GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. – The impact of Tropical Storm Helene on Greenville County has been devastating, with four people losing their lives in separate incidents caused by falling trees and branches. As the storm swept through the region on Friday, September 27, heavy winds and dangerous conditions took a fatal toll, with local authorities urging residents to remain cautious during extreme weather.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed that each of the four fatalities occurred as a direct result of storm-related accidents involving falling trees. The victims ranged in age from 40 to 68, and their tragic deaths highlight the unpredictable and deadly nature of severe weather.
The first fatality took place at 5 Cedar Avenue, Lot 11, where 56-year-old **Lornder Lee Palmer** lost her life. Around 7:17 a.m., emergency responders were called to her home after a tree crashed through the residence, trapping Palmer under the debris. Despite the swift arrival of first responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:38 a.m. This heart-wrenching incident underscores the vulnerability of mobile homes and smaller structures during high-wind events like tropical storms.
A second tragedy occurred later that morning in Marietta, a small community in northern Greenville County. At 896 Chestnut Ridge Road, **40-year-old Aaron Marshall Lance** was outside his home when a large tree struck him, causing fatal injuries. First responders arrived at 9:43 a.m., but despite their efforts, Lance was pronounced dead at 10:22 a.m. His death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by being outdoors during a storm, where high winds can uproot even the sturdiest of trees without warning.
Another victim of Tropical Storm Helene was Charles Daly Dean III, a 59-year-old Greenville resident. Dean was inside his home on Cleveland Street Extension when a tree crashed through the roof, striking and killing him instantly. First responders were called at 9:20 a.m., but by the time they arrived, Dean’s injuries were too severe, and he was declared dead at 10:14 a.m. This incident further underscores the fact that even indoors, residents may not always be safe from the dangerous elements brought on by tropical storms, particularly in older homes or buildings with large, nearby trees.
The final fatality occurred at 1369 Ridge Road in Greenville. Moreno Arnez Maddox, a 68-year-old resident, was outside when a large branch fell and struck him. Emergency crews received the call at 9:54 a.m., and Maddox was pronounced dead at 10:19 a.m. The unpredictability of falling branches, particularly in older or heavily wooded areas, adds an additional layer of risk during high-wind events.
As Tropical Storm Helene moved through Greenville County, these tragic incidents highlighted the immense dangers of extreme weather. The **Greenville County Coroner’s Office**, alongside local fire departments, law enforcement, and emergency responders, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. They also reiterated the importance of staying indoors during severe weather and avoiding areas with large trees or overhanging branches.
According to meteorologists, Tropical Storm Helene brought winds exceeding 50 miles per hour to some parts of the Carolinas. This level of wind speed is enough to cause trees to uproot or large branches to break off, creating significant hazards for residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to advise residents in storm-prone areas to remain vigilant during the hurricane season, which runs from June through November in the Atlantic. The potential for widespread damage, power outages, and fatalities remains high during these months, particularly in areas with dense tree coverage and older infrastructure.
In response to the storm’s aftermath, officials have urged residents to conduct safety checks around their homes, ensuring that trees are healthy and not in danger of falling during future storms. **Greenville County** and surrounding areas are expected to continue monitoring the damage left in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, and crews have been dispatched to clear debris and restore power to affected neighborhoods.
Local emergency management authorities stress the importance of preparedness and response during storm events. Having an emergency plan in place, such as identifying safe areas of the home and securing loose outdoor objects, can help reduce the risk of injury or death during severe weather. Additionally, staying informed through reliable weather updates is critical for making timely decisions during rapidly changing conditions.
For now, Greenville County mourns the loss of four residents whose lives were tragically cut short by the forces of nature. As the community comes together to grieve, officials remain steadfast in their warnings: extreme weather can be lethal, and taking precautions is essential to staying safe.