 Aug-17 Sep 2018.
–15 Direct.
–25 Indirect[7]
–39 NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Statistics. 10-1-2018.
–37 Associated Press. “Hurricane Florence Death Toll Increases…” 9-27-2018.
–36 NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-24-2018.
–33 NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-22-2018.
–32 News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. Citing Sep 21 release by NC Gov. Roy Cooper.[8]
–31 NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-20-2018.
Breakout of North Carolina Hurricane Florence-related deaths by locality:
–1 Anson County. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”
–1 Sep 17. Body of male, 52,[9] found in vehicle after being washed off of the road.[10]
–1 Brunswick County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-22-2018.
–1 Sep 21. Tree-cutting accident; tree falls on male, 46.[11]
–2 Carteret Co, NC DPS. “Storm Statistics. Hurricane Florence. STEP Statistics (as of 9/13/2019).”
–1 Sep 22. Suicide[12] after home condemned due to flooding; male, 82.[13]
–1 Blanchard: we have not found a reference to a 2nd Florence-related death in Carteret.
–1 Cleveland County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics (as of 10-8-2018).
–1 Sep 16. Male, 56, when tractor-trailer hydroplanes, overturns; Gov. Ofc.[14]
–1 Columbus County. Blanchard estimate.[15]
–2 Columbus County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”[16]
–1 Columbus County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. As of 11/16/18.
–1 Sep 12. Crash; man, 61, on moped while evacuating, notes Gov. Office.[17]
–1 Craven County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 36.” 9-24-2018.
–1 Sep 18. Fall, fractured neck; Male, 67, while cleaning up storm debris.[18]
–2 Cumberland County. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”
–2 Fayetteville, Sep 14. Fire; house caught fire after power failure.[19] Male, 86, female, 86.[20]
–8 Duplin County. Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below (State has 8, press has 9).[21]
–9 NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 10/1/2018).
–8 NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 10/8/2018).
–8 NC DPS. “Storm Statistics. Hurricane Florence. STEP Statistics (as of 9/13/2019).”
Breakouts by locality:
–2 Kenansville area, Sep 15. Car swept away by flood water.[22] (Uncertain if 2 deaths)
–1 Bowden Road near Sampson County line. Male, 81, drowned in car. NHC/NWS.[23]
–1 North Williams Road, female, 79, drowned in motor vehicle. Kenansville area?[24]
–1 Kornegay, Sep 15.[25] Car swept away by flood water (according to Sheriff’s Dept.)[26]
–2 Sep 17. CO poisoning. Male, 74 and female, 22, inside a home.[27]
–1 Sep 20 report. Female, 87, “after her breathing issues got worse due to lack of electricity.”[28]
–1 Sep 20 report. Male, 81, after learning of his wife’s death in house without electricity.[29]
–1 Sep 21 (found). Fall from ladder while repairing home storm damage; Male, 47.[30]
— 2 Gaston County. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”
–1 Sep 15. Vehicular; “unrestrained passenger” in SUV going too fast in rain.[31]
–1 Dallas, Sep 16. Tree falls onto mobile home; boy, 3-months, killed.[32]
— 1 Guilford County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-13-2019.[33]
–1 Locale not noted, Sep 22. Cause not noted; male, 46. (NC Office of Emer. Mgmt.)[34]
–1 Locale not noted. Male evacuee, 87, in hotel hit head in fall; NC MEO Sep 22 rpt.[35]
Blanchard: While it would appear that there were two deaths, it is clear that as of 9-13-2019 the NC DPS was noting only one death in Guilford. Sources noted cite the Gov. as the source of the death of the evacuee, thus giving appearance he was included in their list of fatalities. We can find no information on the male, 46, who was noted as a death in a NC MEO report. The NC DPS Stats listing notes the counties in which there was loss of life and how many were fatalities in each. There is no further detail to be had. Given the lack of detail we choose to follow the NC DPS Stats listing which notes only 1 death.
— 1 Jones County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. As of 11-16-2018.
— 3 Lenoir County. NC DPS notes three deaths whereas Lenoir County DEM notes 2.
–3 NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 11/16/2018).”
–2 Lenoir County Emergency Manager Samuel Kornegay, 10-20-2018.[36]
–2 Lenoir Co. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”
–1 Kinston, Sep 13/14 tree fall[37] or fall (knocked over by wind), man, 77.[38]
–1 Kinston, Sep 14~ Electrocution outside home; man, 78, plugging in generator in rain.[39]
— 3 New Hanover Co. Blanchard estimate, excluding unofficial Wilmington evacuee death.
–3 New Hanover Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. 10-1-2018.
–2 Wilmington, Sep 14. Tree falls on house; mother, 41, and son, 7 months.[40]
–? Wilmington. Evacuee in Hoggard High School shelter, cause not noted.[41]
–1 Locality not noted. Infection received while cleaning up storm debris, male, 85.[42]
— 3 Onslow County. (NC DPS notes three deaths, whereas we find reports of two in press.)
–3 NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40, as of 11-16-18”.[43]
–2 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.[44]
–1 Sep 17. Man, 56, found dead on his back porch, home with water damage.[45]
–1 Sep 17? Vehicular accident; car hydroplanes across yellow line hitting another car.[46]
— 3 Pender County. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
–2 “ NC DPS Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. 10-1-2018 & 11-16-2018.
–2 “ NC DPS. “Storm Statistics. Hurricane Florence. STEP Statistics (as of 9/13/2019).”
–1 Burgaw area,[47] NC Hwy 210, Sep 16. Male, 71, drives car off road into floodwater.[48]
–1 Hampstead, Sep 14. Heart attack; female; EMS blocked by downed trees.[49]
–1 Locale not noted, Sep 22. Male, 69,[50] falls from roof.[51] Cleaning storm debris. Gov.[52]
— 3 Robeson County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 36.” 9-24-2018.
–1 Locale not noted. Drowning; female, 51, found in submerged vehicle.[53] Washed out rd.[54]
–1 Maxton area,[55] Sep 16. Male, 83, drowns; drove into sinkhole.[56]
–1 Locality not noted, Oct 22. Male, 69, suicide (home damaged by Florence and Matthew).[57]
— 1 Rutherford County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.
–1 Sep 18. Tree fall onto moving vehicle; woman, 46 (according to NC DPS).[58]
— 2 Sampson County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.
–1 Sep 17. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; male, 73, lost oxygen concentrator power.[59]
–1 Sep 14. Apparent heart attack; male, 62, collapsed/died trying to assist evacuee.[60]
— 2 Scotland Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40, as of 10/8/2018)”.
–1 Scotland Co. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.[61]
–1 Sep 16. Apparent drowning; male, 73, found in submerged vehicle.[62]
–1 Drowning; male 65, car submerged by flood water.[63]
— 2 Union County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.
–1 Highway 218, Sep 16. Woman drives past barricades into water; son, 1, drowns.[64]
–1 Marshville, Sep 17 (Clayborn Lee Wright, 88, found). Next to car in floodwater.[65]
— 1 Wayne County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.
–1 Sep 14. Fall; man, 81, fell and struck his head while packing to evacuate.[66]
— 1 Wilson. NC DPS. “Storm Statistics. Hurricane Florence. STEP Statistics (as of 9/13/2019).”
South Carolina (10)
–10 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below. (Ambiguity re Marlboro County death.)[67]
–10 South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Public Information. 10-18-2018.[68]
— 9 National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Florence, 31 Aug-17 Sep 2018.
–4 Direct
–5 Indirect (“…due to carbon monoxide poisoning and auto accidents.” P. 12.)
— 9 South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Public Information. 9-21-2018.
— 9 South Carolina Department of Public Safety (Public Information), 10-19-2018 email.
— 8 CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of [NC].” 9-19-2018 update.
— 8 Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Car.…” 9-19-2018.
Breakout of South Carolina Hurricane Florence and remnants-related deaths by locality:
–1 Dillon County, Sep 19. Male, 81, found in submerged vehicle, apparently swept from road.[69]
–1 Georgetown Co., Georgetown, Sep 16. Man, 23, drove truck into floodwater, overturned in ditch.[70]
–2 Horry County, Loris, Sep 14. CO poisoning; couple; power out, generator inside home.[71]
–2 Horry Co. Medical patients, women 43 and 45, drowned in van driven around barricade.[72]
–1 Horry County. Male, 81, “drowned when his vehicle was swept off the roadway.”[73]
–1 Kershaw County, I-20, Sep 16. Vehicle left road, hits overpass support; weather related.[74]
–1 Lexington Co., Gilbert area, Sep 16. Woman loses control of pickup after running into standing water.[75]
–2 Marion Co., btw. Mullins and Nichols. Drownings; women in van driven into floodwater.[76]
–? Marlboro County, McColl area, Sep 17. Drowning, man trying to cross Pea Bridge Road.[77]
–? Sumter County, Sumter, Pocalla Swamp, Sep 12. Drowning; boy, 9, playing in water.[78]
–1 Union Co., Gaffney Hwy., Sep 14. Pickup hits fallen tree; Amber Dawn Lee, 61, 9:40 pm.[79]
–1 Upstate. Evacuee death. (SC EMD Public Information Officer, 10-18-2018)[80]
Virginia ( 3)
–3 Direct. National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Florence, 31 Aug-17 Sep 2018.
–3 CNN. “At least 44 people have died since Hurricane Florence slammed into…, 9-22-2018.
–3 Reuters. “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018.[81]
–2 CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Car. …” 9-18-2018.
–1 Chesterfield, south of Richmond area, Sep 17. Tornado; building collapse; male victim.[82]
–1 Louisa County, Louisa, Sep 18. Pickup crossing road caught up in flood water; Male 59.[83]
–1 Roanoke. Woman, 53, drowns in Roanoke River. National Hurricane Center report, p. 14.
Cause of Death
Blocked Roads and EMS Inaccessibility: ( 2)
–1 NC, Pender Co., Hampstead, Sep 14. Heart attack; female; EMS blocked by downed trees.
–1 NC, Pender Co., Locale not noted. Sep 14 or 15. EMS hindered in reaching victim due to flooding.[84]
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ( 2)
–2 NC, Duplin County, Sep 17. CO poisoning. Male, 74 and female, 22, inside a home.
–2 SC, Loris, Horry County, Sep 14. CO poisoning; couple with generator inside home.
Drownings ( 1)
–1 SC, Marlboro Co., McColl area, Sep 17. Drowning, man trying to cross Pea Bridge Road.
Electrocution ( 1)
–1 NC, Kinston, Lenoir County. Electrocution at home; man, 78, plugging in generator in rain.
Falls ( 5)
–1 NC, Craven County; Sep 18. Fall, fractured neck; Male, 67, while cleaning up storm debris.
–1 NC, Duplin Co., Sep 21 (found). Fall from ladder; repairing home storm damage; Male, 47.
–1 NC, Onslow Co., Sep 17. Man, 56, found dead on his back porch, home with water damage.[85]
–1 NC, Pender County, locale not noted, Sep 22. Man falls from roof.
–1 NC, Wayne County. Fall; man, 81, fell and struck his head while packing to evacuate.
Fire related to Power Loss ( 2)
–2 NC, Fayetteville, Sep 14. Fire; couple killed when house caught fire after power failure.
Heart attack while assisting an evacuee ( 1)
–1 NC, Sampson Co. Apparent heart attack; male, 62, collapsed/died trying to assist evacuee.
Loss of Power for Medical Support Equipment ( 2)
–1 NC, Duplin Co., Sep 20 report. Female, 87, “after her breathing issues got worse due to lack of electricity.”
–1 NC, Sampson Co. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; male, 73, lost oxygen concentrator power.
Tornado ( 1)
–1 VA, Chesterfield, south of Richmond area, Sep 17. Tornado; building collapse; male victim.
Tree-Cutting Accident ( 1)
–1 NC, Brunswick County, Sep 21 (report). Tree-cutting accident; tree falls on male, 46.
Tree Falls onto homes ( 3)
–1 NC, Dallas, Gaston County, Sep 16. Tree falls onto mobile home; boy, 3-months, killed.
