Hurricane Helene has left a path of destruction in its wake, claiming the lives of numerous individuals and leaving communities reeling. Among the heart-wrenching stories emerging from the storm is that of 7-year-old Micah Drye and his beloved grandparents in Asheville, North Carolina.

Tragically, they were swept away by floodwaters while seeking refuge on a rooftop. Micah’s mother, Megan Drye, miraculously survived but experienced the unimaginable pain of losing her son and parents in the disaster.

In the wake of this tragedy, Jessica Drye Turner, Megan’s sister, took to the internet to share the heartbreaking story. Micah’s final words, “Jesus! Please help me!” echoed in her retelling, underscoring the sheer terror of the situation. Despite the immense grief they now carry, Turner also highlighted their unwavering faith, stating, “New grief and strong faith. New motto.”

The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene goes far beyond the Drye family, as countless others have also suffered immeasurable loss. To support their sister Megan in the aftermath of losing everything, Heather Kephart established a GoFundMe page. Within it, a final photograph of Micah captured his infectious smile while wearing a Jurassic World T-shirt, a poignant reminder of the joy he brought to their lives.

As affected communities begin the long process of recovery, the resilience of families like the Dryes will play a critical role in the healing process. In the face of such overwhelming devastation, it is the strength and determination of individuals and communities that will ultimately help rebuild what was lost.

Watch this video for a closer look at the impact of Hurricane Helene: