2 deputies among ‘tragic deaths’ in NC mountains from Helene flooding, officials say

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Officials said Sunday that two of the North Carolina deaths from Helen in the state were deputies in two separate mountain counties.

The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association said that the two “tragic deaths” were from significant flooding and hazardous conditions in the mountains.

The deputies who died were with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the N.C. Sheriff’s Association said in a news release.

The deputies died in “raging flood waters,” the statement said.

“We ask that you keep the families, friends, and colleagues of these deputies as well as the entirety of Western North Carolina in your thoughts and prayers during this unfathomable and difficult time,” the N.C. Sheriff’s Association said.

Macon County Sheriff’s Office said that Deputy Jim Lau, courthouse security officer, was missing on Friday around 11:30 a.m.

“A search effort was initiated that afternoon by multiple emergency service agencies; an on-foot search, drone search and multiple swift-water rescue teams were called in,” Macon County officials said.

His body was recovered on Saturday.

No information about the Madison County deputy was released as of Sunday afternoon

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