lornajarrettblanchard

–6,515 CDC Wonder. Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2019 Results. ICD-10 codes J09-J11.8.

Death rate per 100,000 population. Average death rate 2.00.
Alabama 62 1.27 Highlighting indicates higher than avg. death rate.
Alaska 13 ?
Arizona 120 1.71
Arkansas 74 2.46
California 653 1.65
Colorado 133 2.37
Connecticut 164 4.59
Delaware 20 2.08 DC and States not noted indicate fewer than ten deaths.
Florida 257 1.22
Georgia 78 0.75
Hawaii 41 2.87
Idaho 66 3.84
Illinois 234 1.83
Indiana 144 2.16
Iowa 122 3.88
Kansas 116 3.98
Kentucky 114 2.56
Louisiana 78 1.67
Maine 69 5.17
Maryland 94 1.55
Massachusetts 164 2.39
Michigan 223 2.24
Minnesota 187 3.35
Mississippi 52 1.74
Missouri 197 3.22
Montana 53 5.05
Nebraska 67 3.49
Nevada 29 0.97
New Hampshire 42 3.13
New Jersey 85 0.94
New York 257 1.29
North Carolina 267 2.60
North Dakota 22 2.91
Ohio 264 2.26 Texas 395 1.40
Oklahoma 102 2.59 Utah 51 1.64
Oregon 203 4.90 Vermont 16 ?
Pennsylvania 259 2.02 Virginia 137 1.62
Rhode Island 36 3.40 Washington 314 4.24
South Carolina 110 2.19 West Virginia 41 2.26
South Dakota 36 4.14 Wisconsin 154 2.66
Tennessee 139 2.07 Wyoming 12 not noted

Narrative Information

CDC: J09 (Influenza due to identified avian influenza virus), J10.0 (Influenza with pneumonia, influenza virus identified_, J10.1 (Influenza with other respiratory manifestations, influenza virus identified), J10.8 (Influenza with other manifestations, influenza virus identified), J11.0 (Influenza with pneumonia, virus not identified), J11.1 (Influenza with other respiratory manifestations, virus not identified, J11.8.

Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2019 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2020. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2019, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Aug 13, 2021 11:54:51 AM

–804 CDC Wonder search for X32 (Exposure to excessive natural cold deaths.) 7-30-2021.
ICD-10, X31 hypothermia US death rate in 2017 was 0.247 per 100,000 population

Death rate per 100,000 population, if noted
Alabama 11
Alaska 23 3.109 Highest death rate in the US of any state in 2017.
Arizona 26 0.371
California 48 0.121 Largest number of hypothermia deaths of any state in 2017.
Colorado 22 0.392
Georgia 25 0.240
Idaho 15
Illinois 36 0.281
Indiana 27 0.404
Maine 10
Maryland 17
Massachusetts 12
Michigan 37 0.371 3rd highest state death toll for hypothermia in 2017.
Minnesota 26 0.466 3rd high state death rate for hypothermia in 2017.
Missouri 15
Montana 10
Nevada 12
New Jersey 24 0.266
New Mexico 16
New York 28 0.141
North Carolina 13
Ohio 28 0.240
Oklahoma 12
Oregon 14
Pennsylvania 32 0.250
South Carolina 21 0.418
South Dakota 13
Tennessee 24 0.357
Texas 26 0.092
Virginia 18
Washington 39 0.527 2nd high state death rate and 2nd high total deaths in 2017.
Wisconsin 20 0.345

Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2019 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2020. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2019. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Jul 30, 2021 3:53:25 PM

–36  NBC News. “Oakland Warehouse Fire: Death Toll Up to 36, Officials…” 12-5-2016, 10:45.

–36  USA Today. “Oakland warehouse fire death toll reaches 36, likely to rise.” 12-5-2016.

 

Narrative Information

 

Dec 3, East Bay Times: “Oakland — In what may be the deadliest structure fire in Oakland’s history, at least nine people died in a blaze that broke out late Friday at an electronic music party at a Fruitvale district live-work space, officials said. The fire tore through the two-story building in the 1300 block of 31st Avenue at about 11:30 p.m. Friday during an event featuring musician Golden Donna’s 100% Silk West Coast tour.

 

“Most of the nine dead were found on the second floor, and another 25 people are unaccounted for, Fire Chief Teresa Deloach-Reed said.

 

“Firefighters said it appeared that no smoke detectors were activated during the fire and there was no sprinkler system in the  structure, the chief said….

 

“The blaze brought 55 firefighters to the scene, near the corner of 31st Avenue and International Boulevard. Battalion chief Lisa Baker said crews found flames on three sides of the building. Firefighters aggressively attacked the blaze inside the structure when conditions changed and they had to go back outside. It took an estimated four hours to bring the blaze under control. International Boulevard was closed between Derby and Fruitvale avenues. When crews first entered to fight the fire, they were impeded by clutter, mostly furniture and art. “It filled end to end with furniture, whatnot, collections,” Deloach-Reed said. “It was like a maze almost.” Crews found a “makeshift stairwell’ between the first and second floor, she said.

 

“Fire officials were waiting for a structural engineer to arrive on scene before they entered the building to do a more thorough search. The building had no sprinklers, Deloach-Reed said, and crews did not hear any smoke detectors going off when they arrived….” (East Bay Times (Harry Harris, Malaika Fraley, Matthias Gafni). “Oakland: At least nine dead after massive fire at live-work space party.” 12-3-2016. 4:14 am, updated 8:24.)

 

Dec 3, LA Times: “At least nine people died when a fire raced through an Oakland warehouse crowded with people attending a Friday night concert, officials said….

 

“The building was the site of a rave Friday night called the Golden Donna 100% Silk 2016 West Coast Tour, according to a concert Facebook page.

 

“Deloach-Reed [Fire Chief] told the East Bay Times that it appears there were no smoke detectors or fire sprinklers in the building. She said the fire may have started near a makeshift stairwell, which might have made it more difficult for people to escape….” (Los Angeles Times (Shelby Grad). “9 dead, others missing after fire races through Oakland warehouse during concert.” 12-3-2016.)

 

Dec 3, USA Today: “At least nine people are dead and 25 people are unaccounted for after a fire broke out late Friday at an Oakland, Calif., warehouse, according to multiple news reports. The fire broke out at a warehouse in Oakland’s Fruitvale district that hosts an artists’ collective during an electronic music party…. There were about 50-people believe to be inside the building at the time of the blaze, according to fire department officials.” (USA Today (Aamer Madhani). “At least 9 dead in California warehouse party fire.” 12-3-2016, 11:09 a.m. EST.)

 

Dec 24, AP: “Firefighters struggled to get to bodies in the rubble Saturday after a fire tore through a converted Oakland warehouse during a late-night electronic music party, killing at least 24 people and making the charred structure unsafe for emergency crews to enter. Officials hiked the death toll early Sunday, saying that they had searched only 20 percent of the building. At least a dozen more were missing in the rubble of the building.

 

“Officials described the scene inside the warehouse, which had been illegally converted into artist studios, as a death trap that made it impossible for many partygoers to escape the Friday night fire. And a day later, the maze of debris and devastation was complicating efforts to extract the bodies. “It was just a labyrinth of little areas. We knew people were in there, and we were trying to get them out. But it was just a labyrinth,” Oakland deputy fire chief Mark Hoffmann told reporters Saturday afternoon.

 

“He said that firefighters had to stop their search and rescue operation Saturday afternoon for safety reasons and shore up the structure, but they expected to resume later in the day. The building’s roof had collapsed into the second floor, which in places fell to the bottom floor.

 

“Oakland officials said they had opened an investigation just last month into the warehouse after numerous complaints filed by neighbors who said trash was piling up outside the property and people were illegally living in the building, which was zoned as a warehouse.

 

“Darin Ranelletti, of the Oakland Planning Department, said the city opened an investigation Nov. 13 and an investigator went to the premises on Nov. 17 but could not get inside the building. The city has not confirmed people were living inside. One survivor, however, said that 18 artists lived inside the warehouse.

 

“Bob Mule said he was one of the artists living in the collective space. He told KGO-TV that he and another person smelled smoke and spotted the fire in a back corner and started yelling. “The fire went up really, really, really quickly,” he said….

 

“Online records listed the building’s owner as Nar Siu Chor. The Associated Press could not locate a telephone number for her Saturday and efforts to reach her at other Oakland addresses associated with her were not successful.

 

“The warehouse was known as the “Oakland Ghost Ship.” Its website showed pictures of a bohemian, loft-like interior made of wood and cluttered with rugs, old sofas and a garage-sale like collection of pianos, paintings, turntables, statues and other items….

 

“It’s unclear what sparked the fire. But officials said the clutter served as a tinderbox and there were no sprinklers inside. “Something as simple as a cigarette could have started this,” Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said, adding that people either escaped from the building or died inside, where the only way down from the second story was via a stairwell constructed entirely of wooden pallets. “It appears that either you got out or you got trapped inside.”

 

“By nightfall Saturday, rescue crews had recovered nine bodies from the building and said about two dozen were still unaccounted for. None of the nine dead have been identified. About 50 to 100 people were believed to have been at the party when the fire started around 11:30 p.m. Friday, officials said.

 

“Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloche-Reed said dozens were unaccounted for. The victims were believed to be people in their 20s, Kelly said. He said as many as 40 may have perished and that the coroner is preparing for a “mass casualty event” that could include victims from other countries.

 

“Searchers brought in cranes and heavy equipment to search through the night. “We know there are bodies in there that we can’t get to — that have been seen but not recovered,” Kelly said. “There’s bodies that are trapped in there, that need to be cut from the wreckage….” (Associated Press. “Fire tears through Oakland dance party, killing at least 24.” CNBC, 12-4-2016.)

 

Dec 4, CNN: “Alameda County Sheriff Sgt. Ray Kelly said authorities have found 24 victims from the fire at an Oakland warehouse….

 

“For filmmaker and photographer Bob Mulé, the warehouse was both his home and his community. The 27-year-old Mulé told CNN more than 20 people living in the warehouse, paid rent and were all involved in the creation of the space….

 

“Darin Ranelletti, Oakland’s interim director of planning and building, told reporters Saturday the city had only approved permits for the building to be used as a warehouse — not for residences. City officials also had not signed off on a special permit for the event, Ranelletti said. In addition, firefighters found no evidence of sprinklers in the warehouse.

 

“Last month the warehouse’s owners had received notification of city code violations for hazardous trash and debris, property records show. Officials had not yet completed an investigation into a November complaint for an illegal interior building structure….” (CNN (Dan Simon, Max Blau, Chandrika Narayan). “Oakland fire: 24 bodies found; 80% of building still to be searched.” 12-4-2016.)

 

Dec 4, LA Times: “8:25 AM. Reporting from Oakland. T he death toll from the fire that raced through an Oakland warehouse during a music concert rose to 24 as searchers continued to sift through the ruin of one of the deadliest fires in modern California history. The search for victims could take another two days, leaving friends and family members frantic to learn the fate of their loved ones….

 

“City records cited allegations of at least three code violations at the building this year. In one complaint, city inspectors said there was complaint of an illegal building on the property as well as piles of trash. ‘This property is a storage [facility], but the owner turned it into a trash recycling center. The yard became a trash collection site, and the main building was [remodeled] for residential,” according to city records. This property is a storage [facility], but the owner turned it into a trash recycling center. The yard became a trash collection site, and the main building was [remodeled] for residential,” according to city records….

 

“Oakland City Councilman Noel Gallo, who represents the district where the fire broke out, said neighbors have regularly complained about the building — particularly the fact that it had piles of trash and debris outside. “We would complain to the manager that they had all that nonsense outside of his building, blocking sidewalks, blocking streets. And …  he always had an attitude,” he said….

 

“The property is one of several owned by Chor N. Ng, according to her daughter, Eva Ng, 36. She said the warehouse was leased as studio space for an art collective and not used as a dwelling. ‘Nobody lived there,’ she told The Times, adding, ‘It was an art collective.’ She said she had asked her leaseholders about the issue and had been reassured that nobody lived in the building. ‘They confirmed multiple times. They said sometimes some people worked through the night, but that is all,’ she said.

 

“The second floor had two exits, both wooden stairs, she said, adding that she believes the building also had smoke detectors. She was not familiar with comments by fire officials that the makeshift stairs consisted of packing crates….

 

“Kevin Longton, who lives at the Vulcan Lofts, less than a mile from the site,  said the warehouse was well-known for holding rave-style dance parties. He went to one about a year ago, never saw any sprinklers and felt the place was an accident waiting to happen. Inside, he said, were two floors with a huge open space on the first floor with lots of nooks and crannies. People had cordoned off loft-style sections on the first floor and decorated them with fabric and curtains. More than two dozen old pianos were strewn about the floor. ‘There were people living there,’ Longton said. ‘I’m sure of that.’…

 

“Ben Brandrett, a mental health researcher living in San Francisco, attended a performance at the warehouse and noticed that a staircase didn’t have a banister. ‘I remember thinking, this seems sketchy.’

 

“Firefighters who responded to Friday’s three-alarm blaze described the interior as a labyrinth. Officials said organizers of the warehouse concert never obtained a permit for the event, so  city workers did not inspect exits, fire extinguishers and other vital safety features….

 

“The teens [quoted in omitted paragraph] said they paid $10 to get into the warehouse party, which they found online, Garcia said….” (Los Angeles Times. “24 bodies recovered in Oakland warehouse fire…” 12-4-2016.)

 

Dec 5, NBC News: “The death toll from the massive warehouse party fire in Oakland, California, climbed to 36 Monday, as anguished families gathered for a third day for any news on their missing loved ones. Officials said Monday morning that they have positively identified 11 victims from Friday night’s devastating blaze. But relatives are being asked to provide a DNA sample to confirm the identity of many of the others….

 

“…firefighters’ recovery efforts were complicated by the astounding amount of damage to the warehouse: 52 hours into the investigation, officials had still only cleared 70 percent of the building, Drayton said. The blaze was so hot it twisted steel in parts of the warehouse.

 

“The large warehouse building was completely filled with combustibles, and once those got started, it was very, very, very rapid fire spread that made for a tremendously scary situation for firefighters entering and people trying to get out…”

 

“Fire officials ordered a temporary work stoppage due to a wobbly wall in the building, which they feared could collapse, Drayton said. They were hoping to secure the wall by 2 p.m. PT so they could resume the recovery effort.

 

Dec 5, USA Today: “Oakland — The death toll from a deadly warehouse fire rose to 36 and the search for more victims was placed on hold Monday after authorities determined the building was dangerously unstable for firefighters inching through the devastation. Oakland Fire Battalion Chief Melinda Drayton said firefighters halted work near the back of the building late Sunday after finding the location where the fire began. The cause of the blaze has not been determined, she said….” (USA Today (Jessica Guynn and John Baker). “Oakland warehouse fire death toll reaches 36, likely to rise.” 12-5-2016.)

 

Identified Victims[1]

 

1. Askew, Cash, 22.
2. Bohlka, Em, 33.
3. Casio, Joey, 36, of Oakland. (KTVU/AP. “Oakland warehouse fire: ATF…” 12-8-2016.)
4. Clark, Barrett, 35. (East Bay Times. “Oakland: Last four warehouse fire victims…” 12-2016)
5. Cline, David, 24.
6. Danemayer, Micah, 28.
7. Dixon, Bill, 35.
8. Dolan, Chelsea, 33.
9. Ghassan, Alex, 35.
10. Gomez-Hall, Nick, 25.
11. Gregory, Michela Angelina, 20.
12. Hoda, Sara, 30.
13. Hough, Travis, 35.
14. Igaz, Johnny, 34.
15. Jo, Ara Christina, 29.
16. Kane, Alana, 35, of Oakland. (KTVU/AP. “Oakland warehouse fire: ATF…” 12-8-2016.)
17. Kellogg, Donna, 32.
18. Kershaw, Amanda, 34.
19. Lapine, Edmond, 34.
20. Madden, Griffin Sean, 23.
21. McCarty, Jason Adrian, 35.
22. McGill, Draven, 17.
23. Mendiola, Jennifer, 35.
24. Morris, Jennifer, 21.
25. Pines, Feral, 29.
26. Plotkin, Vanessa, 21.
27. Renner, Wolfgang, 61.
28. Ruax, Hanna, 32, of Finland. (KTVU/AP. “Oakland warehouse fire: ATF…” 12-8-2016.)
29. Runnels, Ben, 32.
30. Siegrist, Nicole, 29, of Oakland. (KTVU/AP. “Oakland warehouse fire: ATF…” 12-8-2016.)
31. Sylvan, Michele, 37. (East Bay Times. “Oakland: Last four warehouse fire victims…”)
32. Tanouye, Jennifer Kiyomi,, 31.
33. Vega, Alex, 22, from San Bruno. (KTVU/AP. “Oakland warehouse fire: ATF…” 12-8-2016.)
34. Wadsworth, Peter, 38. (East Bay Times. “Oakland: Last four warehouse fire victims…”)
35. Walrath, Nick, 31. (East Bay Times. “Oakland: Last four warehouse fire victims…” 12-2016)
36. Wittenauer, Brandon Chase, 21.

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Fire tears through Oakland dance party, killing at least 24.” CNBC, 12-4-2016. Accessed 12-4-2016 at: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/03/latest-update-on-oakland-fire-warehouse-party-san-francisco.html

 

CNN (Dan Simon, Max Blau, Chandrika Narayan). “Oakland fire: 24 bodies found; 80% of building still to be searched.” 12-4-2016. Accessed 12-4-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/04/us/california-oakland-fire/

 

East Bay Times (Harry Harris, Malaika Fraley, Matthias Gafni). “Oakland: At least nine dead after massive fire at live-work space party.” 12-3-2016. 4:14 am, updated 8:24. Accessed 12-3-2016 at: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/12/03/oakland-massive-fire-at-live-work-space-in-fruitvale-district/

 

East Bay Times (Harry Harris). “Oakland: Last four warehouse fire victims identified.” 12-9-2016. Accessed 12-10-2016 at: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/12/09/oakland-last-four-warehouse-fire-victims-identified/

 

KTVU/AP, CA Bay Area. “Oakland warehouse fire: ATF to inspect site as all victims ID’d.” 12-8-2016. Accessed 12-9-2016 at: http://www.ktvu.com/oakland-warehouse-fire/222529809-story

 

Los Angeles Times (Shelby Grad). “9 dead, others missing after fire races through Oakland warehouse during concert.” 12-3-2016, 8:30 AM. Accessed 12-3-2016 at: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-oakland-fire-nine-dead-warehouse-20161203-story.html

 

Los Angeles Times. “24 bodies recovered in Oakland warehouse fire; 80% of building to be searched.” 12-4-2016. Accessed 12-4-2016 at: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-oakland-fire-20161204-story.html

 

Los Angeles Times. “Victims of the Oakland warehouse fire: Who they were.” 12-8-2016, 11:05 AM. Accessed 12-8-2016 at: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-oakland-fire-victims-2016-htmlstory.html

 

NBC News (Alastair Jamieson, Elizabeth Chuck, Joy Y. Wang). “Oakland Warehouse Fire: Death Toll Up to 36, Officials ‘Absolutely Believe’ Number Will Climb.” 12-5-2016, 10:45 AM ET. Accessed 12-5-2016 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/oakland-warehouse-fire-victims-families-face-agonizing-wait-n691911

 

USA Today (Aamer Madhani). “At least 9 dead in California warehouse party fire.” 12-3-2016, 11:09 a.m. EST. Accessed 12-3-2016 at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/12/03/least-9-dead-oakland-warehouse-party-fire/94881696/

 

USA Today (Jessica Guynn and John Baker). “Death toll rises to 30 in Oakland warehouse fire.” 12-4-2016, 4:09 PM EST. Accessed 12-4-2016 at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/12/04/oakland-warehouse-fire-ghost-ship/94950350/

 

USA Today (Jessica Guynn and John Baker). “Oakland warehouse fire death toll reaches 36, likely to rise.” 12-5-2016. Accessed 12-5-2016 at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/12/05/oakland-warehouse-still-dangerous-days-after-deadly-fire/94984840/

 

 

[1] Unless otherwise noted, source is: Los Angeles Times. “Victims of the Oakland warehouse fire: Who they were.” 12-8-2016, 11:05 AM.

— 14  Knoxville News Sentinel. “Authorities charge two teens in Gatlinburg wildfires.” Dec 7

— 14  WBIR.com. “Sevier County officials confirmed 14^th fatality.” 12-6-2016; 11:11 AM EST.

 

Narrative Information

 

Dec 2, ABC News: “A total of 13 deaths have now been confirmed in the massive wildfires that have devastated eastern Tennessee’s Sevier County, officials said today. The fires, described as the state’s largest in 100 years, are believed to be human-caused, authorities said.[1]

 

“Twelve of the victims died as a direct result of the firestorm, and one victim died of a heart attack while trying to escape a blaze, officials said at a news conference this morning. The briefing was held in Gatlinburg — one the worst-hit cities in Sevier County.

 

“The identifies of six of the 13 deceased have been confirmed, Waters said….

 

“At least 85 other people have been injured as a direct result of the fires, and more than 1,000 structures have been severely damaged or destroyed, according to Waters….

 

“Officials noted that an evacuation alert was sent out to mobile phones in the area around 9:04 p.m. Monday [Nov 28], though power outages made some notifications difficult to send. One official noted that if some people did not receive the alert sent out then, “of course we’re unsatisfied.”….” (ABC News (Avianne Tan) “Death Toll in Tennessee Wildfires Rises to 13 as Recovery Efforts Are underway.” 12-2-2016.)

 

Dec 2, WTOL: “….The fire began Monday [Nov 28] on Chimney Top Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains, according to TEMA.[2] Wind speeds doubled at around 6 p.m. Monday, causing the flames to spread rapidly. Gatlinburg Fire Chief Gregory Miller said wind speeds reached 87 mph at one point, which is the same level as hurricane-force winds.

 

“Local law enforcement officers say the early evidence shows the wildfire was caused by humans, but fallen power lines also ignited flames in other areas….” (WTOL 11, Toledo OH. “Death toll rises to 13 in Smoky Mountains wildfires.” 11-28-2016, updated 12-2-2016, 5:43.)

 

Dec 5: “….The disaster began on Nov. 28 when hurricane-force winds topping 90 mph spread embers from a then-500 acre fire near the Chimney Tops in the Great Smoky Mountains. Downed power lines and felled trees started several new fires, and in the span of a quarter-hour, the flames raced toward Gatlinburg and beyond, forcing mandatory evacuations of the resort town and parts of Pigeon Forge. Officials now estimate 1,684 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fires, and at least 134 people have sustained injuries….” (Knoxville News Sentinel/Travis Dorman and Megan Boehnke. “Gatlinburg wildfires death toll climbs to 14.” 12-5-2016.)

 

Dec 7: “Sevier County and Tennessee Bureau of investigation officials announced Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, that two juveniles are in custody in connection with the fires that resulted in 14 deaths in the Gatlinburg area and damage to over 1,700 structures.” (Knoxville News Sentinel (Tyler Whetstone), TN. “Authorities charge two teens in Gatlinburg wildfires.” 12-7-2016.)

 

Dec 8: “Two juveniles have been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly starting the fire that killed at least 14 people in east Tennessee last month. They might be tried as adults, and authorities say there might be more arrests. Prosecutors say the two minors started a fire on Nov. 23, according to a statement from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

 

“Feeding off a drought-stricken forest, the Chimney Tops 2 fire grew inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On Nov. 28, it swept into Gatlinburg, a popular tourist destination.

 

“More than 14,000 people were evacuated from Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge…

 

“The fire was nightmarish, moving swiftly as it was propelled by powerful winds. Embers were flung as far as a mile, and where they landed, new flames burst up….” (NPR. “2 Juveniles Charged With Arson, Suspected of Starting Deadly Tennessee Wildfire.” 12-8-2016, 9:56 AM.)

 

Dec 9: “The teenagers charged with setting the fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that ultimately spread to torch thousands of homes and businesses and kill 14 people were horsing around with matches, sources say.

 

“The boys, ages 17 and 15, were charged this week in Sevier County Juvenile Court with aggravated arson in the Nov. 28 wildfires that shut down the city of Gatlinburg at the height of its winter tourism season and damaged or destroyed more than 2,400 homes and businesses….

 

“Sources familiar with the teenagers and the investigation but not authorized to speak publicly about the case say the two boys are friends and live in Anderson County. The boys were hiking on the Chimney Tops trail in the park on Nov 23 and tossing lit matches onto the ground around the trail, the sources said. A hiker unwittingly captured an image of the boys walking away from the trail with smoke in the background, and the teenagers’ clothing helped authorities identify them, according to sources.

 

“The oldest boy is the son of an Anderson County Sheriff’s Office employee, according to sources….

 

“Authorities have said they believe last week’s deadly wildfires began with the Nov. 23 blaze at Chimney Tops. The fire initially did not pose a threat to Gatlinburg or surrounding areas, but on Nov. 28, hurricane-style winds hit Sevier County and spread the embers of the fire already burning in the park to lower elevations. Prosecutors would need to show the boy’s actions — by playing with matches — directly resulted in the deaths of the fire victims. Any action or inaction by the National Park Service in handling the Chimney Tops blaze would come into play should felony murder charges be sought.” (Knoxville News Sentinel, TN (Jamie Satterfield). “Sources: Teen toying with matches started Gatlinburg wildfire.” 12-9-2016, 6:48 p.,. EST.)

 

Identified Victims:

 

1. Elaine Brown, 81, of Sevierville. “Med. event”/Auto accident fleeing fire; Wears Valley Rd.[3]
2. Alice Hagler, 70, Chalet Village (collection of rental cabins). (Knoxville News-Sentinel.)
3. Robert Hejny, 63, body discovered at Traveler’s Motel in Gatlinburg.[4]
4. Pamela Johnson, missing, last seen at destroyed Traveler’s Motel, presumed dead.[5]
5. Bradley Phillips, 59; body found on Long Hollow Rd. TN EMA news release.[6]
6. Constance Reed, 34, trying to escape wildfire near her Gatlinburg-area home.[7][8]
7. Chloe Reed, 12, daughter of Constance Reed. TN Emer. Mgmt. Agency news release.[9]
8. Lily Reed, 9, daughter of Constance Reed. TN Emer. Mgmt. Agency news release.[10]
9. Janet Summers, 60, Chalet Village, visiting from Memphis, TN. (ABC News, 12-2-2016.)[11]
10. Jon Summers, 61, Chalet Village, visiting from Memphis, TN. (ABC News, 12-2-2016.)[12]
11. Reverend Edward Taylor, 85, Gatlinburg resident. Smoke inhalation, outside is home.[13]
12. Marilyn Teglar, 70, Chalet Village, Canada[14] (Knoxville News-Sentinel, 12-2-2016)
13. John Teglar, 71, visiting from Canada. (Knoxville News-Sentinel, 12-2-2016.)
14. May Vance, 75, Gatlinburg resident, died from heart attack related to smoke inhalation.[15]

 

Sources

 

ABC News (Avianne Tan) “Death Toll in Tennessee Wildfires Rises to 13 as Recovery Efforts Are underway.” 12-2-2016. Accessed 12-2-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/death-toll-tennessee-wildfires-rises-13-recovery-efforts/story?id=43927471

 

Associated Press, Gatlinburg. “5 more victims’ names released in Gatlinburg wildfires.” WDBJ 7, Roanoke, VA. 12-4-2016, 2:35 PM. Accessed 12-4-2016 at: http://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/5-more-victims-names-released-in-Gatlinburg-wildfires-404626606.html

 

Knoxville News Sentinel (Tyler Whetstone), TN. “Authorities charge two teens in Gatlinburg wildfires.” 12-7-2016. Accessed 12-8-2016 at: http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/12/07/state-authorities-update-sevier-county-wildfires-investigation/95097500/

 

Knoxville News-Sentinel (Rachel Ohm), TN. “Gatlinburg wildfire death toll still at 13.” 12-2-2016. Accessed 12-2-2016 at: http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/12/02/gatlinburg-wildfire-death-toll-reaches/94799884/

 

Knoxville News Sentinel (Travis Dorman and Megan Boehnke). “Gatlinburg wildfires death toll climbs to 14.” 12-5-2016. Accessed 12-16-2016 at: http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/12/04/overnight-rain-brings-relief-smoky-mountain-wildfire-efforts/94951992/

 

Knoxville News Sentinel (Jamie Satterfield). “Sources: Teen toying with matches started Gatlinburg wildfire.” 12-9-2016, 6:48 p.,. EST. Accessed 12-10-2016 at: http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2016/12/09/sources-teens-toying-matches-started-fatal-wildfire/95210356/

 

NPR/Camila Domonoske. “2 Juveniles Charged With Arson, Suspected of Starting Deadly Tennessee Wildfire.” 12-8-2016, 9:56 AM ET. Accessed 12-8-2016 at: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/12/08/504802052/2-juveniles-charged-with-arson-suspected-of-starting-deadly-tennessee-wildfire

 

WATE 6, ABC. “13 victims identified in Sevier County wildfires.” 12-2-2016, 9:50 pm. Accessed 12-8-2016 at: http://wate.com/2016/12/02/6-victims-identified-in-sevier-county-wildfires/

 

WBIR (Brittany Bade and John North), Knoxville, TN. “Like a mom: Friends remember Pam Johnson, missing since disastrous Sevier fire.” 12-8-2016. Accessed 12-10-2016 at: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/wildfire/friends-remember-pam-johnson-missing-since-disastrous-sevier-fire/365390076

 

WBIR.com, Knoxville, TN. “Sevier County officials confirmed 14^th fatality.” 12-6-2016; 11:11 AM EST. Accessed 12-6-2016 at: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/gatlinburg-officials-a-fire-for-the-history-books/357912872

 

Weather Channel (Ada Carr). “Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge Fire Kills 12 as Authorities Begin to Identify Victims.” 12-2-2016, 7:03 PM EST. Accessed 12-2-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/tennessee-gatlinburg-sevier-fires

 

WLOS 13, Western NC. “Local, state, and federal officials update on devastating Tennessee fires.” 12-3-2016. Accessed 12-4-2016 at: http://wlos.com/news/local/local-state-and-federal-officials-update-on-devastating-sevier-county-fires

 

WREG, Memphis, News Channel 3 (Daniel Rubio). “Death toll rises to 14 from Gatlinburg area wildfires.” 12-4-2016, 7:50 PM. Accessed 12-8-2016 at: http://wreg.com/2016/12/04/now-14-dead-from-gatlinburg-wildfires/

 

WTOL 11, Toledo OH. “Death toll rises to 13 in Smoky Mountains wildfires.” 11-28-2016, updated 12-2-2016, 5:43 pm EST. Accessed 12-2-2016 at: http://www.wtol.com/story/33810410/death-toll-rises-to-13-in-smoky-mountains-wildfires

 

 

 

 

[1] Another source cites the National Park Service as source of statement that the wildfire was “human-caused.” (Knoxville News-Sentinel (Rachel Ohm), TN. “Gatlinburg wildfire death toll still at 13.” 12-2-2016.)

[2] Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

[3] WBIR.com. “Sevier County officials confirmed 14^th fatality.” 12-6-2016; 11:11 AM EST; WREG, Memphis, News Channel 3 (Daniel Rubio). “Death toll rises to 14 from Gatlinburg area wildfires.” 12-4-2016, 7:50 PM.

[4] WATE 6, ABC. “13 victims identified in Sevier County wildfires.” 12-2-2016, 9:50 pm.

[5] NPR. “2 Juveniles Charged With Arson, Suspected of Starting Deadly Tennessee Wildfire.” 12-8-2016. Another source writes that Pamela Johnson was last seen at the Travelers Motel on Highway 321, where she lived, and which was consumed in the fire, killing another resident there, Robert A Hejny. Article notes that Johnson “is perhaps the only known person unaccounted for since the disastrous Nov. 28 blaze…” (WBIR, Knoxville TN. “Like a mom: Friends remember Pam Johnson, missing since disastrous Sevier fire.” 12-8-2016.)

[6] AP. “5 more victims’ names released in Gatlinburg wildfires.” WDBJ 7, Roanoke, VA. 12-4-2016, 2:35 PM.

[7] Address where victims were located noted as 347 Wiley Oakley Drive. (WLOS 13, Western NC. “Local, state, and federal officials update on devastating Tennessee fires.” 12-3-2016.)

[8] AP. “5 more victims’ names released in Gatlinburg wildfires.” WDBJ 7, Roanoke, VA. 12-4-2016, 2:35 PM.

[9] AP. “5 more victims’ names released in Gatlinburg wildfires.” WDBJ 7, Roanoke, VA. 12-4-2016, 2:35 PM.

[10] AP. “5 more victims’ names released in Gatlinburg wildfires.” WDBJ 7, Roanoke, VA. 12-4-2016, 2:35 PM.

[11] Also: Knoxville News-Sentinel (Rachel Ohm), TN. “Gatlinburg wildfire death toll still at 13.” 12-2-2016.

[12] Also: Knoxville News-Sentinel (Rachel Ohm), TN. “Gatlinburg wildfire death toll still at 13.” 12-2-2016.

[13] WATE 6, ABC. “13 victims identified in Sevier County wildfires.” 12-2-2016, 9:50 pm; AP. “5 more victims’ names released in Gatlinburg wildfires.” WDBJ 7, Roanoke, VA. 12-4-2016, 2:35 PM — cites TEMA news release.

[14] According to another source the Tegler’s had “dual American and Canadian citizenship” and “were vacationing at their home near Gatlinburg for the Thanksgiving weekend.” (WATE 6, ABC. “13 victims identified in Sevier County wildfires.” 12-2-2016, 9:50 pm.)

[15] ABC News (Tan) “Death Toll in Tennessee Wildfires Rises to 13 as Recovery Efforts Are underway.” 12-2-2016.

–12  New York Daily News. “At least 12 dead in Tennessee school bus crash…” 11-21-2016.

—  6  CBS/AP. “Authorities: 6 killed in horrific Tenn. School bus crash.” 11-21-2016.

—  5  Times Free Press. “Brainerd crash: New details emerge on history of driver…” 11-23-2016

 

Sources

 

CBS/AP. “Authorities: 6 killed in horrific Tenn. School bus crash.” 11-21-2016. Accessed 11-21-2016 at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/police-chief-bus-carrying-35-students-crashes-in-tennessee/

 

New York Daily News (Tobias Salinger). “At least 12 dead in Tennessee school bus crash, unconfirmed reports say.” 11-21-2016. Accessed 11-21-2016 at: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/dead-tennessee-school-bus-crash-reports-article-1.2882616

 

Times Free Press, Chattanooga TN (Tyler Jett and Kendi A. Rainwater) “Brainerd crash: New details emerge on history of driver, bus company.” 11-23-2016. Accessed 11-23-2016 at: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/nov/23/new-details-emerge-history-bus-driver-company/399336/

 

 

 

 

—   24  CBS/AP. “West Virginia gets federal aid after dozens die in sudden flood.” 6-26-2016.[1]

— >24  Weather Channel. “West Virginia Flooding Kills 24; Federal Disaster…” 6-25-2016.[2]

—   23  Blanchard tally of county breakouts below.

