As of October 12, 93 Tropical Storm Helene-related deaths have been confirmed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Since the department’s statement on October 8, the number has increased by 4.
The state total, 121, is based on autopsies that have been performed, while certain counties in Western North Carolina have reported higher figures. Helene was the sole cause of death, as confirmed by the autopsies.
Even as search and rescue teams work to retrieve more victims, officials anticipate that the number of WNC fatalities will grow.
Upon completion of autopsies, the state department of health will keep track of deaths due to storms.
Verified death statistics by county
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the number of Helene deaths by county, which is shown below.
| County | Number of Deaths |
| Ashe | 1 |
| Avery | 4 |
| Buncombe | 42 |
| Burke | 1 |
| Catawba | 1 |
| Cleveland | 2 |
| Gaston | 1 |
| Haywood | 5 |
| Henderson | 7 |
| Macon | 1 |
| Madison | 4 |
| McDowell | 1 |
| Mecklenburg | 1 |
| Mitchell | 2 |
| Polk | 1 |
| Rowan | 1 |
| Rutherford | 3 |
| Watauga | 2 |
| Yadkin | 1 |
| Yancey | 12 |
The ability to relocate, record, and transport deceased individuals is restricted to emergency responders assigned to assist with fatality management following a disaster.
Read Also: Tragedy Strikes: Hurricane Helene Claims Nearly a Dozen Lives in One North Carolina Family
Emergency services should be contacted by anybody else who comes across proof of a deceased individual or by a family in need of assistance with a deceased loved one.
Citizen Times: NC Department of Health updates number of Helene-related deaths
