The tragic loss of life due to natural disasters often leaves a lasting impact, not only on families but also on entire communities. One such heartbreaking story comes from North Carolina, where a mother shared the final words of her seven-year-old son, Micah Drye, before floodwaters from Hurricane Helene swept him away. Along with his grandparents, Micah’s life was tragically cut short during the storm, and his mother, Megan Drye, has opened up about the final moments they shared.
Seven-year-old Micah was swept away in the flood. Credit: GoFundMe
A Family’s Last Stand Against Rising Floodwaters
Megan Drye, her parents, and her seven-year-old son Micah lived in Asheville, North Carolina, an area that was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. As the floodwaters began to rise and engulf the streets, the family was forced to make a quick decision to seek higher ground. With no time to spare, they climbed onto the roof of their home, hoping it would provide some level of safety against the rising waters.
Megan, along with her elderly parents—both in their 70s—and young Micah, huddled together on the roof as they watched the devastation unfold around them. Vehicles floated by in the raging floodwaters, including 18-wheelers, highlighting the ferocity of the storm. It was a terrifying and helpless situation as the water continued to rise, making their refuge on the roof precarious.
A Sister’s Heartbreaking Account on Social Media
Megan’s sister, Jessica Drye Turner, shared the family’s tragic ordeal on Facebook. In her post, she included photos of her parents wrapped in blankets on the roof, awaiting rescue. The photos captured a moment of both fear and hope, as the family held on while witnessing the flood’s destruction. Little did they know, the worst was yet to come.
Shortly after the photo was taken, the unimaginable happened. The floodwaters put immense pressure on the house, causing it to collapse. Megan’s parents and young Micah were swept away in the powerful current. Despite desperate attempts to save them, all three tragically drowned in the floodwaters. Miraculously, Megan survived, although she was trapped in the debris and fighting for her own life.
Micah’s Final Words: A Child’s Faith Amid Chaos
In her first interview following the tragedy, Megan spoke with Fox Weather and shared her son Micah’s final moments. Despite the chaos and terror surrounding them, Micah’s last words were a reflection of his innocence and faith. According to Megan, her son called out to Jesus for help during the flood, reaching for something beyond the physical world.
“He reached for something past flesh, past human, past anything that even grown adults, I think, would reach for,” Megan recounted. “My son called out to the one God Almighty. And I think at that moment he was rescued, and he became my hero.”
Micah’s faith in his final moments has left a deep impact on his mother, providing her with a sense of comfort in the face of such unbearable loss. For Megan, Micah became her hero, and she believes that his unwavering faith carried her through the moment, giving her the strength to survive.
Megan and her family were trapped on their roof. Credit: Jessica Drye Turner/Facebook
Megan’s Miraculous Survival: A Battle Against the Waters
While her son and parents were tragically swept away, Megan managed to survive by clinging to roots and branches for an astonishing three hours. During that time, she recalled feeling a divine presence that urged her to stop fighting the floodwaters.
“In the midst of the chaos, all I heard was God telling me to be still and to stop fighting the water,” Megan explained. “That was Him, that was prayers. That was prayers that told me to be still and to let the water carry me to where I needed to be rescued.”
Following this spiritual message, Megan let the water carry her, and eventually, she found herself in a spot where large branches helped keep her afloat. It was here that a passerby spotted her, and rescue teams arrived just in time to bring her to safety.
The Recovery of Micah and Megan’s Parents
The rescue efforts, while valiant, could not bring back Megan’s loved ones. Micah’s body was found about a quarter-mile away from where his mother was rescued. Sadly, Megan’s parents also did not survive the ordeal. The loss of her son and parents has left Megan heartbroken, but she continues to find strength in the prayers and support of her community.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Megan expressed the overwhelming grief she feels. “My grief today is unfathomable. I’m sorrowful. I feel broken,” she shared. Despite the pain, Megan also acknowledged the immense support she has received, adding, “The uplifting of all the prayers that I have received is what’s carrying me through.”
Hurricane Helene has caused widespread damage. Credit: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images
Hurricane Helene’s Devastation in Asheville
Asheville, where Megan and her family lived, was one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane brought with it torrential rains, severe flooding, and high winds, leading to widespread devastation. Across six states, the hurricane has claimed the lives of at least 177 people, and emergency relief efforts are still ongoing as the recovery continues.
Government cargo planes have been delivering much-needed food and water to the hardest-hit areas, while the Pentagon has mobilized 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist with rescue efforts and the distribution of supplies. The damage to Asheville’s infrastructure has been severe, and water restoration efforts may take weeks to fully repair the critical systems damaged by the floodwaters.
A Mother’s Strength in the Face of Unimaginable Loss
Megan Drye’s story is one of both heartbreaking loss and incredible strength. Despite the unimaginable grief of losing her son and parents, she remains grounded in her faith and the overwhelming support from those around her. Micah’s final words have become a source of comfort and inspiration, providing a glimmer of light during a time of profound darkness.
Her ability to survive the flood, against all odds, is a testament to her resilience. And while the grief will always be with her, Megan’s story is a reminder of the power of faith, love, and community in the face of tragedy.
Conclusion: Finding Strength Through Faith and Community
The loss of young Micah and his grandparents in the Asheville floods is a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastation that natural disasters can bring. Yet, through Megan’s recounting of her son’s final words and her own miraculous survival, there is a message of hope and resilience. In the midst of sorrow, Megan continues to find strength in her faith, her community, and the memory of her son, who called out to God during his final moments. The prayers and support from those around her serve as a beacon of light, helping her navigate through the darkness of grief.