–2 NC, Wilmington, Sep 14. Tree falls on house, killing mother, 41 and son, 7 months.
Vehicular — Driving into Fallen Tree ( 1)
–1 SC, Gaffney Hwy., Union Co., Sep 14. Pickup hits fallen tree; Amber Dawn Lee, 61, ~9:30 pm.
Vehicular — Driving into Floodwater: (15)
–1 NC, Anson County, Sep 17. Body of person found in vehicle washed off of the road.
–1 NC, Duplin County, Sep 17? Unidentified person; “vehicle swept off the road by water.”
–2 NC, Kenansville area, Duplin County, Sep 15. Car swept away by flood water.
–1 NC, Kornegay, Duplin County, Sep 15. Car swept away by flood water (Sheriff Dept.)
–1 NC, Pender County (#26), NC Hwy, 210. Male, 71, drives car off road into floodwater.
–1 NC, Scotland County, Sep 16. Apparent drowning; male, 73, found in submerged vehicle.
–1 NC, Scotland County. Drowning; male 65, car submerged by flood water.
–1 NC, Union Co., hwy. 218, Sep 17. Woman drives past barricades into water; son, 1, drowns.
–1 NC, Union County, Sep 17 (body of Clayborn Lee Wright found). Next to car in floodwater.
–1 SC, Dillon Co., Sep 19. Male, 81, found in submerged vehicle, apparently swept from road.
–1 SC, Georgetown, Georgetown Co., Sep 16. Man drove truck into floodwater, overturned in ditch.
–1 SC, Gilbert area, Lexington Co., Sep 16. Woman loses control of pickup after running into standing water.
–2 SC, Marion Co., btw. Mullins & Nichols. Drownings; women in van driven into floodwater.
–1 VA, Louisa Co., Louisa, Sep 18. Pickup crossing road caught up in flood water; Male 59.[86]
Vehicular — Hydroplaning into Objects ( 2)
–1 NC, Cleveland County, Sep 16. Male, 61, when tractor-trailer hydroplanes, overturns.
–1 NC, Onslow Co. Vehicular accident; car hydroplanes across yellow line hitting another car.
Vehicular — Other and/or Unclear ( 4)
–1 NC, Columbus Co., Sep 16? Crash; man, 61, on moped while evacuating, notes Gov. Office.
–1 NC, Gaston Co., Sep 15. Vehicular; “unrestrained passenger” in SUV going too fast in rain.
–1 NC, Rutherford County. Tree fall onto moving vehicle; woman, 46 (according to NC DPS).
–1 SC, Kershaw County, I-20, Sep 16. Vehicle left road, hits overpass support; weather related.
Wind ( 1)
–1 NC, Kinston, Lenoir Co. Fall, man, 77, thought to have been blown down by wind outdoors.
Other (10)
–1 NC. Beaufort County, Sep 22. Suicide after home condemned due to flooding; male, 82.
–1 NC. Cleveland County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”
–1 NC. Columbus County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”
–1 NC. Duplin Co., Sep 20 report. Male, 81, after learning of wife’s death in house without electricity.
–1 NC. New Hanover Co., Wilmington. Evacuee in Hoggard High School shelter, cause not noted.
–1 NC. New Hanover Co. Locale not noted. Infection from cleaning up storm debris, male, 85.
–1 NC. Robeson Co. Cause not noted. NC Dept. Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 25.”
–1 NC. Robeson Co. Locality not noted, Oct 22. Male, 69, suicide (home damaged by Florence and Matthew).
–1 SC. “Upstate.” Evacuee death. (SC EMD Public Information Officer, 10-18-2018)
–1 VA. Circumstances not noted. Reuters. “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018.
Sources
ABC 7 Chicago. “Hurricane Florence updates: 17 dead, including 11 in NC…” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://abc7chicago.com/weather/florence-updates-17-dead-including-11-in-nc/4244283/
ABC 11, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence updates: 32 dead, including 25 dead in North Carolina.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://abc11.com/4244283/
Associated Press (Jason Boyd). “Cooper: Death toll up to 35 after Beaufort Co. man commits suicide.” 9-24-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://wcti12.com/weather/hurricane-stories/cooper-i-40-i-95-now-open-death-toll-up-to-35-after-beaufort-co-man-commits-suicide
Associated Press. “Florence death toll increases; 1,500 still in NC shelters.” 9-27-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.ksl.com/article/46397562/florence-death-toll-increases-1500-still-in-nc-shelters
Associated Press. “Hurricane Florence Death Toll Increases as More Than 1,500 People Remain in North Carolina Shelters.” 9-27-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: http://time.com/5408771/hurricane-florence-death-toll-increases/
Associated Press. “South Carolina couple dies from carbon monoxide poisoning after using generator in home.” WLOS 13, Asheville, NC. 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://wlos.com/news/nation-world/south-carolina-couple-dies-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-after-using-generator-in-home
Associated Press. “Suicide raises Florence death toll to 41 in North Carolina.” 11-5-2018. Accessed 11-6-2018 at: https://apnews.com/e90ea0c571bc4ff683e54a8c0527fe9b
Associated Press. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article218592620.html
Associated Press/Fayetteville Observer, NC. “The Latest: Bridge closed as North Carolina river rises.” 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/20180918/latest-bridge-closed-as-north-carolina-river-rises
Associated Press. “The Latest: Florence claims 26th victim in NC.” WMDT.com, 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-21-2018 at: https://www.wmdt.com/i/the-latest-florence-claims-26th-victim-in-nc/
Associated Press. “Update: Hurricane Florence death toll now at 31 people.” WKYT, Lexington, KY. 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Hurricane-Florence-death-toll-now-at-31-people–493535601.html
BBC US & Canada. “Florence death toll rises to 31 as flooding continues.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45544424
CBS/AP. “1-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters in North Carolina.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florence-union-county-north-carolina-boy-swept-away-by-hurricane-floodwaters-2018-09-17/
CBS/AP. “2 mental health patients in sheriff’s van drown, deputies rescued in South Carolina.” 9-19-2018. Accessed 9-19-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-2-female-mental-health-patients-in-sheriffs-van-drown-deputies-rescued-in-south-carolina/
CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Carolina — live updates.” 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-weather-flooding-power-outage-death-toll-fema-latest-forecast-live/
CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Carolina — live updates.” 9-19-2018 update. Accessed 9-19-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-weather-flooding-power-outage-death-toll-fema-latest-forecast-live/
CBS/AP. “Florence wrecking havoc in North and South Carolina — Live updates.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/florence-hurricane-latest-weather-tropical-depression-flooding-power-outage-forecast-live-updates/
CBS/AP. “Flooding envelops South Carolina homes as Florence death toll rises.” 9-26-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-flooding-envelops-south-carolina-homes-death-toll-rises-2018-09-26/
CBS17 staff and Associated Press. “Eye on the Storm. NC death toll rises to 33 from Florence; I-95 reopens through the state.” 9-23-2018, updated 9-24-2018. Accessed 5-3-2024 at: https://www.cbs17.com/weather/eye-on-the-storm/nc-death-toll-rises-to-33-from-florence-i-95-reopens-through-the-state/
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Clark, Doug Bock. “The difficulty of Counting The Death Toll From Hurricane Florence.” New Yorker, 9-27-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-difficulty-of-counting-the-death-toll-from-hurricane-florence
CNN. “At least 44 people have died since Hurricane Florence slammed into the North Carolina coast last week.” Fox 8 News, High Point, NC, 9-22-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: https://myfox8.com/2018/09/22/at-least-44-people-have-died-since-hurricane-florence-slammed-into-the-north-carolina-coast-last-week/
Fink, Sheri. “Tallying the Dead: Why a Storm Death in One State Might Not Count in Another.” New York Times, 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-12-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/11/us/hurricane-florence-death-toll-carolinas.html
Goldsmith, Thomas.” Nearly Half of Tar Heels Killed by Hurricane Florence Were 70 or Older.” North Carolina Health News, 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2018/10/08/nearly-half-of-tar-heels-killed-by-hurricane-florence-were-70-or-older/
Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths, counting 3-months-old; 6 killed in South Carolina.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2018/09/16/florence-kills-four-south-carolina-death-toll-now-15/1327976002/
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NBC News/Phil Helsel. “Deaths from Florence rise by 2 in North Carolina; at least 49 dead.” 10-2-2018. Accessed 5-3-2024 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/deaths-florence-rises-2-north-carolina-least-49-dead-n915996
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News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence, bringing the total to 50 across 3 states.” 10-2-2018. Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article219356020.html
News & Observer (Aaron Moody and Brian Murphy), Raleigh, NC. “‘Don’t let your guard down,’ Cooper Says as NC Hurricane Florence deaths rise to 32.” 9-22-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218864235.html
News & Observer (Dan Kane), Raleigh, NC. “Florence death toll in NC rises to 33 with report of evacuee’s death.” 9-23-2018, updated 9-24-2018. Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218890795.html
News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Florence: Who decides a death was storm-related?” 10-9-2018. Accessed 5-3-2024 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article219436340.html
News & Observer (Brian Murphy), Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC, including eight in tiny Duplin County.” 9-20-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218749690.html
News & Observer (Brian Murphy). Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims. Here are the 36 NC deaths blamed on the storm.” 9-25-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218984940.html
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 25.” Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/florence#storm-stats-storm-related-fatalities:-25swift-water-rescues:-2,600-people-+-300-animals-(as-of-noon,-sept.-17)—state-resources-deployed
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/florence#storm-stats-storm-related-fatalities:-27swift-water-rescues:-2,600-people-+-500-animals-(as-of-7-a.m.,-sept.-18)—state-resources-deployed
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 31.” Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/florence#storm-stats-storm-related-fatalities:-31-(as-of-9-am,-9/20/2018)–rescued-and-evacuated:-4,743-people-+-1,019-animals-(as-of-9-am,-9/20/2018)—state-resources-deployedout-of-state-resources-deployed
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 33.” 9-22-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 36.” 9-24-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 39 (as of 10/1/2018.” Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 10/8/2018). Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 42 (as of 11/16/2018).” Accessed 12-12-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics
North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Storm Statistics. Hurricane Florence. STEP Statistics (as of 9/13/2019). Accessed 5-2-2024 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/past-disasters/hurricane-florence-2018/storm-statistics
Post and Courier (Andrew Knapp). Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://www.postandcourier.com/news/the-tropical-storm-florence-deaths-in-sc-and-how-they/article_9cc8e67a-bc1a-11e8-9e56-3769165b2b95.html
Reuters (Gabriella Borter). “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018. Accessed 10-12-2018 at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-storm-florence/hurricane-florence-death-toll-rises-to-51-idUSKCN1MC2JJ
South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Public Information. 9-21-2018. Telephone conversation 11:45 am, 9-21-2018.