—   23  MetroNews. “Greenbrier sheriff says search for final flood victim will continue.” 7-5-2016.

—   23  WSAZ WV. “…18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016.[3]

Breakout of fatalities by county (when noted):

–15  Greenbrier County. WVMetroNews, Charleston, WV. “2 bodies recovered…” 7-2-2016.[4]

–16  Greenbrier Co. CBS/AP. “[WV] gets federal aid after dozens die…” 6-26-2016.[5]

–14  Greenbrier County (number of deaths confirmed by Sheriff Jan Cahill July 2.[6]

–12  Greenbrier Co. WSAZ, Huntington. “…18-of 20 flood victims…[WV]…” 6-30-2016.[7]

—  1  Caldwell area, Greenbrier River (female body recovered July 2 from this area).[8]

–15  Rainelle. CBS/AP. “[WV] gets federal aid after dozens die…” 6-26-2016.[9]

–1  June 24. Drowning; Denver Leslie Barker, 93, inside of his flooded home.[10]

— 1  White Sulphur Springs, June 26. Female died of burns from natural gas explosion.[11]

— 1  White Sulphur Springs area; Howard’s Creek, edge of Greenbrier Resort. Female.[12]

— 1  White Sulphur Springs. Missing, presumed drowned; female, 14.[13]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 15-24.[14]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; female, 45-64.[15]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 45-64.[16]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 45-64.[17]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; female, 65-74.[18]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 65-74.[19]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 65-74.[20]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; female, 75-84 years-old.[21]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 75-84 years-old.[22]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 85+ years-old.[23]

— 1  Locality not noted. Drowning; male, 85+ years-old.[24]

—  1  Jackson Co., Ravenswood, 23^rd. Drowning; boy, 4, fell in backyard stream, swept away.[25]

—  6  Kanawha County. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below (5 direct, 1 indirect).

–1  Elkview, along Jordan Creek Road, June 23. Drowning; male (Bill Sanders), 62.[26]

–1  Elkview, along Jordan Creek Road, June 23. Drowning; male, 64.[27]

–2  Elkview, ~Little Sandy Creek, Riverview Way, along Elk Riv., June 23. Drowning; females.[28]

–1  Clendenin area, Wills Creek, June 23. Drowning; female, 47, washed away in SUV.[29]

–1  Clendenin area, June 24. Presumed drowning; male, found in basement.[30]

–1  Medical emergency; female hospice patient; responders unable to reach residence.[31]

—  1  Ohio County, Wheeling, June 23. Drowning; boy, 8.[32]

 

Narrative Information

 

June 24, CNN: “As heavy thunderstorms sent massive floods sweeping across West Virginia, at least 20 people died in the raging waters, state and federal officials said Friday. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced 14 deaths at a news conference early in the afternoon. A few hours later, Tim Rock of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management told CNN the death toll was up to 20.

 

“Trees and power lines fell as heavy rains sent creeks and rivers out of their banks late Thursday and early Friday, leaving many stranded residents waiting to be rescued.

 

“Forty-four counties declared a state of emergency Thursday night, primarily in the southeastern part of West Virginia. Elkview, Clendenin and Frame have been hit the hardest by the flooding, officials said….

 

“At one point during the height of the storm, there were 64 active emergency calls in Kanawha County, according to county spokeswoman Brooke Hylbert.

 

“A 1,000-year flood.

 

“The high terrain along rivers in southeastern West Virginia are exacerbating the flooding, meteorologists said. Weather radar estimates show that more than 10 inches of rain have fallen in portions of Greenbrier County. There is a 1 in 1,000 chance of this type of rainfall happening in any given year, according to the National Weather Service. In Kanawha County, which includes the capital of Charleston, the Elkview River crested at 33.37 feet Friday morning, meteorologists said. The river rose more than 27 feet from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning, the highest crest since record-keeping began more than 125 years ago, according to the National Weather Service….” (CNN. “At least 20 dead in West Virginia flooding, governor says.” 6-24-2016.)

 

June 24, NBC News: “….In Clay County, northeast of Charleston, the Elk River rose to over 33 feet, breaking the previous record of 32 feet set in 1888….” (NBC News. “West Virginia Floods: 20 Killed, Including Toddler, as Thousands Left Without Power.” 6-24-2016, 9:29 PM.)

 

June 24, WCHS/WVAH: “A spokesperson for the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says the death toll from the devastating floods is now at 23. We are told 15 people died in Greenbrier County, five people died in Kanawha County, one person died in Jackson County, one person died in Ohio County. At this time, it is unclear where the 23rd victim was from….

 

“[Governor] Tomblin said 66,000 West Virginians are without power, and gas was shut off in the town of White Sulphur Springs. The governor said there are 60 roads that are closed. He also said that a gravel road is being constructed on the back part of the Elkview Crossings Mall to assist in the rescue of 500 people who were stranded there.

 

“Currently, there are 17 shelters open in the state to provide help for residents who need it. A number of groups also are raising money to assist with flood relief efforts….” (WCHS/WVAH, Charleston, WV. “Death toll in West Virginia floods climbs to 23.” KEPRtv.com, 6-24-2016.

 

Sources

 

ABC News (Julia Jacobo). “Toddler Swept Away in West Virginia Flash Floods,” 6-23-2016. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/rescue-efforts-underway-toddler-carried-off-west-virginia/story?id=40088062

 

Associated Press, Charleston, WV. “20 dead in West Virginia floods; search and rescue continues.” Times-Republican, Marshalltown, IA, 6-24-2016. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://www.timesrepublican.com/page/content.detail/id/1200043/20-dead-in-West-Virginia-floods–search-and-rescue-continues.html?isap=1&nav=5014

 

Associated Press. “The Latest: Flooding Closes Historic Greenbrier Resort.” 6-24-2016. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-pastor-talks-boy-died-flooding-40108107

 

CBS/AP. “West Virginia gets federal aid after dozens die in sudden flood.” 6-26-2016. Accessed 6-26-2016 at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/west-virginia-federal-aid-dozens-die-sudden-flood/

 

Charleston Gazette-Mail (Lydia Nuzum), WV. “Friends, family remember two Kanawha County flood victims.” 6-25-2016. Accessed 7-1-2016 at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20160625/GZ01/160629692

 

Charleston Gazette-Mail, WV. Obituary, “Denver L. Barker.” 6-27-2016. Accessed 6-27-2016 at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/OBIT/20160627/denver-l-barker

 

CNN (Farida Fawzy and Jareen Imam). “At least 20 dead in West Virginia flooding, governor says.” 6-24-2016. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/24/us/west-virginia-flooding-deaths/

 

CNN (Amy La Porte). “Toddler missing, swept away by floodwaters in West Virginia,” 6-24-2016. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/23/us/toddler-swept-away/index.html

 

CNN (Steve Visser and Martin Savidge). “West Virginia floods devastate 1,200 homes, many lives.” 6-28-2016. Accessed 6-28-2016 at: http://www.kerngoldenempire.com/news/west-virginia-floods-devastate-1100-homes-many-lives

 

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “June 24, 2016: Information on Flood Related Deaths.” 6-24-2016. Accessed 6-25-2016 at: http://www.kanawhasheriff.us/2016/06/24/june-24-2016-information-on-flood-related-deaths/

 

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “June 25, 2016: Three More Deaths Yesterday Evening.” 6-25-2016. Accessed 6-25-2016 at: http://www.kanawhasheriff.us/2016/06/25/june-25-2016-three-more-deaths-yesterday-evening/

 

MetroNews (Jeff Jenkins) Charleston, WV. “Greenbrier sheriff says search for final flood victim will continue.” 7-5-2016. Accessed 7-6-2016 at: http://wvmetronews.com/2016/07/05/greenbrier-sheriff-says-search-for-final-flood-victim-will-continue/

 

NBC News (Erik Ortiz, et al.). “West Virginia Floods: 20 Killed, Including Toddler, as Thousands Left Without Power.” 6-24-2016, 9:29 PM. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/west-virginia-floods-14-killed-thousands-without-power-n598346

 

News Leader, Staunton, VA. “V. Va. flooding: Armed patrols formed as wary residents eye more rain.” 6-27-2016. Accessed 6-27-2016 at: http://www.newsleader.com/story/news/2016/06/24/flooding-severe-along-virginia-w-virginia-border/86327846/

 

Register-Herald (Tina Alvey), Beckley, WV. “Body recovered near Caldwell believed to be Renick woman.” 7-3-2016. Accessed 7-3-2016 at: http://www.register-herald.com/news/body-recovered-near-caldwell-believed-to-be-renick-woman/article_fb8f2d46-412d-11e6-9e90-ab04e27bfc70.html

 

Weather Channel (Ada Carr). “West Virginia Flooding Kills 24; Federal Disaster Declared.” 6-25-2016. Accessed 6-25-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/west-virginia-flooding-severe-weather-outbreak-news-impacts

 

WCHS/WVAH (Jeffrey Morris) Charleston, WV. “Death toll in West Virginia floods climbs to 23; Tomblin updates flood relief efforts.” KEPRtv.com, 6-24-2016. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://keprtv.com/news/nation-world/death-toll-in-west-virginia-floods-climbs-to-14-tomblin-updates-flood-relief-efforts

 

West Virginia MetroNews (Jeff Jenkins), Charleston, WV. “2 bodies recovered in flood-ravaged Greenbrier County.” 7-2-2016. Accessed 7-3-2016 at: http://wvmetronews.com/2016/07/02/body-of-flood-victim-recovered-in-greenbrier-county/

 

WSAZ (Andrew Colegrove), Huntington, WV. “Flood victim remembered.” 6-28-2016. Accessed 7-1-2016 at: http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Flood-victim-remembered–384630721.html

 

WSAZ, Charleston and Huntington WV. “Flood victim swept away while unchaining dogs.” 6-28-2016. Accessed 7-1-2016 at: http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Flood-victim-swept-away-while-unchaining-dogs–384779631.html

 

WSAZ, Huntington, WV. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in West Virginia died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Accessed 7-1-2016 at: http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Officials-18-of-20-flood-victims-in-West-Virginia-die-from-drowning–385033081.html

 

WSAZ, Charleston and Huntington, WV. “Update: Death toll at 24 in West Virginia flooding.” 6-25-2016. Accessed 6-26-2016 at: http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/At-least-one-fatality-due-to-flood-waters-in-Kanawha-County-384205701.html

 

WSET (Courtney Wheaton), Lynchburg, VA. “Local pastor loses family member in West Virginia flooding.” 6-26-2016. Accessed 6-27-2016 at: http://wset.com/news/local/local-pastor-loses-family-member-in-west-virginia-flooding

 

WTOV9, Steubenville, OH. “Update: Boy found in Big Wheeling Creek, declared dead,” 6-23-2016. Accessed 6-24-2016 at: http://wtov9.com/news/local/officials-searching-for-child-in-big-wheeling-creek

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Sixteen deaths in Greenbrier County, six in Kanawha County, and one each in Jackson and Ohio counties. However, it appears these numbers were based on missing, presumed dead, who turned up later. Thus, not used.

[2] It appears this figure was based on missing, presumed dead, but actually not. Thus, not used as high fatality figure.

[3] Cites WV Dept. of Health and Human Resources list of 20 fatalities. Notes that 3 of the 23 were “presumed dead.”

[4] Also: MetroNews, Charleston, WV. “Greenbrier sheriff says search for final flood victim will continue.” 7-5-2016.

[5] Notes 15 of the 16 deaths were in the town of Rainelle. We highlight to note not used as fatality count in that we have reason to think it inaccurate.

[6] Register-Herald, Beckley, WV. “Body recovered near Caldwell believed to be Renick woman.” 7-3-2016.

[7] Cites WV DHHR list of 20 recovered bodies. Three others were missing, presumed dead – localities not noted.

[8] West Virginia MetroNews (Jeff Jenkins), Charleston, WV. “2 bodies recovered in flood-ravaged Greenbrier County.” 7-2-2016. Article notes only that the body was recovered near Caldwell. Another article writes that “it is likely that the body is that of a woman reported missing during the flood from her home on Leonard-Cordova Road” according to the Sheriff. The article continues that “The body was found more than 30 miles from where the missing woman is believed to have fallen victim to the flood, according to the sheriff. He said the woman’s home is around 8 ½ miles up Leonard-Cordova from Renick, making it about 18 miles from the river and another 15 miles to Caldwell, where the body was located.” (Register-Herald, Beckley, WV. “Body recovered near Caldwell believed to be Renick woman.” 7-3-2016.)

[9] We highlight to note not used as fatality count in that we have reason to think in inaccurate.

[10] Charleston Gazette-Mail, WV. Obituary, “Denver L. Barker.” 6-27-2016; WSET (Courtney Wheaton), Lynchburg, VA. “Local pastor loses family member in West Virginia flooding.” 6-26-2016.

[11] CNN (Steve Visser and Martin Savidge). “West Virginia floods devastate 1,200 homes, many lives.” 6-28-2016. Identifies victim as Belinda Scott, a grandmother, and writes: “The flood uprooted Scott’s house, which exploded after it filled with natural gas. Scott tried to escape the water and flames by climbing a tree…Scott’s house stayed put, but she couldn’t get far enough from the fire….By the time rescuers reached…[her] last Thursday [June 23], the older woman had burns over 60% of her body. She died three days later in the hospital.” A late-June WV DHHR list of fatalities notes: “A 45-64 year-old woman died from complications from injuries she received in the flooding in Greenbrier County.” (WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016.)

[12] WV MetroNews, Charleston, WV. “2 bodies recovered in flood-ravaged Greenbrier County.” 7-2-2016. Notes the body was recovered on July 2.

[13] MetroNews (Jeff Jenkins) Charleston, WV. “Greenbrier sheriff says search for final flood victim will continue.” 7-5-2016. Article notes that the victim was believed to be Mykala Phillips, who “was with two brothers and her father in their Mill Hill Drive home in White Sulphur Springs when they tied extension cords together as the water rushed in. Her cord broke and she went rushing down the water in the opposite direction of her family members who were all rescued.”

[14] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[15] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[16] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[17] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[18] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[19] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[20] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[21] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[22] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[23] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

[24] WSAZ. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. Cites WV DHHR.

We do not include in our tally in that we believe one of the two 85+ year-old male deaths noted by the WV DHHR. refers to the drowning death of Denver Leslie Barker, 93, outside is flooded home in Rainelle, Greenbrier County.

[25] ABC News (Julia Jacobo). “Toddler Swept Away in West Virginia Flash Floods,” 6-23-2016; CNN (Farida Fawzy and Jareen Imam). “At least 20 dead in West Virginia flooding, governor says.” 6-24-2016; CNN (Amy La Porte). “Toddler missing, swept away by floodwaters in West Virginia,” 6-24-2016. ABC News article notes the home was on Utah Road, outside of Ravenswood, and that the boy was reported as being swept away at 4:25 p.m. NBC News identified the boy as Edward McMillion. (NBC News (Erik Ortiz, et al.). “West Virginia Floods: 20 Killed, Including Toddler, as Thousands Left Without Power.” 6-24-2016, 9:29 PM.) Included in WV DHHR list of fatalities in: WSAZ, Huntington, WV. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in [WV] died from drowning,” 6-30-2016.

[26] WSAZ, Huntington WV. “Flood victim swept away while unchaining dogs.” 6-28-2016. WSAZ, Huntington, WV. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in West Virginia died from drowning,” 6-30-2016. (Cites WV Dept. of HHR.)

[27] Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “June 24, 2016: Information on Flood Related Deaths.” 6-24-2016. Locality noted as Elkview by WSAZ, Charleston, WV. “Update: Death toll at 24 in West Virginia flooding.” 6-25-2016. We highlight to indicate that this could be the death of a 64-year-old Bill Sanders, noted as a fatality by the WV DHHR.

[28] Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “June 25, 2016: Three More Deaths Yesterday Evening.” 6-25-2016. The WV HHR noted the drowning death in Kanawha County of a female in the 15-24 year-old age bracket of their protocol. Also noted on this list is the death of Joni Adams, from asphyxiation (drowning). Another source writes that Joni Adams, 60, and Sandy Boswell, 57, drowned June 23 in the basement of the Adams home on Riverview Way in Big Chimney, while trying to save family heirlooms and other belongings. (Charleston Gazette-Mail (Lydia Nuzum), WV. “Friends, family remember two Kanawha County flood victims.” 6-25-2016.) Another source notes that Joni Adams’ neighbors on Riverview Way in Elkview attributed to her the saving of the lives of two elderly residents when Adams called their son and alerted him to the rising water, thus alerting him to go to their rescue. (WSAZ (Andrew Colegrove), Huntington, WV, “Flood victim remembered.” 6-28-2016.) We consulted Google Maps and found Riverview Way on the north side of Elk River across from Elk View. To the west of Riverview Way, draining into Elk River, is Little Sandy Creek.

[29] Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “June 24, 2016: Information on Flood Related Deaths.” 6-24-2016. Identifies victim as Melissa Hess. Noted as well on WV DHHR list of fatalities in WSAZ, Huntington, WV. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in West Virginia died from drowning,” 6-30-2016.

[30] Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “June 25, 2016: Three More Deaths Yesterday Evening.” 6-25-2016. Notes “The caller speculated the man may have been electrocuted, and though that speculation was broadcast on radio frequencies it was not confirmed by first responders.” Notes that the death was a presumed drowning. This could be reference to the drowning death noted on the VW DHHR list of fatalities – that of a male, 65-74 age-range, noted in: WSAZ, Huntington, WV. “Officials: 18-of 20 flood victims in West Virginia died from drowning,” 6-30-2016.

[31] Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “June 24, 2016: Information on Flood Related Deaths.” 6-24-2016. Written: “Responders were initially unable to reach her residence due to flood waters. Since that death is not directly related to flooding the name of the deceased will not be released.”

[32] AP. “The Latest: Flooding Closes Historic Greenbrier Resort.” 6-24-2016; WTOV9, Steubenville, OH. “Update: Boy found in Big Wheeling Creek, declared dead,” 6-23-2016. WTOV9 article identifies the victim as Emanual Williams “who fell in Big Wheeling Creek in the Elm Grove area behind AutoZone and Main Street Bank around 3:20 p.m. According to police, Emanual Williams was walking with his mother and sister along the creek bank and slipped. His mother tried to save him but couldn’t. The area he fell was 20 feet deep.” Another AP report writes that “Local officials in Ohio County said the death of [the boy]…was not due to flooding but was an accidental drowning. The area around Wheeling had no flooding and no severe weather said Wheeling Police Sgt. William Nolan. The death was among those counted by the state medical examiner, the governor’s office said.” (AP. “20 dead in West Virginia floods; search and rescue continues.” Times-Republican, IA, 6-24-2016.) Another source writes: “Eight-year-old Emanual Williams died Thursday at a West Virginia hospital after he slipped into a creek and was swept away by raging waters.” (Weather Channel (Ada Carr). “West Virginia Flooding Kills 24; Federal Disaster Declared.” 6-25-2016.)

–13  AP. “Authorities: Tire treads were below standard in fatal crash.” 10-25-2016.

–13  Fox News. “At least 13 people…dead in [CA] tour bus, semi-truck crash.” 10-13-2016.

–13  The Desert Sun, CA. “Investigators probe Calif. Tour bus crash that killed 13.” 10-23-2016.

 

Narrative Information

 

Oct 23, 12:23 PM PDT, Desert Sun: “At least 11 people are dead after a Los Angeles tour bus returning from a trip to a Thermal casino collided with a big rig on westbound Interstate 10 near Palm Springs Sunday morning…. All westbound lanes of I-10 are closed at Indian Canyon following the crash that was first reported just after 5 a.m., and traffic is being diverted off I-10 at Indian Canyon.

 

“The tour bus had smashed into the rear of the big rig, and the front of the bus was enveloped by the big rig’s trailer. Dozens of firefighters swarmed the scene, struggling to reach victims. They used chainsaws to break open the vehicle and make their way into its front, even though it was clear there was barely any room to fit inside….The big rig driver was unhurt….

 

“The tour bus belonged to USA Holiday, a Los Angeles-based tour company, and Hamilton said the driver was one of the company’s owners.

 

“A passenger who was treated at Desert Regional for minor injuries said the tour bus had started in Los Angeles, traveled to Red Earth Casino in Thermal, and was making its return trip Sunday morning. USA Holiday regularly carries passengers from the Los Angeles area to Southern California casinos….

 

“Poet Aleman, who lives in the Coachella Valley, was driving west on I-10 around 5 a.m. when traffic came to a sudden halt. From her vantage point, she said it looked like the big rig had tried to merge into the lane the passenger bus was using. “The whole front of the bus up to about the second or third row of seats was completely crushed into the left rear side of the semi truck,” Aleman told The Desert Sun. “By the time I got there, there were at least a dozen firefighters climbing into the passenger bus pulling people out.”

 

Oct 23, 16:56 PM PDT, Desert Sun: “Palm Springs, Calif. — Investigators in southern California were trying to determine why a tour bus plowed into the back of a tractor-trailer truck on Interstate 10 early Sunday, killing 13, including the bus driver…. CHP Border Division Chief Jim Abele said the cause of accident wasn’t clear and that investigators “may not determine how the accident occurred” because the bus driver was killed. But he said the bus was going significantly faster than the truck at the time of the crash.

 

Oct 23, Fox News: “….California Highway Patrol Officer Stephanie Hamilton said “There are approximately 31 passengers on the bus that were transported [to local hospitals] with minor to serious injuries.”…. The Palm Springs hospital treated 14 patients, five in critical condition, three in serious condition and six with minor injuries. Palm Springs houses the valley’s only trauma center, The Desert Sun Reported. All patients were adults….

 

“The bus was en route to Los Angeles from the Red Earth Casino in Salton City, when the accident occurred….”

 

Oct 24, 8:58 AM PDT, Desert Sun: “Thirteen people died Sunday morning after a tour bus slammed into the back of a big rig on Interstate 10 near Palm Springs while returning to Los Angeles from a casino near the Salton Sea.

 

“None of their names have been released, but they were described early Monday as 10 women and three men, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s office….

 

“They were believed to be sleeping when the bus collided with the tractor-trailer truck shortly after 5 a.m., CHP Chief Jim Abele said at a news conference Sunday. “It was a substantial impact,” Abele said, explaining that the bus plowed 15 feet into the back of the truck.

 

“The bus, which had 43 passengers, was on its way back from Red Earth Casino in Salton Sea Beach and its driver was among those killed, Abele said. All victims were adults, the chief described the survivors’ injuries as minor to moderate…

 

“Abele said officials haven’t determined why the bus was traveling at a much faster speed than the truck. It’s also unclear whether drugs or alcohol were involved, or whether fatigue was a factor. He said a maintenance crew had slowed down traffic on Interstate 10 before the vehicles crashed just north of Palm Springs. According to Abele, work had gone smoothly for hours….

 

“Abele did not give the nationalities of the victims, but said authorities were in contact with consular officials of Mexico, Japan and Australia and that most of the passengers were Latino. He said authorities have struggled to identify some of the passengers and contact their families, partly because some of them were not carrying “valid” identification….

 

“Red Earth Casino is a small casino in remote Imperial County operated by the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. It sits beside Highway 86, a two-lane road that traces the Salton Sea to the U.S.-Mexico border, and often functions as a truck stop and convenience store as well.”

 

Oct 25, AP: “Palm Springs, Calif. (AP) — The tread on four of the eight tires on a tour bus that slammed into a truck and killed 13 people on Interstate 10 were below government standards, an official said Tuesday, though the cause of one of California’s deadliest vehicle crashes remained unclear. “Based on tire conditions, this vehicle was out of compliance … and could have been placed out of service,” Earl Weener, a board member of the National Transportation Safety Board, said at a news conference in Palm Desert near the site of the Sunday crash that also injured 31 people.

 

“The disclosure came a day after a California Highway Patrol official said there was no indication that the bus driver, Teodulo Elias Vides, applied his brakes before striking the truck that was creeping along at 5 mph because of road work in the area. Vides, 59, owned USA Holiday and was listed as its only driver, according to federal and state records…. Vides had a valid commercial license and a clean record in recent years. The bus had passed annual inspections….

 

“The NTSB planned to look into the history of the bus, its owner-driver and other circumstances such as what Vides was doing during the four to five hours the bus was at the Red Earth Casino in the desert town of Thermal before making the 135-mile trip back to Los Angeles….” (AP/ Elliot Spagat and Julie Watson. “Authorities: Tire treads were below standard in fatal crash.” Tucson.com, 10-25-2016.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press (Elliot Spagat and Julie Watson). “Authorities: Tire treads were below standard in fatal crash.” Tucson.com, 10-25-2016. Accessed 10-25-2016 at: http://tucson.com/news/national/authorities-tire-treads-were-below-standard-in-fatal-crash/article_43568c4c-f63e-5948-87d9-e8a548c15472.html

 

Fox News. “At least 13 people reported dead in California tour bus, semi-truck crash.” 10-13-2016. Accessed 10-23-2016 at: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/10/23/3-dead-in-california-tour-bus-semi-truck-collision.html

 

The Desert Sun, (Colin Atagi and Rosalie Murphy), Palm Springs, CA. “Investigators probe Calif. Tour bus crash that killed 13.” 10-23-2016. Accessed 10-23-2016 at: http://www.krem.com/ext/news/nation-now/at-least-11-dead-after-tour-bus-truck-crash-in-calif/293/nationnow/QWvjTylnygC8yyUIikCS8

 

The Desert Sun (Colin Atagi and Rosalie Murphy), Palm Springs, CA. “Tour bus crash in California kills at least 11, closes I-10,” 10-23-2016, 12:03 PM PDT. Accessed 10-23-2016 at: http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2016/10/23/least-three-dead-after-interstate-10-bus-crash/92641620/

 

The Desert Sun (Colin Atagi and Rosalie Murphy), Palm Springs, CA. “Tour bus crash in California kills 13, closes I-10.) 10-24-2016, 8:58 AM PDT. Accessed 10-24-2016 at: http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2016/10/23/least-three-dead-after-interstate-10-bus-crash/92641620/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States              (53)

—  53  Blanchard tally based on State and local breakouts below.[1]

—  48  Weather Channel. “Flooding…[NC] from…Matthew Incurs $1.5 Billion…” 10-16-2016.[2]

—  47  Wikipedia. “Hurricane Matthew.” 10-25-2016, 4:03 AM modification.[3]

—  46  AP, Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Rises…” 10-15-2016, 2:48 PM ET.[4]

—  44  ABC News. “UD Death Toll From Hurricane Matthew Climbs to 44.” 10-14-2016, 2:18.

–>43  CBS News/AP. “North Carolina discovery raises…Matthew’s U.S…toll.” 10-15-2016.

—  41  ABC News. “North Carolina’s Storm-Related Death Toll Climbs to 22.” 10-13-2016, 5:14.

—  40  The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Leaves 40 Dead in the U.S…” 10-13-2016.[5]

—>39  NBC News. “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Rises, N.C. Gov. Warns…” 10-12-2016.

—  38  The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 38 in U.S…” 10-12-2016, 1:09.[6]

—  37  WYFF4 News, Greenville, SC. “Death toll…[NC] after Hurricane Matthew…18.” Oct 12.[7]

—  36  The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 36 in U.S…” 10-11-2016, 6:47.

—  35  ABC News. “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Jumps to 17 in North Carolina.” 10-11-2016.

—  34  The Daily Beast. “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Rises to 34 in U.S.” 10-12-2016.

—  33  AP. “The Latest North Carolina Raises Death Toll to 18.” 10-11-2016, 7:13 PM ET.

—  27  CNN (Hanna/Yan). “US death toll from Matthew climbs to 27.” 10-11-2016, 6:34 PM ET.

—  23  Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 22 in U.S…” 10-10-2016, 1:47 pm.[8]

—  22  Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 22 in U.S…” 10-10-2016, 11:13 am.[9]

—  21  NYT. “Hurricane Matthew’s Toll Rises; Flooding Strands 1,500 in [NC].” 10-10-2016.

—  20  CNN (Yan/Blau). “US death toll from Matthew climbs to 20…” 10-10-2016, 3:28 PM.[10]

—  19  ABC News. “Matthew Downgraded to Post-…US Death Toll Rises to 19.” 10-9-2016.[11]

—  16  AP. “Matthew triggers severe flooding in NC; US death toll at 16.” 10-9-2016, 1:25PM.

—  15  NYT. “Hurricane Matthew Toll Climbs to at Least 15 as North Carolina…” 10-9-2016.

—  13  Good Morning America. “Hurricane Matthew’s US Death Toll Rises to 13…” 10-8-2016.[12]

–>11  Reuters. “Weakened Hurricane Matthew still deadly…buffets…Southeast.” 10-8-2016.[13]

 

Florida                        ( 13)

–13  Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below (not including ambiguous Jacksonville entry).[14]

–12  The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 36 in U.S…” 10-11-2016, 6:47.

—  9  AP. “The Latest: Florida raises Hurricane Matthew death toll to 9.” Bradenton Herald, 10-11-2016.[15]

—  8  AP. “The Latest: North Carolina Raises Death Toll to 18.” ABC, 10-11-2016, 7:13 PM ET.

—  6  ABC News. “Hurricane Matthew’s US Death Toll Rises to 9…” 10-8-2016.

—  6  Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 23 in U.S…” 10-10-2016, 1:47 PM.

—  5  Weather Channel. “Florida Officials Begin Matthew Damage Assessment…” 10-8-2016.

—  4  Associated Press. “The Latest: US Storm Death Toll Reaches 10.” 10-8-2016, 3:21 PM ET.

Breakout of Florida Deaths by Locality (where noted):

— 1  Duval County. Male, 72, “repairing a hole in his roof when he fell off.”[16]

— 2  Miami-Dade Co., Oct 4-5. Males, 71, 78; “fell from ladders while preparing their homes…”[17]

— 1  Orange County, Oct 7. Female, 70, “After a medical device failed during a power outage.[18]

— 1  Putnam County, Crescent City, Oct 7. Tree falls on camper trailer killing female, 55.[19]

— 2  St. Lucie County, Oct 7. CO poisoning; elderly couple from generator inside garage.[20]

— 1  St. Lucie County, Oct 7. Medical emergency; responders could not respond; male, 82.[21]

— 1  St. Lucie County, Oct 8. Cardiac arrest; female, 58, calls 911 after emer. ops suspended.[22]

— 1  Volusia County, Oct 7. Tree fall; female, 63, while “feeding her animals.”[23]

— 1  Volusia County, Daytona Beach, Oct 10. CO poisoning, male, 9; generator in home.[24]

— 1  Volusia Co., DeLeon Springs, Oct 10. Electrocution, male, 89, power line downed by tree.[25]

— 1  Volusia Co., Ormond Beach, Oct 10. Male worker, 47, removing trees/debris; rolling log.[26]

 

Georgia                      (  3)

—  4  ABC News. “Matthew Downgraded…US…Toll Rises to 19.” 10-9-2016, 5:25 AM ET.[27]

—  4  Good Morning America. “Hurricane Matthew’s US Death Toll Rises to 13…” 10-8-2016.

—  3  Associated Press. “The Latest: US Storm Death Toll Reaches 10.” 10-8-2016, 3:21 PM ET.

—  3  Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

—  3  Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 22 in U.S…” 10-10-2016, 11:13 am.

—>3  Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Leaves at Least 3 Dead in Georgia…” 10-10-2016.

Breakout of Georgia Fatalities by Location (where noted):

— 3  Bulloch County. According to Bulloch County deputy coroner Richard Pylant, Oct 9.[28]

— 2  Bulloch County, Oct 8. Falling trees.[29]

–1  Statesboro, Burk Halter Rd. Car runs into tree that fell across a roadway; male, 28.[30]

–1  Statesboro, 25 Clay Road. Two trees fall on residence killing male, 68.[31]

— 1  Savannah-Chatham area, Oct 8. Tree falls on home; male, 41.[32]

 

North Carolina          (30)

—  30  Blanchard tally of breakouts below (includes evacuee death in a shelter).

—  27  NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities — 27” 10/25, 9:00 AM.[33]

—  26  NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” 10/15, 5:30 PM.[34]

—  24  ABC News. “UD Death Toll From Hurricane Matthew Climbs to 44.” 10-14-2016, 2:18.

—  24  NC Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” 10/14, 1 PM.[35]

—  22  WXII 12 News, NC. “Matthew NC deaths up to 22…” 10-13-2016, 4:45 PM EDT.

—  20  NBC News. “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Rises…” 10-12-2016, 5:10 PM ET.

—  19  Reuters. “Drownings push hurricane death toll to 19 in flooded [NC].” 10-12-2016.[36]

—  18  AP. “The Latest North Carolina Raises Death Toll to 18.” 10-11-2016, 7:13 PM ET.[37]

—  17  The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 36 in U.S…” 10-11-2016, 6:47.

—  14  NYT. “Hurricane Matthew’s Toll Rises; Flooding Hits North Carolina.” 10-11-2016.[38]

–>10  AP. “At least 10 died in [NC] from Hurricane Matthew.” WMBF News, 10-10-2016.[39]

—  10  Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 22 in U.S…” 10-10-2016, 11:13 am.[40]

—    8  ABC News. “Matthew Downgraded…US Death Toll Rises to 19.” 10-9-2016, 5:25 AM ET.

—    7  State, according to NC Gov. Pat McCrory at Oct 9 morning press conference.[41]

—    3  ABC News. “Hurricane Matthew’s US Death Toll Rises to 9…” 10-8-2016.[42]

North Carolina Hurricane-Related Fatalities by County:

—  2  Bladen Co., Clarkton, Oct 8. Vehicle submerged on washed-out road; males 22, 44.[43]

—  1  Columbus Co., Nakina. Drowning; Male, 70, found 11^th 50 yds from abandoned pickup.[44]

—  2  Cumberland Co. NC Dept. Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” Oct 15.[45]

–1  Fayetteville, Clinton Road at I-95, Oct 8. Male, 53, found near abandoned vehicle.[46]

–1  US-301, Oct 10.[47] Female driver[48] of vehicle submerged by “rushing flood waters.”[49]

–1  Oct 12, Male, 63, “collapsed after getting out of his vehicle.”[50]

—  1  Gates County, Oct 9. Drowning; male, 75, “discovered inside his car” after water receded.[51]

—  1  Harnett County, Oct 8. Drowning; drove past barricade, swept into creek.[52] Male, 74.[53]

—  4  Johnston Co. WRAL.com. “At least 19 died…[NC]…Matthew.” 10-12-2016; also NC DPS.

