Hurricane Helene has left a path of destruction and loss of life in its wake. Some of the worst areas that were hit included the Carolinas, and we have a loss to discuss today.
78-year-old Jerry Savage and his 74-year-old wife, Marcia, were found dead after a tree fell on their home during the storm. When they were discovered, they were found embracing in bed and it was a fitting way for them to pass.
According to John Savage, the couple’s grandson, he had checked on them earlier in the night. There were some branches snapping and he was concerned because they were sheltering during the worst part of the storm.
John said: “We heard one snap and I remember going back there and checking on them. They were both fine, the dog was fine.”
It wasn’t long after he checked on them that a loud boom was heard. The largest tree on their property in Beech Island, South Carolina, had fallen. It crashed into their bedroom and took their lives.
John said: “All you could see was ceiling and tree. I was just going through sheer panic at that point.”
He then shared what they discovered when his grandparents were found. He said: “When they pulled them out of there, my grandpa apparently heard the tree snap beforehand and rolled over to try and protect my grandmother.”
Jerry and Marsha had been sweethearts since they were teenagers and had been married for more than five decades. Jerry was a carpenter and electrician and Marsha was a retired bank teller.
Someone set up a crowdfunding page to help cover the funeral expenses. It has surpassed its goal.
The couple leaves behind their son, Mark Savage, and a daughter, Tammy Estep (Darrell). They also have four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
May they rest in peace.