Star News, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick Updates: Evacuee in West Brunswick shelter dies.” 9-12-2018. Accessed 10-29-2018 at: https://www.starnewsonline.com/news/20180912/brunswick-updates-evacuee-in-west-brunswick-shelter-dies
StarNewsOnline, Wilmington, NC. “Florence flooding taking a toll across Wilmington region.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.starnewsonline.com/news/20180917/new-hanover-county–food-centers-to-open
The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “Man pulled from car just in time.” 9-21-2018. Accessed 5-3-2024 at: https://www.robesonian.com/news/115603/man-pulled-from-car-just-in-time
The Sumter Item. “9-year-old boy drowns at Pocalla Swamp.” 9-12-2018. Accessed 10-17-2018 at: http://theitem.com/stories/9-year-old-boy-drowns-at-pocalla-swamp,314748
Washington Post (Brady Dennis, Mark Berman, Emily Wax-Thibodeaux). “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with intense flooding due to Carolinas storm.” 9-15-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/15/hurricane-florence-storm-continues-to-pummel-carolinas/?utm_term=.b635d0d754cf
Washington Post (Katie Zezima). “Florence: At least 15 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/16/florence-several-deaths-reported-as-storm-swamps-carolinas/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ee703d11b2a8
Washington Post. “Florence: At least 17 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/16/florence-several-deaths-reported-as-storm-swamps-carolinas/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.b391ec309f22
Washington Post (Mark Berman, Allyson Chiu and Katie Zezima). “‘We’re just getting prepared for the worst’: Florence pounds flooded Carolinas as death toll rises to 32.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/17/florence-dumps-torrential-rain-raises-floodwaters-across-the-carolinas/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.35b4b9e2a0e3
WBTV, Charlotte. “Man’s body recovered in floodwaters in Union County.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.wbtv.com/2018/09/17/body-recovered-floodwaters-union-county/
Weather Channel (Pam Wright). “Florence’s Devastation: Death Toll Rises to 42; Towns Wait for the Flood to Arrive.” 9-20-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-09-18-florence-flooding-north-south-carolina-virginia
Weather Channel (Sean Breslin). “Florence’s Devastation: More Evacuations as Rivers Reach Major Flood States; Death Toll Rises.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-09-17-florence-flooding-north-south-carolina
WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick County man killed in tree-cutting accident; Florence’s NC death toll rises to 32.” 9-21-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: http://www.wect.com/story/39150438/brunswick-county-man-killed-in-tree-cutting-accident-florences-nc-death-toll-rises-to-32
WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Person dies at Hoggard High shelter.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: http://www.wect.com/story/39101939/person-passes-away-at-hoggard-high
WFAE 90.7 (NPR), Charlotte, NC. “Latest Florence Death Toll in the Carolinas.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.wfae.org/post/latest-florence-death-toll-carolinas#stream/0
WHSV 3, Harrisonburg, VA. “Florence death toll up at 11, including 3 killed by flooding.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: http://www.whsv.com/content/news/Mother-and-infant-killed-by-falling-tree-in-Wilmington-493320981.html
Wikipedia. “Hurricane Florence.” 10-17-2018. Accessed 10-17-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Florence
WISTV 10, Columbia, SC. “Kershaw County Coroner identifies victim reported as fifth Florence-related death.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: http://www.wistv.com/story/39099931/kershaw-county-coroner-identifies-victim-reported-as-fifth-florence-related-death
WISTV 10, Columbia, SC. “Lexington Co. Coroner releases identity of sixth storm-related death in SC.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: http://www.wistv.com/story/39100538/lexington-co-confirms-sixth-florence-related-death
WMBF News, Myrtle Beach, SC. “Man drowns after attempting to cross roadway near McColl.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/39105494/man-drowns-after-attempting-to-cross-roadway-near-mccoll
WNCT 9 (Dalisa Robles), Greenville, NC. “Multiple dead after Florence strikes eastern Carolina.” 9-14-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wnct.com/news/local-news/breaking-mother-child-died-after-tree-fell-on-house-during-hurricane-florence/1444676322
WRAL.com, Raleigh, NC. “Latest: Wake closes all hurricane shelters, ends state of emergency.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.wral.com/latest-durham-community-evacuated-after-eno-river-floods/17849119/
WSOC TV, Charlotte, NC. “3-month-old killed after tree topples into Gaston County mobile home, officials say.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/3-month-old-killed-after-tree-topple-into-gaston-county-mobile-home-officials-say/835601743
WWAY 3, Wilmington, NC. “First Death During Hurricane Florence Confirmed in Pender County.” 9-14-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wwaytv3.com/2018/09/14/first-death-during-hurricane-florence-confirmed-in-pender-county/
WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.wyff4.com/article/several-florence-related-deaths-reported/23135047
WYFF 4, Greenville, SC. “Pickup crashes into fallen tree, causing Upstate’s first Florence-Related death.” 9-15-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wyff4.com/article/heres-how-you-can-help-the-victims-of-florence/23223221
[1] We include New Hanover County, NC death of evacuee in a high school shelter, which NC DPS does not include in their listing of NC deaths. We do not include, for lack of detail, the deaths of several patients who died shortly after being evacuated from ND and SC hospitals and nursing homes. See: Sheri Fink. “Tallying the Dead: Why a Storm Death in One State Might Not Count in Another.” New York Times, 10-11-2018.
[2] This includes, however, two deaths in FL which we do not include — deaths related to riptides (which happen when there is no hurricane activity off the coast).
[3] “As of Wednesday afternoon [Sep 26] government officials across North Carolina, [SC], and [VA] had established a death toll of forty-nine, though information about directly and indirectly related deaths was not yet complete.”
[4] Sent email to NC DHHS 10-15-2018 seeking assistance in removing ambiguities and providing cause of death where deaths are noted, but without indicating cause of death. No response as of 12-12-2018.
[5] Have highlighted below the cases wherein the information I reflect differs from the NC DPS Storm Stats.
[6] “A spreadsheet of Hurricane Florence-related deaths provided by North Carolina’s health department listed only one of 41 deaths from that storm as ‘indirect.’” (Fink, Sheri. “Tallying the Dead: Why a Storm Death in One State Might Not Count in Another.” New York Times, 10-11-2018.)
[7] “Florence was…associated with 25 indirect fatalities in North Carolina. Of these, eight were associated with pre-existing medical conditions, and 17 deaths were due to a combination of carbon monoxide poisonings, accidents (vehicular and otherwise), fires, electrocutions, and cars hitting fallen trees.”
[8] News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “‘Don’t let your guard down,’ Cooper Says as NC Hurricane Florence deaths rise to 32.” 9-22-2018.
[9] Gender and age from National Hurricane Center report: “In Anson County, a 52-year old man was a passenger in a car that drove into a washed out road and stalled. The passenger drowned…”
[10] Washington Post. “‘We’re just getting prepared for the worst’: Florence…death toll rises to 32.” 9-17-2018; WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018.
[11] WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick County man killed in tree-cutting accident.” 9-21-2018.
[12] Another account, quoting from NC DPS, reads “Shot self when house condemned.” (Goldsmith, Thomas.” Nearly Half of Tar Heels Killed by Hurricane Florence Were 70 or Older.” North Carolina Health News, 10-8-2018.) Goldsmith notes suicide was in Carteret Co. NC DPS Storm Statistics notes the death as a Beaufort County resident.