–1  Oct 9. Vehicle swept away when driver tried crossing flood-covered bridge.[54]

–1  Oct 9. Female, 19; car swept away in flood waters on I-95 near mile-marker 85.[55]

–1  Oct 9. Male, 51, swept away by floodwater while walking.[56]

–1  Cleveland area, Oct 9. One of 5; floodwater submerged car; Cornwallis Rd. ~NC 42.[57]

—  4  Lenoir Co. NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” 10/25, 9 AM.

—  4  Lenoir Co. NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” 10/14, 1 PM.[58]

—  3  Lenoir Co. NC Dept. Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” 10/15, 5:30 PM.

–1  Oct 11. Authorities said a person died while walking around.[59]

–1  Oct 12 report. Drowning; male, 71, attempting to rescue a horse.[60]

–1  Kinston. Male, 55, found in small metal building; drowning or medical.[61]

–1  La Grange, Oct 13. Female drowns after vehicle went around barricade into water.[62]

—  1  Pitt Co., Monzingo Rd.,[63] Oct 9. Driver drowned; vehicle swept away by water.[64] Female.[65]

—  5  Robeson County, by Oct 12, according to Robeson County Sheriff Sealey at County EOC.[66]

–3  WXII 12 News, NC. “Matthew NC deaths up to 22…” 10-13-2016, 4:45 PM.

–3  NC Dept. Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities – 26,” 10/16, 9:00 AM.

–1  NC 130. Male, whose car was washed away in the flooding that followed Matthew.[67]

–1  Oct 13 Gov. rpt. Male, “died after falling into a hole caused by an uprooted tree.”[68]

–1  Fairmont. Male “appeared to rely on…oxygen tank and could not escape…[flooded] house.”[69]

–1  Lumberton, NC 211 off I-95, Oct 8. Female passenger in car driven by husband.[70]

–1  Lumberton, Oct 10. Drowning; male, 76, “fell into…water at his home on West Fifth.”[71]

—  1  Rowan Co. Storm-related fire.[72] Female victim.[73] Also NC DPS.

—  1  Sampson Co., near NC 411, Oct 8. Car hydroplanes;[74] hits tree; male driver, 30, killed.[75]

—  1  Wake Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” 10/25, 9:00 AM.[76]

–2  Wake Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities,” 10/20, 7:00 AM.[77]

–1  Wake County, Oct 10. Tree falls on man’s truck.[78]

—  4  Wayne County. Tracie Davis, Co. Communications Director, phone conversation, Oct 19.

—  2  Wayne County. (NC DPS website notes two, apparently not including shelter evac. death.)

–1  Wayne County. Indirect death.[79]

–1  Wayne County,[80] Oct 8. Evacuee dies in a shelter “because of a health ailment.”[81]

–1  Wayne County, Oct 11. Drowning; car swept away by floodwater; male, 54.[82]

–1  Oct 14-15. Female, 47, found in vehicle after floodwaters receded.[83]

—  2  Wilson Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities — 26,” 10-15-2016, 4 PM ET.[84]

–1  Wilson Co., Oct 8.[85] Drowning; vehicle driven into floodwater and swept away.[86]

–1  Wilson County, Oct 10. Drowning; “victim ended up in a submerged vehicle.”[87]

 

South Carolina          (  5)

–5  AP. “The Latest: N. Carolina investigates possible coal ash spill.” WP, 10-14-2016, 4:20 PM.

–5  Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

–3  CNN. “Hurricane Matthew, Now Considered Post-Tropical…” KTLA.com, 10-9-2016.

–3  The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 36 in U.S…” 10-11-2016, 6:47.

–2  AP. “The Latest: 2^nd Weather Death Reported in South Carolina.” 10-9-2016, 1:06 PM ET.

Breakout of South Carolina Fatalities by Locality:

–1  Dillon County, Lake View, Oct 12. Male, 70, clearing tree debris hit by cable under tree.[88]

–2  Florence County, Florence and Pamplico. Bodies found in vehicles; autopsies pending.[89]

–1  Female “in a car that was swept away,” according to Gov. Nikki Haley.[90]

–1  Drowning.

–1  Marion County Nichols,. Body of male, 40, found in flooded home Oct 14.[91]

–1  Richland Co., Columbia, Oct 8. Drowning; male, 66, pinned face-down under water outdoors.[92]

 

Virginia                      (  2)

— 2  Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Leaves 40 Dead in the U.S…” 10-13-2016, 10:56.

— 1  Chesapeake, I-64, Oct 10. Male, 38; his pickup rear-ended semi stopped at downed tree.[93]

— 1  Suffolk, near Constant’s Wharf. Male, 53, missing during storm found Oct 12 in water.[94]

 

Outside the U.S.:

 

Columbia, La Guajira peninsula     (             1)

— 1  AP (Campbell), Kingston Jamaica. “Hurricane Matthew Soaks Colombia…” 10-1-2016.[95]

 

Dominican Republic                         (             4)

— 4  CNN. “Hurricane Matthew moves into South Carolina…” 10-8-2016.

 

Haiti                                                    (>330-900) 

—<1,000  NYT. “Hurricane Matthew’s Toll Rises; Flooding Strands 1,500 in [NC].” 10-10-2016.

—  <900  Reuters. Cited in: NYT. “Hurricane Matthew Toll Climbs to at least 15…” 10-9-2016.[96]

—  >500  AP. “Matthew triggers severe flooding in NC; US death toll at 16.” 10-9-2016, 1:25 pm.

—  >330  CNN. “Hurricane Matthew moves into South Carolina…” 10-8-2016.

 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines       (            1)

— 1  CNN. “Hurricane Matthew moves into South Carolina…” 10-8-2016.

 

Causes of Death (United States — 53)

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:                                  (  3)

–2  FL, St. Lucie County, Oct 7. CO poisoning; elderly couple from generator inside garage.

–1  FL, Volusia County, Daytona Beach, Oct 10. CO poisoning, male, 9; generator in home.

 

Drowning (non-vehicular:                                        (  8)

–1  NC, Johnston County, Oct 9. Male, 51, swept away by floodwater while walking.

–1  NC, Lenoir County, Oct 12 report. Drowning; male, 71, attempting to rescue a horse.

–1  NC, Robeson Co., Oct 13. Male, “died after falling into a hole caused by an uprooted tree.”

–1  NC, Robeson Co., Lumberton, Oct 10. Drowning; male, 76, “fell into…water at his home…Fifth.”

–1  NC, Robeson Co., Fairmont. Male “appeared to rely on…oxygen tank…could not escape…[flooded] house.”

–1  SC, Marion County Nichols,. Body of male, 40, found in flooded home Oct 14.

–1  SC, Richland Co., Columbia, Oct 8. Drowning; male, 66, pinned face-down under water outdoors.

–1  SC, Suffolk, near Constant’s Wharf. Male, 53, missing during storm found Oct 12 in water.

 

Drowning (Vehicular-related)                                  (20)

–2  NC, Bladen Co., Clarkton, Oct 8. Vehicle submerged on washed-out road; males 22, 44.

–1  NC, Columbus Co., Nakina. Drowning; Male, 70, found 11^th 50 yds from abandoned pickup.

–1  NC, Cumberland Co., Fayetteville, Clinton Rd. at I-95, Oct 8. Male, 53, near abandoned vehicle.

–1  NC, Cumberland Co., US-301, Oct 10. Female, vehicle submerged by rushing flood waters

–1  NC, Gates Co., Oct 9. Drowning; male, 75, “discovered inside his car” after water receded.

–1  NC, Harnett County, Oct 8. Drowning; drove past barricade, swept into creek. Male, 74.

–1  NC, Johnston Co., Oct 9. Vehicle swept away; driver tried crossing flood-covered bridge.

–1  NC, Johnston Co., Oct 9. Female, 19; car swept away; I-95 floodwaters near mile-marker 85.

–1  NC, Johnston Co., Cleveland area, Oct 9. Floodwater submerged car; Cornwallis Rd. ~NC 42

–1  NC, Lenoir Co., La Grange, Oct 13. Drowning; female, drove around barricade into water.

–1  NC, Pitt Co., Oct 9. Drowning; female; vehicle swept away by flood water.

–1  NC, Robeson Co., Lumberton, NC-211 ~I-95, Oct 8. Female; car driven by husband.

–1  NC, Robeson Co., NC-130. Male; car washed away in the flooding that followed Matthew.

–1  NC, Wayne County, Oct 11. Drowning; car swept away by floodwater; male, 54.

–1  NC, Wayne County, Oct 14-15. Female, 47, found in vehicle after floodwaters receded.

–1  NC, Wilson Co., Oct 8. Drowning; vehicle driven into floodwater and swept away.

–1  NC, Wilson County, Oct 10. Drowning; “victim ended up in a submerged vehicle.”

–1  SC, Florence County, Florence. Drowning; body found in vehicle.

–1  SC, Florence County, Pamplico. Drowning; body found in vehicle.

 

Emergency Responders Unable to Respond:         (  2)

–1  FL, St. Lucie County, Oct 7. Medical emergency; responders could not respond; male, 82.

–1  FL, St. Lucie County, Oct 8. Cardiac arrest; female, 58, calls 911 after emer. ops suspended.

 

Falls (Preparatory Phase):                                       (  3)

–1  FL, Duval County. Male, 72, “repairing a hole in his roof when he fell off.”

–2  FL, Miami-Dade Co., Oct 4-5. Males, 71, 78; “fell from ladders while preparing their homes…”

 

Fire                                                                             (  1)

–1  NC, Rowan Co. Storm-related fire. Female victim.

 

Power Outage/Medical Device Failure:                  (  1)

–1  FL, Orange Co., Oct 7. Female, 70, “After a medical device failed during a power outage.

 

Restoration Phase (Electrocution)                           (  1)

–1  FL, Volusia Co., DeLeon Springs, Oct 10. Male, 89, power line downed by tree.

 

Restoration Phase (Tree clearing related)              (  2)

–1  FL, Volusia Co., Ormond Beach, Oct 10. Male worker, 47, removing trees/debris; rolling log.

–1  SC, Dillon Co., Lake View, Oct 12. Male, 70, clearing tree debris hit by cable under tree.[97]

 

Tree Falls:                                                                  (  4)

–1  FL, Putnam County, Crescent City, Oct 7. Tree falls on camper trailer killing female, 55.

–1  FL, Volusia County, Oct 7. Tree fall; female, 63, while “feeding her animals.”

–1  GA, Bulloch Co., Statesboro, 25 Clay Road. Two trees fall on residence killing male, 68.

–1  GA, Savannah-Chatham area, Oct 8. Tree falls on home; male, 41.

 

Vehicular (Accidents):                                              (  1)

–1  NC, Sampson Co., near NC 411, Oct 8. Car hydroplanes; hits tree; male driver, 30, killed.

 

Vehicular (Drownings) — See Drownings (Vehicular) above.

 

Vehicular (Tree Fall-Related):                                 (  3)

–1  GA, Statesboro, Burk Halter Rd. Car runs into tree that fell across a roadway; male, 28.

–1  NC, Wake County, Oct 10. Tree falls on man’s truck.

–1  VA, Chesapeake, I-64, Oct 10. Male, 38; his pickup rear-ended semi stopped at downed tree

 

Other and/or Unclear                                               (  4)

–1  NC, Lenoir County, Oct 12 report. Authorities said a person died while walking around.

–1  NC, Lenoir Co., Kinston. Male, 55, found in small metal building; drowning or medical.

–1  NC, Wayne County, Oct 8. Evacuee dies in a shelter “because of a health ailment.”

–1  NC, Wayne County. Indirect death (noted by County EM). Cause not noted.

 

Sources

 

ABC 11 News, Raleigh. “Governor: 2 More Dead After Hurricane Matthew.” WTVD, 10-13-2016. Accessed 10-13-2016 at: http://abc11.com/weather/governor-2-more-dead-after-hurricane-matthew/1553274/

 

ABC 11 News, Raleigh (Angelica Alvarez). “Hurricane Matthew: Man Who Escaped Flooded Car in Lumberton Remains Hopeful Wife Will be Found.” 10-12-2016, 11:34 PM ET. Accessed 10-13-2016 at: http://abc11.com/news/i-saw-the-car-go-down-man-holds-out-hope-wife-alive-/1552708/

 

ABC 11, WTVD, Raleigh-Durham. “McCrory: 20 Storm-Related Deaths in NC After Matthew,” 10-13-2016, 6:44 AM ET. Accessed 10-16-2016 at: http://abc11.com/weather/mccrory-20-storm-related-deaths-in-nc-after-matthew/1535987/

ABC News (Emily Shapiro) “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Jumps to 17 in North Carolina.” 10-11-2016, 5:39 PM ET. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-matthew-death-toll-jumps-17-north-carolina/story?id=42724059

 

ABC News (J.J. Gallagher, Morgan Winsor, Emily Shapiro, Julia Jacobo). “Hurricane Matthew’s US Death Toll Rises to 9…” 10-8-2016. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-matthew-batters-florida-coast-dead-million-lose/story?id=42608853

 

ABC News (David Caplan, J.J. Gallagher, Morgan Winsor, Catherine Thornbecke). “Matthew Downgraded to Post-Tropical Cyclone and Heads out to Atlantic, US Death Toll Rises to 19.” 10-9-2016, 5:25 AM ET. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-matthew-batters-florida-coast-dead-million-lose/story?id=42608853

 

ABC News (Emily Shapiro) “North Carolina’s Storm-Related Death Toll Climbs to 22.” 10-13-2016, 5:14 PM ET. Accessed 10-13-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/north-carolinas-death-toll-plateaus-flooding-evacuations/story?id=42775580

 

ABC News (Catherine Thorbecke). “UD Death Toll From Hurricane Matthew Climbs to 44.” 10-14-2016, 2:18 PM ET. Accessed 10-14-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/us-death-toll-hurricane-matthew-climbs-42/story?id=42807375

 

Associated Press, Raleigh, NC. “At least 10 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WMBF News, Grand Strand, SC, 10-10-2016. Accessed 10-10-2016 at: http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/33355576/at-least-10-died-in-north-carolina-from-hurricane-matthew

 

Associated Press. “At least 20 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WRAL.com, Raleigh, 10-12-2016, 9:10 PM. Accessed 10-16-2016 at: http://www.wral.com/at-least-10-died-in-north-carolina-from-hurricane-matthew/16103620/

 

Associated Press. “Cleaning up the damage left from Hurricane Matthew.” KUSA TV9 News, Denver, CO, 10-11-2016, 5:04 PM MDT. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://www.9news.com/weather/cleaning-up-the-damage-left-from-hurricane-matthew/334067081

 

Associated Press, Cape Canaveral, FL. “Hurricane Matthew: Florida couple dies of generator fumes; U.S. death toll at 4.” WDBJ7, Roanoke, VA. 10-7-2016. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: http://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Hurricane-Matthew-Florida-couple-dies-of-generator-fumes–396368231.html

 

Associated Press, Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Rises, ‘Difficult Days’ Ahead, N.C. Governor Says.” 10-15-2016, 2:48 PM ET. Accessed 10-17-2016 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hurricane-matthew/hurricane-matthew-death-toll-rises-difficult-days-ahead-n-c-n666891

 

Associated Press (Howard Campbell), Kingston Jamaica. “Hurricane Matthew Soaks Colombia, Heads for Jamaica, Haiti.” ABC News, 10-1-2016, 10:57 PM ET. Accessed 10-13-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/mega-hurricane-matthew-threatens-jamaica-haiti-cuba-42490360

 

Associated Press (Emery P. Dalesio and Martha Waggoner), Wilmington, NC. “Matthew triggers severe flooding in NC; US death toll at 16.” 10-9-2016, 1:25 PM EDT. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/33349420/matthew-triggers-severe-flooding-in-nc-us-death-toll-at-16

 

Associated Press, Raleigh, NC. “The Latest: 2^nd Weather Death Reported in South Carolina.” 10-9-2016, 1:06 PM ET. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-hurricane-winds-batter-north-carolina-42677812

 

Associated Press, Ormond Beach, FL. “The Latest: Florida raises Hurricane Matthew death toll to 9.” Bradenton Herald, 10-11-2016, 8 PM ET. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://www.bradenton.com/news/state/florida/article107485452.html

 

Associated Press. “The Latest: N. Carolina investigates possible coal ash spill.” Washington Post, 10-14-2016, 4:20 PM. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/the-latest-north-carolina-shelter-helps-with-storm-dogs/2016/10/14/886d9376-91fe-11e6-bc00-1a9756d4111b_story.html

 

Associated Press, Lumberton, NC. “The Latest: North Carolina Raises Death Toll to 18.” 10-11-2016, 7:13 PM ET. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-freight-trains-hold-hurricane-matthew-42720939

 

Associated Press. “The Latest: US Storm Death Toll Reaches 10.” 10-8-2016, 3:21 PM ET. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-hurricane-matthew-nears-south-carolina-42662547

 

CBS News/Associated Press, Raleigh, NC. “North Carolina discovery raises Hurricane Matthew’s U.S. death toll.” 10-15-2016, 1:46 PM ET. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-carolina-discovery-raises-hurricane-matthew-us-death-toll

 

Charlotte Observer. “Hurricane Matthew kills 10 in NC; Lenoir County evacuation ordered as Neuse rises.” 10-9-2016; 9:31 AM ET. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article107079002.html

 

CNN (Steve Almasy, Jason Hanna, Madison Park). “Hurricane Matthew blamed for 4 US deaths, sparks flash-flood fears.” 10-7-2016. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/07/us/hurricane-matthew-florida/

 

CNN (Emanuella Grinberg). “Hurricane Matthew death toll in South Carolina reaches 4.” 10-13-2016, 5:09 PM ET. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/us/south-carolina-matthew-death-toll/

 

CNN (Jason Manna, Madison Park, Steve Almasy). “Hurricane Matthew moves into South Carolina; serious flooding threatened.” 10-8-2016, 6:24 PM ET. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/08/us/hurricane-matthew-florida/

 

CNN. “Hurricane Matthew, Now Considered Post-Tropical Cyclone, Responsible for 17 Deaths in 4 States.” KTLA-TV 5, Los Angeles, CA, 10-9-2016. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://ktla.com/2016/10/09/hurricane-matthew-now-considered-post-tropical-cyclone-kills-3-people-in-north-carolina/

 

CNN (Holly Yan and Max Blau). “US death toll from Matthew climbs to 20; 1,500 stranded in NC city.” 10-10-2016, 3:28 PM ET. Accessed 10-10-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/10/us/weather-matthew/

 

CNN (Jason Hanna, Holly Yan, Max Blau). “US death toll from Matthew climbs to 27.” 10-11-2016, 6:34 PM ET. Accessed 1-13-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/11/us/weather-matthew/

 

Davis, Tracie (Wayne County Communications Director). Phone communication, 10-19-2016.