[13] Associated Press (Jason Boyd). “Cooper: Death toll up to 35 after Beaufort Co. man commits suicide.” 9-24-2018. Later reporting indicated Carteret County. We observe that after press reports of this being a Carteret County death, the NC DPS dropped Beaufort County from its list of Counties with “Storm-Related Fatalities” and added Carteret.
[14] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…” 9-17-2018. Cites release from the Governor’s Office. Another source cites the NC Highway Patrol for information of the death of Orville King III, 56, of Jacksonville, FL, who was driving north on Interstate 85 near Kings Mountain (Cleveland County) Sunday, when a car began passing King in the left lane. Both vehicles hydroplaned, and the tractor-trailer went off the road to the right and hit a tree. (AP. “Update: Hurricane Florence death toll now at 31 people.” WKYT, Lexington, KY. 9-17-2018.)
[15] Talked with County Emergency Manager on 10-9-2018. He noted that all deaths were supposed to be reported to the state from the County Emergency Operations Center, where no deaths had been reported to the State. Noted that the Moped fatality was well before the hurricane hit and appeared to be an un-related traffic accident. He had seen reports of another death, but the event in question turned out to be a homicide unrelated to the storm. He noted the deaths of two nursing home residents, but these natural deaths also appeared to be unrelated to the storm. Also noted a cardiac arrest death in a residence but was unsure if EMS was delayed in responded to 911 call by storm water or debris on roads. Suggested I call the EMS Chief, which I did. He recalled the case, and noted that responders experienced no delay in responding and that he did not consider this to be a Florence-related death. His opinion was that there were no Columbus County Hurricane Florence-related fatalities. Nonetheless, in that the Governor’s Office is cited as indicating that the Moped accident was of an evacuee, and in that (as of Oct 9, the NC DPS still notes one Columbus County death, we choose to show one, though it is in dispute by local officials.
[16] This reporting was changed in later reporting (Oct 8) to reflect one death, not two.
[17] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018. WRAL.com writes that “a 61-year-old man…died in a crash while escaping Wilmington on a moped.” (WRAL.com, Raleigh, NC. “Latest: Wake closes all hurricane shelters, ends state of emergency.” 9-17-2018.) We talked with Columbus County Emergency Manager on October 9, and he indicated he did not believe this to be a storm-related death (slight traffic/good driving conditions), and had not reported it, or any other deaths, to the NC Department of Public Safety.
[18] CBS/AP. “Flooding envelops South Carolina homes as Florence death toll rises.” 9-26-2018. Cites NC Governor’s Office and notes that the State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the death was storm-related.
[19] Washington Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with…flooding…” 9-15-2018, Article cites the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and notes that the fire cause under investigation.
[20] News & Observer. Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims…36 NC deaths…storm.” 9-25-2018.
[21] Talked with Duplin County Emergency Manager, Robert Houston, 10-9-2019 as to the change in reported deaths from nine to eight. He noted that it had been determined that an unidentified death due to a car being swept away by flood water was actually a references to the Kornegay death. He noted that some accounts had reported two deaths, but there was only one.
[22] WHSV 3, Harrisonburg, VA. “Florence death toll…11, including 3…by flooding.” 9-16-2018. Cites Co. Sheriff.
[23] Bowden Road runs NW out of Kenansville into Sampson County. We speculate this is 2nd Kenansville area death.
[24][24] The National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Florence, 31 Aug-17 Sep 2018, notes this death. A Google map search for North Williams Road shows it in the Kenansville area.
[25] We speculate this is the death reported by the National Hurricane Center report noted “A 65-year old man drowned in an automobile on NC Highway 111 in Goshen Swamp…”
[26] WHSV 3, Harrisonburg, VA. “Florence death toll up at 11, including 3 killed by flooding.” 9-16-2018.
[27] News & Observer, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC…eight…Duplin County.” 9-20-2018.
[28] News & Observer, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC…eight…Duplin County.” 9-20-2018.
[29] News & Observer, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC…eight…Duplin County.” 9-20-2018.
[30] Source is reported as NC Governor’s office. News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence, bringing the total to 50 across 3 states.” 10-2-2018.
[31] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…” 9-17-2018. Cites release from the Governor’s Office.
[32] WSOC TV, Charlotte, NC. “3-month-old killed after tree topples into Gaston County mobile home…” 9-16-2018. Boy identified as Kade Gill. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…officials say,” 9-17-2018.)
[33] We speculate that the fall of an evacuee in a hotel, leading to death, is not included by NC DPS. Left phone message at Guilford County Emergency Management, 10-8-2018 (336-641-2278). Don Campbell returned my call while I was out and I left another message at 4:35 pm. Tried to leave phone message 10-17-2018, but received recording that “Guildford County Emergency Management is not available.” Called Sheriff’s Office and was referred to Emergency Management. Left another phone message for Don Campbell 10-29-2018.
[34] News & Observer. Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims…36 NC deaths…storm.” 9-25-2018. Given that NC DPS reports (as of 10-1-2018) just one Guilford County death, and given the lack of detail concerning death of 46-year-old male, we are unsure whether there were one or two deaths in Guilford County.
[35] “An 87-year-old evacuee from Hurricane Florence became the 33rd person to die from the storm in North Carolina after he fell and struck his head in a Guilford County hotel, state emergency officials said.” (News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “Florence death toll in NC rises to 33 with report of evacuee’s death.” 9-23-2018, updated 9-24-2018.) An Oct 9 article in same paper in a headline asks “Hurricane Florence: Who decides a death was storm-related?” Another article noting this death cites Gov. Roy Cooper’s office as the source. (CBS17 staff and AP. “Eye on the Storm. NC death toll rises to 33 from Florence; I-95 reopens through the state.” 9-23-2018, updated 9-24-2018.)
[36] Talked to Mr. Kornegay concerning the fact that NC DPS shows three Lenoir County deaths. He noted that he was only aware of the two he reported through the Emergency Operations Center to the State — the two we have noted in Kinston. He noted there were several natural causes deaths in the hurricane and immediate aftermath timeframe but that the medical examiner had determined that they were natural causes and not storm-related.
[37] Apparently in reference to this death the National Hurricane Center report notes: “In Lenoir County, a 77-year old man was killed when a tree fell on him while he was outside checking on his dogs in Kinston.”
[38] WNCT 9 (Dalisa Robles), Greenville, NC. “Multiple dead after Florence strikes eastern Carolina.” 9-14-2018. Another source cites NC Office of Medical Examiner to effect that he fell and died due to a cardiac problem. (Washington Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11…with intense flooding due to Carolinas storm.” 9-15-2018.
[39] WNCT 9 (Dalisa Robles), Greenville, NC. “Multiple dead after Florence strikes eastern Carolina.” 9-14-2018. Was connecting two extension cords. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…” 9-17-2018.)
[40] Wash. Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with…flooding…” 9-15-2018
[41] StarNewsOnline, Wilmington, NC. “Florence flooding taking a toll across Wilmington region.” 9-17-2018. This death not included in NC DPS listing of deaths by county — thus yellow highlighting. We are willing to entertain the thought that the death of someone in a hurricane evacuation shelter might well be thought of as hurricane-related, even if by natural cause. WECT 6, Wilmington, NC, writes “A person died at Hoggard High School early Monday morning, New Hanover County officials said. Emergency Medical Services responded to a call of an unresponsive person at the school, which is operating as a shelter.” (“Person dies at Hoggard High shelter,” 9-17-2018.) Another source cites a Brunswick County spokesperson to the effect that while the death did occur at one of the county’s hurricane shelters for Florence, it was not related to the storm. (Star News, Wilmington. “Brunswick Updates: Evacuee in West Brunswick shelter dies.” 9-12-2018.) Thus we highlight and do not include in our tally.
[42] Associated Press. “Florence death toll increases; 1,500 still in NC shelters.” 9-27-2018. Cites NC EOC source.
[43] Left phone msg. with Emer. Services (910-347-4270) for the Onslow County Emergency Manager, 10-17-2018.
[44] Reports of both deaths cite official sources for these deaths and storm-related cause. Speculate that in the NC DPS showing of one Onslow fatality as of Sep 18, there has been a change of mind on the designation of one of these.
[45] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018. Observer cites Gov.’s Office statement that the victim fell and that his home showed water damage and leaking.
[46] WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018. NC Emergency Management (Department of Public Safety) is cited as source. Another source, citing NC Office of Emer. Mgmt, notes the death of a male, age 37. (News & Observer (Brian Murphy). Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims. Here are the 36 NC deaths blamed on the storm.” 9-25-2018.)
[47] The Burgaw area detail is from the National Hurricane Center report which notes: “In Pender County, a 71-year old man drowned when he drove into flood waters on Highsmith Road near Burgaw.”
[48] AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Another source notes: “Florence has claimed a 26th victim in North Carolina. Keith Acree is a spokesman for North Carolina Emergency Management. He said Tuesday that the 26th victim is a 71-year-old man who died Sunday when his car ran off North Carolina Highway 210 in Pender County and into floodwaters.” (Associated Press. “The Latest: Florence claims 26th victim in NC.” WMDT.com, 9-18-2018.)
[49] WWAY 3, Wilmington, NC. “First Death During Hurricane Florence Confirmed in Pender County.” 9-14-2018. Notes the Pender Co. Emer. Management Director “has confirmed a woman in Hampstead has died …[saying] a woman had a heart attack this morning. Emergency crews could not get to her because of downed trees in the road.”
[50] Goldsmith. “Nearly Half of Tar Heels Killed by…Florence Were 70 or Older.” NC Health News, 10-8-2018.
[51] News & Observer, Raleigh. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence…total…50 across 3 states.” 10-2-2018.
[52] “…1 69-year-old man in Pender County died on Sept. 22 after falling from a roof while cleaning debris and repairing storm damage, Gov. Roy Cooper’s office said.” (NBC News/ Phil Helsel. “Deaths from Florence rise by 2 in North Carolina; at least 49 dead.” 10-2-2018.)
[53] Associated Press. “Cooper: Death toll up to 35 after Beaufort Co. man commits suicide.” 9-24-2018.
[54] The National Hurricane Center report notes: “In Robeson County…a 51-year old woman drove into a washed out road and drowned.”
[55] The Maxton area detail is our speculation in that The Robesonian of 9-21-2018 notes: “On Monday, 1n 83-year-old Maxton man died when his vehicle got swept into a sinkhole.” (The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “Man pulled from car just in time.” 9-21-2018.)
[56] NCEM. “Hurricane Florence Casualty Count; News & Observer. Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims…36 NC deaths…storm.” 9-25-2018. Driving into sinkhole detail from the National Hurricane Center report.
[57] “…a man whose home was damaged by two hurricanes in the past three years took his own life. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner added the…man to the Florence death count last week…” (Associated Press. “Suicide raises Florence death toll to 41 in North Carolina.” 11-5-2018.)
[58] AP/Fayetteville Observer, NC. “The Latest: Bridge closed as North Carolina river rises.” 9-18-2018.
[59] Washington Post. “‘We’re just getting prepared for the worst’: Florence…death toll rises to 32.” 9-17-2018.
[60] WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018.
[61] Overtaken by notation of two deaths as of 10-8-2018.
[62] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…officials say,” 9-17-2018. Observer cites Gov.’s Office.
[63] WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018; Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…officials say,” 9-17-2018. Observer cites Gov.’s Office.
[64] CBS/AP. “1-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters in [NC].” 9-17-2018. Id’s victim as Kaiden Lee-Welch. Another source notes the source of the floodwater as Richardson Creek. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018.)
[65] WFAE 90.7, Charlotte, NC. “Latest Florence Death Toll in the Carolinas.” 9-17-2018. WBTV notes car was found off Landsford Rd. in Marshville. (WBTV. “Man’s body recovered in floodwaters in Union County.” 9-17-2018.) The National Hurricane Center report notes that he “drowned when he drove his vehicle into a tributary.”