 

Fayetteville Observer (Greg Barnes), NC. “Body of man missing since Hurricane Matthew found off Clinton Road.” 10-15-2016, ~1:00 PM ET update. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/body-of-man-missing-since-hurricane-matthew-found-off-clinton/article_6c391749-ca58-5016-bb39-629852cf6c32.html

 

Fayetteville Observer (Michael Futch), NC. “Hurricane Matthew: Isabelle Ralls, 81, swept away by the water she always feared.” 10-15-2016 update. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/isabelle-ralls-swept-away-by-the-water-she-always-feared/article_e11c7f36-14b5-5181-957b-85f6540aab5d.html#comments

 

Fayetteville Observer (Michael Futch), NC. “Robeson County: Third hurricane death; 1,300 in shelters Friday.” 10-15-2016 update. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/robeson-county-third-hurricane-death-in-shelters-friday/article_b87e468c-c36e-5387-a6d6-0264931c62a2.html

 

Fayetteville Observer (Alan Wooten), NC. “Third death connected to Hurricane Matthew confirmed in Cumberland County,” 10-15-2016, 5:30 PM ET. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/weather/third-death-connected-to-hurricane-matthew-confirmed-in-cumberland-county/article_fe5dfb77-0196-58c8-94ca-8e4b0b60886b.html

 

Fayetteville Observer (Amanda Dolasinski), NC. “Third death in Robeson County attributed to Hurricane Matthew,” 10-14-2016 update. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/weather/question-over-report-of-third-hurricane-death-in-cumberland-county/article_38332187-c834-5002-a170-619df9f9b378.html

 

First Coast News (Jordan Ferrwell, WTVL, ABC), Jacksonville, FL. “Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew: Duval County.” 10-10-2016, 11:26 AM EST. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/aftermath-of-hurricane-matthew/331035107

 

Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville (Tiffanie Reynolds). “City of Atlantic Beach offering sand bags for residents as Hurricane Matthew approaches.” 10-5-2016, updated 10-12-2016. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://jacksonville.com/news/2016-10-11/jea-misses-monday-target-power-restored-more-90-percent-customers

 

Fox 8 News (Joe Borlik), High Point, NC. “Four dead in NC due to Hurricane Matthew; state of emergency declared for Durham Co.” 10-8-2016, 8:07 PM. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://myfox8.com/2016/10/08/three-deaths-in-north-carolina-due-to-hurricane-matthew-according-to-gov-mccrory/

 

Good Morning America (J.J. Gallagher, Morgan Winsor, Emily Shapiro, Julia Jacobo.) “Hurricane Matthew’s US Death Toll Rises to 13; Nearly 2 Million Without Power.” 10-8-2016, ~7:30 pm EST. Accessed 10-8-2016, 8:03 pm EST at: https://gma.yahoo.com/us-braces-hurricane-matthew-deadly-storm-batters-bahamas-102806530–abc-news-topstories.html#

 

NBC 6, Miami. “7 Deaths, 2 in Miami-Dade, Related to Hurricane Matthew: Officials.” 10-10-2016, 6:45 PM EDT. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/7-Deaths-2-in-Miami-Dade-Related-to-Hurricane-Matthew-Officials-396582091.html

 

NBC News (Phil Helsel). “Death Toll Rises to 22 in North Carolina From Hurricane Matthew.” 10-13-2016, 6:19 PM ET. Accessed 10-16-2016 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/death-toll-rises-22-north-carolina-hurricane-matthew-n666031

 

NBC News (Elisha Fieldstadt). “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Rises, N.C. Gov. Warns: ‘Stay Away From the Water’.” 10-12-2016, 5:10 PM ET.  Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hurricane-matthew/hurricane-matthew-death-toll-rises-n-c-gov-warns-stay-n664361

 

New York Times. “Hurricane Matthew Toll Climbs to at Least 15 as North Carolina Suffers Record-Breaking Flooding.” 10-9-2016, 12:28 PM ET update. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/us/hurricane-matthew.html

 

New York Times. “Hurricane Matthew’s Toll Rises; Flooding Hits North Carolina.” 10-11-2016, 5:58 PM ET. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/11/us/hurricane-matthew.html?_r=0

 

New York Times. “Hurricane Matthew’s Toll Rises; Flooding Strands 1,500 in North Carolina.” 10-10-2016, 12:18 PM ET. Accessed 10-10-2016 at: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/10/us/hurricane-matthew.html?_r=0

 

News 13 (Central FL). “Matthew: Boy, elderly man among hurricane’s latest Florida victims,’ 10-11-2016, 4:33 PM EDT. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2016/10/10/boy_elderly_man_the_.html

 

News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Matthew death toll rises again in NC as floodwater recedes.” 10-15-2016, 11:50 AM ET. Accessed 10-17-2016 at: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather/article108476107.html

 

News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Matthew kills 7 in NC, leaves historic flooding in its wake.” 10-9-2016, 8:53 AM. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather/article107075517.html

 

News & Observer (Lynn Bonner and Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC). “Hurricane Matthew kills 10 in NC; Lenoir County evacuation ordered as Neuse rises.” 10-9-2016, 8:53 AM ET. Accessed 10-14-2016 at: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather/article107075517.html

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities — 24,” 10-14-2016, 1 PM, ET. Accessed 10-14-2016 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-matthew-2016

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities — 26,” 10-15-2016, 4 PM ET. Accessed 10-16-2016 at: http://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-matthew-2016

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Fatalities — 27,” 10-20-2016, 7 AM ET. Accessed 10-20-2016 at: http://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-matthew-2016

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Matthew 2016. “Storm Fatalities — 27,” 10-25-2016, 9 AM ET. Accessed 10-20-2016 at: http://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-matthew-2016

 

Orlando Sentinel (Stephanie Allen), FL. “Power being restored, classrooms reopening.” 10-11-2016, 8:06 PM. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-hurricane-matthew-tuesday-20161011-story.html

 

Reuters. “Death toll from Hurricane Matthew climbs to 26 in North Carolina.” 10-15-2016, 4:07 PM EDT. Accessed 10-16-2016 at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-storm-matthew-idUSKBN12F0RW

 

Reuters (Nicole Craine), Kinston, NC. “Drownings push hurricane death toll to 19 in flooded North Carolina.” 10-12-2016. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: https://www.yahoo.com/news/death-toll-climbs-floods-swamp-north-carolina-hurricane-005635623.html

 

Reuters. “Weakened Hurricane Matthew still deadly as it buffets U.S. Southeast.” 10-8-2016. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-matthew-idUSKCN12807E

 

The Daily Beast. “Hurricane Matthew Death Toll Rises to 34 in U.S.” 10-12-2016. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2016/10/12/hurricane-matthew-death-toll-rises-to-34-in-u-s.html?via=desktop&source=copyurl

 

The George-Anne (Caroline Eaker), Statesboro, GA. “Hurricane Matthew aftermath in Bulloch County.” 10-12-2016. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.thegeorgeanne.com/news/article_26ef6f9e-9090-11e6-b8ed-af99bbf085d6.html

 

The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “Matthew claims first death in Robeson; 4 still missing.” 10-10-2016. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: https://robesonian.com/news/92636/matthew-claims-first-death-in-robeson-4-still-missing

 

The Robesonian (Michael Gellatly), Lumberton, NC. “Matthew death toll climbs to 5.” 10-12-2016. Accessed 10-15-2016 at: https://robesonian.com/news/92674/matthew-death-toll-climbs-to-5

 

The Weather Channel (Pam Wright). “7 Deaths, 887 Water Rescues Reported in North Carolina as Matthew’s Flooding Causes ‘Massive Destruction’.” 10-9-2016, 12:26 PM EDT. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-north-carolina-update

 

The Weather Channel (Pam Wright). “Flooding in North Carolina From Hurricane Matthew Incurs $1.5 Billion in Damage, Authorities Say.” 10-16-2016, 1:41 PM EDT. Accessed 10-17-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-north-carolina-update

 

The Weather Channel (Ryan Phillips and Ada Carr). “Florida Officials Begin Matthew Damage Assessment: Multiple Deaths Reported, More than 800K Without Power.” 10-8-2016, 12:54 PM EDT. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-florida

 

The Weather Channel (Pam Wright and Sean Breslin). “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 22 in U.S.; Dangerous Flooding Situation Unfolding in North Carolina.” 10-10-2016, 11:13 AM EDT. Accessed 10-10-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-southeast-updates

 

The Weather Channel (Pam Wright and Sean Breslin).  “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 23 in U.S.; Dangerous Flooding Situation Unfolding in North Carolina.” 10-10-2016, 1:47 PM EDT. Accessed 10-10-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-southeast-updates

 

The Weather Channel (Pam Wright and Sean Breslin). “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 36 in U.S.; Deadly Flooding Continues in North Carolina.” 10-11-2016, 6:47 PM EDT. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-southeast-updates

 

The Weather Channel (Pam Wright and Sean Breslin). “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 38 in U.S.: Deadly Flooding Continues in North Carolina.” 10-12-2016, 1:09 PM EDT. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-southeast-updates

 

The Weather Channel (Pam Wright). “Hurricane Matthew Leaves 40 Dead in the U.S.; Flooding Crisis Continues in North Carolina.” 10-13-2016, 10:56 AM EDT. Accessed 10-13-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-southeast-updates

 

The Weather Channel (Ada Carr and Stephanie Valera). “Hurricane Matthew Leaves at Least 3 Dead in Georgia as Flooding, Damage Force Road Closures.” 10-8-2016, 8:01 PM EDT. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: https://weather.com/news/news/hurricane-matthew-georgia-update

 

USA Today (Tim Smith, Kirk Brown and Tonya Maxwell, Greenville, SC News). “3 deaths in South Carolina blamed on Hurricane Matthew.” 10-9-2016, 9:41 PM EDT. Accessed 10-17-2016 at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/10/09/3-deaths-south-carolina-blamed-hurricane-matthew/91839078/

 

USA Today (Bart Jansen). “Matthew kills 15, with 7 in N.C. and lingering dangerous floods.” 10-9-2016, 1:22 PM EDT. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2016/10/09/hurricane-matthew-flooding-north-carolina-coast/91819514/

 

WBTV News 13, Myrtle Beach, Florence, SC. “Coroner identifies Dillon County man dead after clearing Hurricane Matthew debris.” 10-11-2016, 9:45 AM, updated 10-12-2016, 1: PM ET. Accessed 10-17-2016 at: http://wbtw.com/2016/10/11/dillon-county-man-dies-while-clearing-hurricane-matthew-tree/

 

WCTI 12 (Jason O. Boyd), New Bern, NC. “Lenoir County officials confirm fourth death due to flooding.” 10-19-2016, 3:08 PM EDT. Accessed 10-25-2016 at: http://www.wcti12.com/news/lenoir-county-officials-confirm-fourth-death-due-to-flooding/126559250

 

Wikipedia. “Hurricane Matthew.” 10-25-2016, 4:03 AM modification. Accessed 10-25-2016 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Matthew#cite_note-auto-104

 

WITN, Greenville, NC. “U.S. 70 Bypass in Kinston reopens to all traffic.” 10-13-2016, updated 10-18-2016, 7:59 PM ET. Accessed 10-18-2016 at: http://www.witn.com/content/news/KINSTON-THURSDAY-More-buildings-in-danger-prayer-gathering-scheduled-396918581.html

 

WNCT 9 (Ryan Clancy), Greenville, NC. “Two more people die in Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath.” 10-13-2016, updated 10-14-2016, 5:52 AM ET. Accessed 10-17-2016 at: http://wnct.com/2016/10/13/la-grange-woman-dies-in-flood-waters-becomes-hurricane-matthews-21st-n-c-victim/

 

WPTV (Jon Shainman) West Palm Beach, FL. “Two storm-related deaths in St. Lucie County, fire rescue says. A woman also died in Volusia County.” 10-7-2016, 7:52 AM; updated 9:36 PM. Accessed 10-8-2016 at: http://www.wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/st-lucie-county-woman-is-1st-storm-related-death-from-hurricane-matthew

 

WRAL.com (Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville, NC). “At least 19 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.wral.com/at-least-10-died-in-north-carolina-from-hurricane-matthew/16103620/

 

WRAL.com (Raleigh, NC). “Hurricane Matthew death toll rises to 20 after Lenoir County fatality.” 10-12-2016, 5:08 PM ET update. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.wral.com/2-more-storm-related-deaths-reported-in-nc-total-rises-to-19/16109981/

 

WTVD, Fayetteville. “574 people rescued from Fayetteville Flood Water, at Least 4 Missing.” ABC11, 10-9-2016. Accessed 10-9-2016 at: http://abc11.com/weather/at-least-4-people-still-missing-in-fayetteville/1545726/

 

WTVD, ABC 11 News, NC. “Governor Confirms 18 Deaths in North Carolina following Matthew.” 10-11-2016. Accessed 10-11-2016 at: http://abc11.com/weather/governor-confirms-18-deaths-in-nc-following-matthew/1535987/

 

WXII 12 News, Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem, NC. “Matthew NC deaths up to 22; McCrory says Princeville ‘totally’ under water.” 10-13-2016, 4:45 PM EDT. Accessed 10-13-2016 at: http://www.wxii12.com/article/3-deaths-linked-to-hurricane-matthew-in-nc/5130366

 

WXII 12 News, Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem, NC. “Matthew’s NC death toll at 10; major flooding could last through week.” 10-10-2016, 11:55 AM EDT update. Accessed 10-10-2016 at: http://www.wxii12.com/article/3-deaths-linked-to-hurricane-matthew-in-nc/5130366

 

WYFF 4 News, Greenville, SC. “Death toll in North Carolina after Hurricane Matthew climbs to 18.” 10-12-2016, 5:27 AM EDT. Accessed 10-12-2016 at: http://www.wyff4.com/news/rescues-and-worry-after-matthew-inundates-north-carolina/42038450

 

[1] FL/13, GA/3, NC/30, SC/5, VA/2. Includes the death of an evacuee in a shelter in NC.

[2] FL/12, GA/3, NC26, SC/5, VA/2.

[3] Cites three sources, none of which notes 47 Matthew-related fatalities.

[4] FL/12, GA/3, NC/26, SC/4, VA/1. “Flooding triggered by the hurricane has killed 46 people in the United States.” [However, has one can see from the data below, there were many other causes of death than flooding.]

[5] FL/12, GA/3, NC/20, SC/3, VA/2; all “confirmed.

[6] FL/12, GA/3, NC/19, SC/3, VA/1; all “confirmed.”

[7] FL/12, GA/3, NC/18, SC/3, VA/1.

[8] FL/6, GA/3, NC/10, SC/3, VA/1; all “confirmed.

[9] FL/5, GA/3, NC/10, SC/3, VA/1; all “confirmed.”

[10] FL/4, GA/3, NC/10, SC/3.

[11] FL/6, GA/4, NC/8, SC/1.

[12] FL/6, GA/4, NC/3.

[13] “…five in Florida, three in North Carolina and three in Georgia…”

[14] Left phone message Oct 18 at Florida Div. of EM seeking validation of tally of 13 deaths. Talked with rep. of FL Office of Vital Statistics, Dept. of Public Health, and was referred to Medical Examiners Commission, FL Dept. of Law Enforcement, where I left a message, 10-24-2016.

[15] Cites Florida officials.

[16] AP. “The Latest: Florida raises Hurricane Matthew death toll to 9.” Bradenton Herald, 10-11-2016, 8 PM ET (cited are FL officials). Another source notes a hurricane-related death in “Jacksonville area.” (ABC News. “Hurricane Matthew’s US Death Toll Rises…” 10-8-2016.) Jacksonville is in Duval County and we have a more detailed note of a hurricane-related death in the county.

[17] NBC 6, Miami. “7 Deaths, 2 in Miami-Dade, Related to Hurricane Matthew: Officials.” 10-10-2016, 6:45 PM EDT (cites State Medical Examiner report). Also: AP. “The Latest: Florida raises Hurricane Matthew death toll to 9.” Bradenton Herald, 10-11-2016, 8 PM ET; citing FL officials.

[18] News 13 (Central FL). “Matthew: Boy, elderly man among hurricane’s latest Florida victims,’ 10-11-2016, 4:33 PM EDT (cites State Medical Examiner). Identifies victim as Barbara Dennis. Another source notes the device was a “BiPAP machine.” (NBC 6, Miami. “7 Deaths, 2 in Miami-Dade, Related to Hurricane Matthew: Officials.” 10-10-2016, 6:45 PM EDT. BiPAP, sometimes BPAP, stands for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure, and is a device for people with sleep apnea.

[19] Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville (Tiffanie Reynolds). “City of Atlantic Beach offering sand bags for residents as Hurricane Matthew approaches.” 10-5-2016, updated 10-12-2016. Victim identified as Annette Marie Lawson; husband was injured. Also: CNN. “Hurricane Matthew blamed for 4 US deaths…” 10-7-2016. Cites Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. First Coast News (ABC), Jacksonville, notes this was the first Matthew-related FL fatality.

[20] AP, Cape Canaveral, FL. “Hurricane Matthew: Florida couple dies of generator fumes; U.S. death toll at 4.” WDBJ7, Roanoke, VA. Cites St. Lucie County Fire District Facebook page posting noting they “responded to couple’s home Friday [Oct 7] morning after neighbors found them not breathing. They were taken to a nearby hospital, where county spokesman Erik Gill says they later died.”

[21] CNN. “Hurricane Matthew blamed for 4 US deaths…” 10-7-2016.  WPTV, West Palm Beach, writes that an emergency call “came in at 3:26 a.m. when emergency crews were unable to respond due to dangerous winds.”

[22] Weather Channel. “Florida Officials Begin Matthew Damage Assessment: Multiple Deaths…” 10-8-2016, 12:54. WPTV report notes “The St. Lucie Fire District…is considering this a storm-related death because emergency crews could not respond to the call.”

[23] NBC 6, Miami. “7 Deaths, 2 in Miami-Dade, Related to Hurricane Matthew: Officials.” 10-10-2016, 6:45 PM EDT. Also, a WPTV report cites “Volusia County emergency management director Jim Judge to effect “a tree fell on a woman’s house in the county.” She died at a hospital.

[24] Orlando Sentinel (Stephanie Allen), FL. “Power being restored, classrooms reopening.” 10-11-2016, 8:06 PM. Victim identified as Jose Barrios of Mason Park Drive. Victim’s mother, step-father, and younger brother taken to hospital. According to Central FL’s News 13 (“Matthew: Boy, elderly man among hurricane’s latest Florida victims,’ 10-11-2016, 4:33 PM EDT, which writes “according to the state medical examiner”), the landlord said the generator was in the room where the boy slept. The landlord was unaware of the existence of the generator. Also written “The door was closed and sealed, trapping all the carbon monoxide fumes inside….The fumes were so powerful that officers were overcome bur are expected to be OK….`I think what saved the other three family members is that the generator ran out of gas,’ Deputy Police Chief Craig Capri said….The stepfather…is in stable condition but it’s not clear whether he will survive.”

[25] Orlando Sentinel (Stephanie Allen), FL. “Power being restored, classrooms reopening.” 10-11-2016, 8:06 PM. Victim identified as Marshall Bailey.

[26] AP. “Cleaning up the damage left from Hurricane Matthew.” KUSA TV9 News, 10-11-2016, 5:04 PM MDT. Cites statement by Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies. Victim (Steven Barna) and victim’s age identified in: Orlando Sentinel (Stephanie Allen), FL. “Power being restored, classrooms reopening.” 10-11-2016, 8:06 PM. Notes man was part of Ohio cleanup crew.

[27] Highlighted in yellow to show not used in tally — have been able to note only three GA Matthew-related deaths.

[28] Weather Channel (Wright/Breslin). “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 38 in U.S…” 10-12-2016, 1:09 PM EDT. Given other reporting on a total of three deaths, it could be that the coroner was referring to all GA deaths.

[29] AP. “The Latest: US Storm Death Toll Reaches 10.” 10-8-2016. Cites Bulloch County deputy Coroner. An Oct 12 The George-Anne (Statesboro, GA) article on “Hurricane Matthew aftermath in Bulloch County” by Caroline Eaker, continues to note that “Bulloch County Deputy Coroner, Richard Pylant has confirmed that both of the deaths were caused by severe weather during Hurricane Matthew.”

[30] Victim identified as Matthew Ward. The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Leaves at Least 3 Dead in Georgia as Flooding, Damage Force Road Closures.” 10-8-2016.

[31] Victim identified as James Altman, who was in a wheelchair in his home when trees fell. The Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Leaves at Least 3 Dead in Georgia as Flooding, Damage Force Road Closures.” 10-8-2016.

[32] AP, Brunswick, GA. “The Latest on Hurricane Matthew,” 10-9-2016. A 3:50 PM update writes “A coroner had identified a man found dead inside his southeast Georgia home in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Chatham County coroner Dr. Williams Wessinger said Sunday [Oct 9] that the body of 41-year-old Jefferson A. Davis was discovered Saturday morning. Wessinger says Davis was in his bed when a large pine tree crashed through the roof and onto him when the storm hit overnight Friday.. Wessinger says Davis’ family had evacuated and he stayed behind. Davis is the third fatality in Georgia related to harsh weather brought on by the storm. Also: Associated Press. “The Latest: US Storm Death Toll Reaches 10.” 10-8-2016, 3:21 PM ET. Cites Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police.

[33] Bladen/2, Columbus/1, Cumberland/3, Gates/1, Harnett/1, Johnston/4, Lenoir/4, Pitt/1, Robeson/3, Rowan/1, Sampson/1, Wake/1, Wayne/2, Wilson/2.

[34] Same number reported in Oct 17, 9 AM ET update: Bladen/2, Columbus/1, Cumberland/3, Gates/1, Harnett/1, Johnston/4, Lenoir/3, Pitt/1, Robeson/3, Rowan/1, Sampson/1, Wake/1, Wayne/2, Wilson/1.

[35] This number, however, includes only 1 fataltiy in Wayne County, where we show two. One is a drowning and the 2^nd is the death of a hurricane evacuee in a shelter (apparently health/natural causes). This listing of deaths by county also does not include the death of a person in Edgecombe county of a person trying to save a horse, though the Governor noted later in the day such a death.

[36] Cites NC Gov. Pat McCrory, and writes the deaths were “mostly due to drowning.”

[37] Cites North Carolina officials.

[38] Cites NC Gov. Pat McCrory as the source.

[39] “Raleigh…Emergency officials in North Carolina say at least 10 people have died because of Hurricane Matthew. Julia Jarema with the Division of Emergency Management said Monday [Oct 10] that nine of the 10 storm-related deaths involved motor vehicles. Jarema says the victims died when drivers either traveled through floodwaters and their cars were submerged, swept away or ran off the road….”

[40] Cites for updated death toll, NC Gov. Pat McCrory at a press conference.

[41] NYT. “Hurricane Matthew Toll Climbs to at Least 15 as [NC] Suffers Record-Breaking Flooding.” 10-9-2016. Another source writes that according to the Governor “All seven deaths were related to vehicles that tried to traverse flooded roadways…” News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Matthew kills 7 in NC, leaves historic flooding in its wake.” 10-9-2016, 8:53 AM.

[42] Cites NC Governor Pat McCrory.

[43] Fayetteville Observer, NC. “Third death connected to…Matthew confirmed in Cumberland County,” 10-15-2016. Writes: “Bladen: Two people were killed and one escaped a vehicle traveling in Clarkton on Rosindale Road, which collapsed leaving the car submerged in water. Shawn Dale Kemp, 44, and Juwan Rolando McKoy Carter, 22, died.”

[44] Fayetteville Observer, NC. “Third death connected to…Matthew confirmed in Cumberland County,” 10-15-2016. Writes: “Columbus: Danny Gale Chestnut, 70, of Swamp Fox Highway East in the Nakina community of Tabor City, was found about 50 yards from…his abandoned pickup at Gore’s Chapel in Nakina…body…found Tuesday.”

[45] A newspaper {Fayetteville Observer (Alan Wooten), NC. “Third death connected to Hurricane Matthew confirmed in Cumberland County,” 10-15-2016, 5:30 PM ET} writes (before the Oct 12 collapse of the 63-year-old male), “Isabelle Ralls, 81, was found Monday near Rhodes Pond in the norther part of the county. Thursday, the body of Tarry Faircloth, 53, was found off Clinton Road.”

[46] Fayetteville Observer (Greg Barnes), NC. “Body of man missing since Hurricane Matthew found off Clinton Road.” 10-15-2016, ~1:00 PM ET update. Article reads: “Family members believe a body found about noon Thursday [Oct 13] along Interstate 95 may be that of Tarry Faircloth, a Cumberland County man who has been missing since Hurricane Matthew struck the area Saturday [Oct 8]. Early Tuesday, Faircloth’s 1997 Dodge Avenger was found abandoned less than 100 yards from where law enforcement officers found a body in a swale near the Clinton Road exit on the southbound side of I-95. Sheriff’s lawyer Ronnie Mitchell said investigators have not confirmed that it is Faircloth’s body, ‘but everybody is convinced that is who it is.’….Michael Mason, a firefighter and first responder for the Eastover Volunteer Fire Department, said it appears that Faircloth may have gotten stuck in floodwaters in Interstate 95, got out of his car and was swept away by swift current. Mason said he checked Saturday night on an abandoned car in the area to make sure no one was inside and needed help. Mason said swift-moving floodwater covered both sides of I-95 at the time.” Confirmed this report with Deputy Swain, Public Information Officer, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, in October 28 telephone conversation.

[47] Date is from: WRAL.com (Raleigh). “At least 19 died in [NC]…Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET.

[48] From other reporting we believe this is a reference to Isabelle Ralls, 81, of Falcon, who “was found dead in her vehicle Monday [Oct 10] on Rhodes Pond Road. Officials say she drowned.” A Google map search shows Rhodes Pond Road ending on 301 (Dunn Rd/Main St.) from the east, near I-95. (Fayetteville Observer (Greg Barnes), NC. “Body of man missing since Hurricane Matthew found off Clinton Road.” 10-15-2016, ~1:00 PM ET update.)

[49] AP, Lumberton, NC. “The Latest: North Carolina Raises Death Toll to 18.” ABC News, 10-11-2016, 7:13 PM ET. Also: WTVD, ABC 11, NC. “Governor Confirms 18 Deaths in North Carolina following Matthew.” 10-11-2016. Another account writes that the “…pond dam breached during flooding from the storm.” Cites NC Medical Examiner’s Office on cause of death as accidental drowning. (Fayetteville Observer/Michael Futch. “Hurricane Matthew: Isabelle Ralls, 81, swept away by the water she always feared.” 10-15-2016 update.)

[50] Fayetteville Observer (Alan Wooten), NC. “Third death connected to Hurricane Matthew confirmed in Cumberland County,” 10-15-2016, 5:30 PM ET. Cites NC Joint Information Center confirmation Oct 15 and writes. “A 63-year-old man died Wednesday when he collapsed after getting out of his vehicle, said…a public information officer for the state. The confirmation the death was storm-related was made by the public health division of the Department of Health and Human Services, a normal protocol during incidents such as Hurricane Matthew, following consultation with the emergency responders. The governor’s office announced the death on Friday.” However, the Fayetteville Observer expressed some doubt: “When the Observer tried to get additional information about the 63-year-old victim, an official with the state’s Joint Information Center said the man was getting out of his car, but she declined to provide any other information until his family has been notified. Officials with the Cumberland County join information center said they are not aware of a storm-related death of a 63-year-old man.” (Fayetteville Observer (Amanda Dolasinski) NC. “Third death in Robeson County attributed to Hurricane Matthew.” 10-14-2016 update.) BWB called Cumberland County Emergency Services 10-26-2016 and was referred to Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services, where I called and left a phone message. Also left a message at the News Desk of the Fayetteville Observer. Called Sheriff’s Office and was transferred to Emergency Services. Communications Director there referred me to Deputy Swain, the Public Information Officer within Sheriff’s Dept., where I left message, 11:37, 10-26-2016. Deputy Swain called back Oct 27 and noted that he had checked multiple sources and could find no source for this report, nor basis for it, and that the County is aware of only the two hurricane-related deaths noted herein. Thus we highlight in yellow to indicate we are aware of existence of this report, but do not include in our tally in that it appears to be unsubstantiated.

[51] WTVD, ABC 11 News, NC. “Governor Confirms 18 Deaths in North Carolina following Matthew.” 10-11-2016. Another source, writing that body was “discovered as flood waters began to recede” on Oct 10, “was considered missing Sunday, with his cellphone’s last contact traced to a flood area of N.C. Highway 32 near Gatesville.” (WRAL.com (Raleigh). “At least 19 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET.

[52] Fox 8 News (Joe Borlik), High Point, NC. “Four dead in NC due to Hurricane Matthew…” 10-8-2016, 8:07 PM. Cites Harnett County Sheriff for the information, according to WTVD.

[53] AP. “At least 10 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WMBF News, 10-10-2016. Age of victim provided by: WTVD, ABC 11 News, NC. “Governor Confirms 18 Deaths in North Carolina following Matthew.” 10-11-2016 (WTVD identified victim as Charles Luther Strickland of Dunn). Notes location as near Carolina Drive.

[54] AP, Raleigh, NC. “At least 10 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WMBF News, 10-10-2016.

[55] News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Matthew kills 7 in NC, leaves historic flooding in its wake.” 10-9-2016, 8:53 AM. Identifies victim as Diamond Shuntelle Bennett of Millbrook Street in Selma, and cites NC State Highway Patrol spokesman for the information. Another source {WRAL.com (Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, NC). “At least 19 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET} writes the vehicle was swept into Hannah Creek.

[56] WRAL.com (Raleigh). “At least 19 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET.

[57] Weather Channel. “7 Deaths, 887 Water Rescues Reported in North Carolina…” 10-9-2016, 12:26 PM EDT. Another source writes the death occurred “when a vehicle traveling through flood waters ran off the road.” Also: WRAL.com (Raleigh). “At least 19 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET. Another source cites NC Highway Patrol as source. (ABC 11, WTVD, Raleigh-Durham. “McCrory: 20 Storm-Related Deaths in NC After Matthew,” 10-13-2016, 6:44 AM ET.)

[58] Apparently revised downward in that the next day’s tally notes 3 deaths in Lenoir County.

[59] WRAL.com (Raleigh). “Hurricane Matthew death toll rises to 20 after Lenoir County fatality.” 10-12-2016, 5:08 PM ET update. Quote: “McCrory [Gov.] said Wednesday [12^th] that he had received confirmation of a storm-related death in Lenoir County. Authorities said the person died while walking around in the aftermath of the storm.” Left message at Lenoir Co. Emergency Management Oct 24 seeking clarification on the manner of death of the “person walking around” — a drowning? Left message at Lenoir County Sheriff’s Officve (Major Ryan Dawson) seeking a contact or information on two ambiguous deaths, 10-26-2016.

[60] AP. “At least 20 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WRAL.com, Raleigh, 10-12-2016, 9:10 PM. Another source writes “On Wednesday [Oct 12], authorities said a man died the day before while trying to retrieve animals from the flood.” (WITN, Kinston, Lenoir County. “U.S. 70 Bypass in Kinston reopens to all traffic.” 10-13-2016, updated 10-18-2016, 7:59 PM ET.)

[61] WCTI 12 (Jason O. Boyd), New Bern, NC. “Lenoir County officials confirm fourth death due to flooding.” 10-19-2016, 3:08 PM EDT. From write-up and title of article, would appear to be drowning: “…Lenoir County Sheriff Ronnie Ingram confirmed the death of a fourth person during a press conference held Wednesday afternoon [18^th?]. Ingram said Timothy Richard Fisher, 55, was found in a little metal building in a wooded area behind the Neuse Sports Shop in Kinston. He had been reported missing and investigation led to the building where his body was found. It is unclear if Fisher drowned or if he had a medical ailment. The investigation began after the sheriff’s office received a call of a missing person Tuesday morning….Fisher’s body was discovered there a short time later. Ingram said an autopsy would be performed to determine the cause of death.”

[62] WNCT 9 (Ryan Clancy), Greenville, NC. “Two more people die in Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath.” 10-13-2016, updated 10-14-2016, 5:52 AM ET. Notes victim was 21^st in NC and cites Lenoir County Emergency Management Director Roger Dill to the effect “the woman died after she drove her car through barricades and into water on Field Station Road. The vehicle went into a washed out section of the road and she drowned.”

[63] ABC 11, WTVD, Raleigh-Durham. “McCrory: 20 Storm-Related Deaths in NC After Matthew,” 10-13-2016, 6:44 AM ET. Cites NC Highway Patrol as source.

[64] WXII 12 News, NC. “Matthew’s NC death toll at 10…” 10-10-2016.

[65] AP, Raleigh, NC. “At least 10 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WMBF News, 10-10-2016; WRAL.com (Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville, NC). “At least 19 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET. Also, NC Department of Public Safety.

[66] The Robesonian (Michael Gellatly), Lumberton, NC. “Matthew death toll climbs to 5.” 10-12-2016. Notes two males (Terry Strickland and Charles Ivey) and three unidentified females. Left message for Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer on 10-28-2016 seeking clarification on the number of fatalities. Received phone call back and was asked to send an email request to the Sheriff including the breakouts I have for Robeson County.

[67] Fayetteville Observer (Michael Futch). “Robeson County: Third hurricane death; 1,300 in shelters Friday.” 10-15-2016. Identifies victim as Terry Strickland and notes the confirmation was made by County Emergency Management on Monday, Oct 10.

[68] NBC News. “Death Toll Rises to 22 in North Carolina From Hurricane Matthew,” 10-13-2016, 6:19 PM ET. Writes the man was walking when he fell into the hole “and couldn’t escape.” Also: ABC 11 News, Raleigh. “Governor: 2 More Dead After Hurricane Matthew.” WTVD, 10-13-2016.