[66] Wash. Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with…flooding…” 9-15-2018
[67] Upon recommendation of SC EMD Public Information Officer, whom I communicated with on 10-18-2018, sent email to Captain R.K. Hughes, SC Department of Public Safety, requesting information on the number and causes-of-death of Florence-related fatalities in SC, 10-18-2018. On 10-19-2018 received an email back with a breakout of nine Florence-related deaths.
[68] Talked with Public Information Officer. The drowning death of a boy playing in water on Sep 12 is not considered by the State as a Florence-related death. Noted an “Upstate” evacuee death I was not aware of and suggested contacting SC Department of Public Safety for details.
[69] Weather Channel). “Florence’s Devastation: Death Toll Rises to 42; Towns Wait for the Flood…” 9-20-2018. Victim identified as Charles A. Carter. (SC Department of Public Safety, 10-19-2018 email to Blanchard.)
[70] Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths…6 killed in South Carolina.” 9-16-2018. Victim drowned. Identified as Michael D. Prince, 23. (Washington Post. “Florence: At least 17 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018.) Another report notes that he was a passenger, and that the driver and one other passenger survived. (Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in [SC] and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.) The age of the fatality is from the National Hurricane Center report on Hurricane Florence, writing that “In Georgetown County, a 23-year old man drove into a flooded area and drowned.” (p. 12.)
[71] Associated Press. “South Carolina couple dies from carbon monoxide poisoning after using generator in home.” WLOS 13, Asheville, NC. 9-16-2018. Cites Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner for identification of victims as Mark Carter King, 63, and Debra Collins Rion, 61. Also: Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.
[72] The van then drove into flooded waters. (National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Florence report.) Highlighted in yellow to denote that apparently it is these deaths which are noted below in Marion County.
[73] National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Florence report. We highlight in yellow to indicate our uncertainty. Horry County shares a border with Dillon County along the coast to the north. This looks like it could be a reference to a similar death in Dillon County in which more detail is provided by the SD Dept. of Public Safety, including the name of he victim.
[74] Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths…6 killed in South Carolina.” 9-16-2018. Another source identifies victim as Jeffrey B. Youngren, 42, citing the SC Dept. of Public Safety. Notes that the Kershaw County Coroner indicated “the weather played a big part in his death.” (WISTV, Columbia, SC. “Kershaw County Coroner identifies victim reported as fifth Florence-related death.” 9-16-2018.) Another notes the accident was north of Columbia. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018.) Another source writes he was driving west in I-20 at about 7 am “when the pickup ran into the median and hit a bridge support beam near Seegars Mill Road in the Camden area.” Repeats that Kershaw Count coroner and state troopers noted that weather played a role. (Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.) On SC DPS list of nine storm related deaths.
[75] Victim identified as Rhonda Rebecca Hartley, 30, who, according to officials, was not wearing a seatbelt. (WISTV 10, Columbia, SC. “Lexington Co. Coroner releases identity of sixth storm-related death in SC.” 9-16-2018.) On the SC DPS list of nine storm-related fatalities, as of 10-19-2018.
[76] AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Cites Marion County Coroner to effect that the van was traveling near the Little Pee Dee River and that “They were trying to negotiate through fast-running water, and it just didn’t work out.’” Next-day source notes that the two women were mental health patients, in a Horry County Sheriff’s Department van. The two deputies (who survived) were transferring the women to McLeod Behavioral Health in Darlington, SC. One patient was being moved from the Waccamaw Center for Mental Health in Conway, SC, and the other from the Loris Hospital, Loris, SC. (CBS/AP. “2 mental health patients in sheriff’s van drown, deputies rescued in South Carolina.” 9-19-2018.) Another source identifies the women as Windy Newton, 45, of Shallotte, NC, and Nicolette Green, 43, of Myrtle Beach, SC. “Barriers were blocking the road because of the flooding, but Horry County’s sheriff said it was not clear if the deputies had gone around them.” (Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.) On SC DPS list of nine storm-related deaths as of 10-19-2018.
[77] WMBF News, Myrtle Beach, SC. “Man drowns after attempting to cross roadway near McColl.” 9-17-2018. Notes the victim’s family found body on the Pea Bridge Road, citing Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office. Also, WYFF 4, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018; names Lt. Trevor Murphy of Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office as source. This death is not one of the eight noted in the Post and Courier article of Sep 19. It also is not on the SC Dept. Public Safety list of nine storm-related deaths as of 10-19-2018, thus we highlight in yellow to note we are aware of the reporting but do not include in our tally.
[78] The Sumter Item. “9-year-old boy drowns at Pocalla Swamp.” 9-12-2018. We note this, but do not include in our tally. This death is noted in Wikipedia piece on Hurricane Florence. The victim was playing with friends in swamp water two days prior to the hurricane and drowned. The link to Florence is that water in the swamp was higher than usual due to a release of water from Second Mill Pond earlier, in preparation for the hurricane. This death is not included in the SC Dept. of Public Safety list of nine Florence-related deaths — thus highlighted in yellow.
[79] Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018. Notes the road was SC Highway 18, near Jonesville and that the roof of her pickup hit a downed tree.
[80] This death is not on the SC DPS list of nine Florence-related deaths. However, since the SC Emergency Management Div. Public Information Officer did note that this was a death of an evacuee, we include in our tally.
[81] “In Virginia…Jeff Caldwell, a state emergency official, said on Tuesday that three people died as a result of the storm.”
[82] Weather Channel. “Florence’s Devastation: More Evacuations as Rivers…” 9-17-2018; National Hurricane Ctr.
[83] AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Victim identified as Richard Edward Kelih Jr., 59, of Louisa. Overturned truck was found on Route 607. Also National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Florence Report.
[84] Phone conversation with Pender County Emer. Mgr., 10-17-2018. Victim died of natural causes after calling 911.
[85] A news account cites the NC Office of the Governor statement and simply writes “He fell…”
[86] AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Victim identified as Richard Edward Kelih Jr. of Louisa. Overturned truck was found on Route 607.