[69] Fayetteville Observer (Alan Wooten), NC. “Third death connected to Hurricane Matthew confirmed in Cumberland County.” 10-16-22016 update. The account infers death by drowning. Fayetteville Observer (Amanda Dolasinski). “Third death in Robeson County attributed to Hurricane Matthew,” 10-14-2016 update. Cites Kellie Blue, Robeson Co. EOC spokeswoman.

[70] Oct 12 report. Missing woman identified as Barbara Feldman. Husband states they were driving north on I-95 when, according to the article, “People started to turn around and were getting off the nearest exit. They followed suit and started looking for an alternate route. He said he found one at I-95 at 211. ‘We get on this 211, and I was on there no more than maybe two or three minutes when all of a sudden I see some high water. But I couldn’t tell how high it was because it was kind of dark,’ Feldman recalled. ‘We were getting through all kinds of water and puddles on the way up so I figured it’s just one more. All of a sudden, I feel like the car is taking on some water.’ He said he tried to turn around but it was too late. ‘I ended up in the middle of this lake,’ Feldman said, ‘I couldn’t believe it, everything happened so fast. ‘I get out of the car…’ During all of this, he said, the car kept moving through the water, which he described as having a strong current. ‘I got up above water and I looked around, I didn’t see her, I saw the car go down,’ said Feldman… ‘I start calling for her, I don’t hear her and my first instinct was to swim to a place where I could keep my head above water where I could call for help.’…H said two canoes approached him and he was pulled into one of them. The other had a crew already looking for Barbara….It’s now Wednesday and rescue crews still have not found his wife.” (ABC 11 News, Raleigh (Angelica Alvarez). “Hurricane Matthew: Man Who Escaped Flooded Car in Lumberton Remains Hopeful Wife Will be Found.” 10-12-2016, 11:34 PM ET.)

[71] The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “Matthew claims first death in Robeson; 4 still missing.” 10-10-2016. Identifies victim as Charles Ivey of West Fifth Street, and writes he “apparently drowned at a gasoline station on West Fifth Street this morning.”

[72] WXII 12 News, NC. “Matthew’s NC death toll at 10…” 10-10-2016.

[73] AP, Raleigh, NC. “At least 10 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WMBF News, 10-10-2016.

[74] ABC News. ‘Hurricane…” 10-8-2016.

[75] Fayetteville Observer (Alan Wooten), NC. “Third death connected to Hurricane Matthew confirmed in Cumberland County,” 10-15-2016, 5:30 PM ET. Identifies victim as Solomon Hickmond, of Garland.

[76] Left phone msg. with operator, Wake County Emergency Management, 10-24-2016 in that NC DPS had noted 2.

[77] Highlighted in yellow to denote we are not including in our tally in that NC DPS changed their count from two to one, and we have found no specific information of a second death in the county described as hurricane related.

[78] AP, Lumberton, NC. “The Latest: North Carolina Raises Death Toll to 18.” ABC News, 10-11-2016, 7:13 PM ET. Gender identified by: WTVD, ABC 11 News, NC. “Governor Confirms 18 Deaths in North Carolina following Matthew.” 10-11-2016. Another source writes the tree hell on his vehicle “while [he was] heading home from work.” (WRAL.com (Raleigh). “At least 19 died in [NC] from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET.)

[79] Telephone conversation with Tracie Davis, Wayne County Communications Director, 10-19-2016. Left phone message for Tracie Davis 10-26-2016 11:43 seeking information on the cause of death of this and the shelter death.

[80] Charlotte Observer. “Hurricane Matthew kills 10 in NC…” 10-9-2016, 9:31 AM. After noting 10 deaths related to vehicles and flood water, writes “Additionally, one person died in a Wayne County shelter.”

[81] Noted by NC Gov. Pat McCrory at Oct 9, 9 AM news conference wherein he noted 7 vehicle and flood water deaths and, “In addition, a person who had moved to a shelter died there because of a health ailment, he said.” (USA Today (Bart Jansen). “Matthew kills 15, with 7 in N.C. and lingering dangerous floods.” 10-9-2016, 1:22 PM EDT.) The News & Observer, after noting “10 deaths…related to vehicles that tried to traverse flooded roadways…” writes: “Additionally, one person died in a Wayne County shelter.” (News & Observer (Lynn Bonner and Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC). “Hurricane Matthew kills 10 in NC; Lenoir County evacuation ordered as Neuse rises.” 10-9-2016, 8:53 AM ET.) Left phone messages at Wayne County Emergency Management and EOC, seeking clarification, 10-17-2016.

[82] ABC 11, WTVD, Raleigh-Durham. “McCrory: 20 Storm-Related Deaths in NC After Matthew,” 10-13-2016, 6:44 AM ET. Writes: “Earlier Wednesday [Oct 12] McCrory [NC Gov.] disclosed two people in Wayne County had died — a person in a vehicle drowned…The Wayne County man was identified as Lemuel Frank Kornegay, 54, of Goldsboro. Kornegay’s car was swept away by floodwaters, Goldsboro Police said.” Also: AP, Lumberton. “The Latest: [NC] Raises Death Toll to 18.” ABC News, 10-11-2016, 7:13 PM ET. Cites Gov. Date from: WTVD, ABC11, NC. “Governor Confirms 18 Deaths in North Carolina following Matthew.” 10-11-2016.

[83] Reuters. “Death toll from Hurricane Matthew climbs to 26 in North Carolina.” 10-15-2016, 4:07 PM EDT. Writes: “The bodies of a 53-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were pulled from submerged vehicles in Cumberland and Wayne counties, respectively, McCrory [NC Gov.] told a news conference [Oct 15].”

[84] Also: WXII 12 News, NC. “Matthew NC deaths up to 22…” 10-13-2016, 4:45 PM.

[85] Another source, however, writes that the victim “died overnight Monday [Oct 10] in an accident when the victim ended up in a submerged vehicle.” (WRAL.com (Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville, NC). “At least 19 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” 10-12-2016, 10:47 AM ET.)

[86] WXII 12 News, NC. “Matthew’s NC death toll at 10…” 10-10-2016; AP, Raleigh, NC. “At least 10 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WMBF News, 10-10-2016. Another source writes, perhaps concerning this death (not clear): “Two drivers — one in Cumberland County and another in Wilson County — had their vehicles submerged by rushing flood waters along US-301 and Hwy-51.” (ABC 11, WTVD, Raleigh-Durham. “McCrory: 20 Storm-Related Deaths in NC After Matthew,” 10-13-2016, 6:44 AM ET.)

[87] AP. “At least 20 died in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew.” WBTV 3, Raleigh, NC. 10-12-2016.

[88] WBTV News 13, Myrtle Beach, Florence, SC. “Coroner identifies Dillon County man dead after clearing Hurricane Matthew debris.” 10-11-2016, 9:45 AM, updated 10-12-2016, 1: PM ET. Identifies victim as Billy Miller, citing Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley. Also CNN (Emanuella Grinberg). “Hurricane Matthew death toll in South Carolina reaches 4.” 10-13-2016, 5:09 PM. Cites SC Governor Nikki Haley at Oct 13 news conference.

[89] CNN. “Hurricane Matthew, Now Considered Post-Tropical Cyclone, Responsible for 17 Deaths in 4 States.” KTLA-TV 5, Los Angeles, CA, 10-9-2016. Cites Florence County Deputy Coroner Bo Myers. Another source writes: “In separate incidents, two people were either swept away in floods or drove into washed away bridges or roads, according to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.” (USA Today (Smith, Brown and Maxwell). “3 deaths in South Carolina blamed on Hurricane Matthew.” 10-9-2016, 9:41 PM EDT.)

[90] Assoc. Press, Raleigh, NC. “The Latest: 2^nd Weather Death Reported in South Carolina.” 10-9-2016, 1:06 PM ET.

[91] Associated Press. “The Latest: N. Carolina investigates possible coal ash spill.” WP, 10-14-2016, 4:20 PM. Cites Marion County Coroner Jerry Richardson. Identifies the victim as James Tyler, who, it is reported, “refused to leave his home when rescuers warned him two rivers near the town were rising fast last weekend.”

[92] “Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said in a news release Sunday [Oct 9] that a man was found outside his nursing home in Columbia, pinned beneath his electric wheelchair and face-down in standing water from the rains of the storm. Watts said 66-year-old David L. Outlaw was found shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday [Oct 8]…His was the second weather-related death in South Carolina….Watts said an autopsy indicated that Outlaw drowned.” (Assoc. Press, Raleigh, NC. “The Latest: 2^nd Weather Death Reported in South Carolina.” 10-9-2016, 1:06 PM ET.)

[93] Weather Channel. “Hurricane Matthew Kills at Least 22 in U.S…” 10-10-2016, 11:13 am. Victim identified as Anthony Longoria of Carsville. VA Dept. of Emergency Management cited for information.

[94] The Weather Channel (Pam Wright). “Hurricane Matthew Leaves 40 Dead in the U.S.; Flooding Crisis Continues in North Carolina.” 10-13-2016, 10:56 AM EDT. Identifies victim as Derek Cason.

[95] Notes this was a local who was swept away by floodwater.

[96] “…based on information from civil protection and local officials.”

[97] WBTV News 13, Myrtle Beach, Florence, SC. “Coroner identifies Dillon County man dead after clearing Hurricane Matthew debris.” 10-11-2016, 9:45 AM, updated 10-12-2016, 1: PM ET. Identifies victim as Billy Miller, citing Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley. Also CNN (Emanuella Grinberg). “Hurricane Matthew death toll in South Carolina reaches 4.” 10-13-2016, 5:09 PM. Cites SC Governor Nikki Haley at Oct 13 news conference.

— 16  CNN. “Newlyweds among victims of deadly Texas balloon Crash.” 7-31-2016.

— 16  KXAN-TV, Austin. “All 16 passengers killed in balloon disaster identified.” 8-2-2016.

— 16  NBC News. “Texas Balloon Crash: FAA and NTSB Clash Over Pilots’ Disclosure Rules.”

— 16  NTSB. Preliminary Report, Identification: DCA16MA204. 8-4-2016.

 

Narrative Information

 

NTSB:

“14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation

“Accident occurred Saturday, July 30, 2016 in Lockhart, TX

“Aircraft: KUBICEK BB85, registration: N2469L

“Injuries: 16 Fatal.

 

“This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators traveled in support of this investigation and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

 

“On July 30, 2016, about 0742 central daylight time, a Balony Kubicek BB85Z hot air balloon, registration N2469L, crashed into a field after striking high voltage powerlines near Lockhart, Texas. The 15 passengers and pilot onboard were fatally injured and the balloon was substantially damaged due to impact forces and post-crash fire. The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a sightseeing passenger flight.” (National Transportation Safety Board. Preliminary Report, Identification: DCA16MA204. Washington, DC: NTSB, 8-4-2016.)

 

July 31, CNN: “Kyle, Texas (CNN) — Matt and Sunday Rowan had been married less than six months before their lives were cut short in this weekend’s hot air balloon crash that killed 16 people near Lockhart, Texas [off State Highway 142].[1]

 

“Authorities believe the balloon caught on fire after crashing into power lines on Saturday. There were no survivors….

 

“The pilot in the crash was also identified on Sunday. He was Alfred “Skip” Nichols, said Alan Lirette, the ground crew supervisor for Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides.

 

“Lirette also confirmed to CNN that 16 people — 15 passengers and Nichols — were aboard the aircraft when it went down. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office said there were no survivors, and Lirette said there didn’t appear to be any children on board….

 

“An official death toll of 16 would make this the deadliest hot air balloon crash in U.S. history, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

 

“The balloon went down around 7:30 a.m. Saturday about 30 miles south of Austin, in farm pasture often used for balloon landings, a county judge and public safety source told CNN.

 

“Federal and local authorities said the balloon may have struck power lines. Federal Aviation Administration officials said it caught fire before crashing….

 

“Both the FAA and the NTSB are investigating. NTSB spokesman Christopher O’Neill said 16 was the maximum number of passengers allowed under federal regulations governing hot air balloon operations….

 

“Before Saturday, the deadliest hot air balloon crash in the U.S. was a 1993 accident in Colorado that killed six people, according to the NTSB.

 

“In 2013, 19 people died in a hot air balloon crash in Egypt, near the ancient city of Luxor. That was the world’s deadliest hot air balloon accident in at least 20 years.

 

“Federal regulators have clashed in the past over how to best oversee hot air balloon regulations. The FAA sets federal regulations for the aircraft. But the NTSB — which can recommend new regulations — has said more accidents would occur without more regulation. The former chair of the NTSB, Deborah Hersman, urged the FAA in 2014 to address “operational deficiencies” in hot air balloon activities after several incidents resulted in injuries and one death, according to a letter published on the NTSB’s website. Hersman cited accidents in 2007, 2008 and 2013, according to the letter publicly posted on the federal agency’s site. ‘Depending on gondola capacity, balloons can carry more than 20 passengers per flight. Given the various safety deficiencies noted in the NTSB’s investigations of the above balloon accidents, the potential for a high number of fatalities in a single air tour balloon accident is of particular concern if air tour balloon operators continue to conduct operations under less stringent regulations and oversight,’ Hersman said in the letter, referring to the 2013 accident in Egypt. In the letter, Hersman recommended requiring commercial balloon operators to acquire and maintain letters of authorization to hold air tour flights and to give passengers ‘a similar level of safety oversight as passengers of air tour airplane and helicopter operations.’

 

“In 2015, the FAA responded to the NTSB request, saying the proposed letters of authorization “would not result in a significantly higher level of operational safety.” The NTSB fired back in a 2016 statement, saying the FAA’s reply was an ‘unacceptable response.’[2] The NTSB argued the letters of authorization would allow for competency checks including pilot certification, safety checklists, and proper flight operation procedures. ‘We are concerned that, if no action is taken to address this safety issue, we will continue to see such accidents in the future,’ the NTSB response said….

 

“Twenty-five balloon accidents, resulting in 4 fatalities and 25 serious injuries, have occurred since Hersman’s 2014 letter and the last warning issued by the NTSB in March 2016, according to the exchange posted on its website….” (CNN. “Newlyweds among victims of deadly Texas balloon Crash.” 7-31-2016.

 

Victims[3]

 

1. Brabson, Lorilee, 48, San Antonio, TX
2. Brabson, Paige, 23 (daughter of Lorilee), San Antonio, TX
3. Chalk, Ross, 60, Wimberley, TX
4. Chalk, Sandra, 55, Wimberley, TX (wife of Ross)
5. Douglas, Laura, 46, Mineral Springs, TX
6. Douglas, Scott, 47 (husband of Laura), Mineral Springs, TX
7. Gore, John, 33, Mineral Wells, TX
8. Gore, Stacee, 31, Mineral Wells, TX
9. Huckabee, Holly, Katy, TX (friend of Tresa Owens)
10. Neill, Brian, 45, San Antonio, TX
11. Neill, Tressie, 43 (wife of Brian), San Antonio, TX
12. Nichols, Alfred “Skip,” 49, (pilot)
13. Owens, Joe, 43, Katy, TX
14. Owens, Tresa Shafer, 54 (wife of Joe). Katy, TX
15. Rowan, Matt, 34, San Antonio, TX
16. Rowan, Sunday, 34, (wife of Matt), San Antonio, TX

 

Sources

 

CNN (Liz Flynn and Thom Patterson). “Newlyweds among victims of deadly Texas balloon Crash.” 7-31-2016. Accessed 7-31-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/31/us/texas-hot-air-balloon-crash/

 

CNN (Ralph Ellis). “Texas hot air balloon victims were celebrating anniversaries and birthdays.” 8-2-2016. Accessed 8-3-2016 at: http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/02/us/texas-hot-air-balloon-victims/

 

KXAN-TV (Calily Bien), Austin. “All 16 passengers killed in balloon disaster identified.” 8-2-2016. Accessed 8-4-2016 at: http://kxan.com/2016/08/02/thirteen-passengers-on-board-balloon-identified/

 

National Transportation Safety Board. Preliminary Report, Identification: DCA16MA204. Washington, DC: NTSB, 8-4-2016. Accessed 8-5-2016 at: http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20160730X25341&key=1#

 

National Transportation Safety Board. Safety Recommendation A-14-011. Accessed 7-31-2016 at: http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=A-14-011

 

NBC News (Corky Siemaszko). “Hot Air Balloon Crashes Carrying 16 in Texas, Likely No Survivors: Sheriff.” Accessed 7-302016 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hot-air-balloon-carrying-least-16-people-crashes-texas-n620211

 

NBC News (Alex Johnson). “Texas Balloon Crash: FAA and NTSB Clash Over Pilots’ Disclosure Rules.” 8-2-2016. Accessed 8-4-2016 at: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-balloon-crash-faa-ntsb-clash-over-pilots-disclosure-rules-n621286

 

Statesman, Austin. “The Lockhart hot air balloon crash victims.” 8-2-2016. Accessed 8-3-2016 at: http://apps.statesman.com/lockhart-balloon-crash-victims/

 

 

[1] KXAN-TV, Austin. “All 16 passengers killed in balloon disaster identified.” 8-2-2016.

[2] NTSB. Safety Recommendation A-14-011. Accessed 7-31-2016.

[3] CNN. “Texas hot air balloon victims…” 8-2-2016; Statesman, Houston. “The Lockhart hot air balloon crash victims.” 8-2-2016; KXAN-TV, Austin. “All 16 passengers killed in balloon disaster identified.” 8-2-2016.