Deputy Didn't Return from Lunch After Hurricane Helene. His Body Was Found in River the Next Day

Mar. 15, 2025

Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina.Photo:Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

Two deputies have died in North Carolina afterHurricane Helenecaused “significant flooding and hazardous conditions” in the western portion of the state, including a courthouse security officer whose body was found after he failed to return to work from lunch.

One man worked for Macon County and the other worked for Madison County, according to the statement shared on Facebook.

“We ask that you keep the families, friends, and colleagues of these deputies as well as the entirety of Western North Carolina in your thoughts and prayers during this unfathomable and difficult time,” the state sheriffs' association said.

Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina.Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Jim Lau, a courthouse security officer, was identified as one of the victims, according to a separate statement from theMacon County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is one of the most difficult releases we have ever had to make,” read a statement shared on social media.

“On September 27 at 11:30 A.M., a 911 call came in about truck in the river on Fulton road, with witnesses saying they they saw someone in truck before it went underwater,” they wrote. “It was soon realized that one of our courthouse security officers, Jim Lau, hadn’t returned to work from lunch and his truck matched description of the truck that was seen in the river.”

After a search, his body was found in a river early on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Jim was very liked and respected within our department,” the sheriff’s office said. “He was known to be a hard worker, dependable, and he jumped in wherever help was needed. His absence will truly be felt in our agency.”

According to hisobituary, Lau, an air force veteran, worked for Florida’s Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years as well as the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. Although he had retired at the time of his death, he still worked at the Macon County Courthouse part time.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has not released information about the second deputy’s death.

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Officials saidmore than 100 people have diedafter Helene slammed into southeastern portions of the United States on Thursday, Sept. 26.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper expects the death toll to continue to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue in the state and across the south in the days following Helene, according tothe Associated Press.

PresidentJoe Bidenhas approved funds for disaster relief for 25 counties in North Carolina — including Macon, Madison and Buncombe — as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, according to apress releasefrom Cooper.

source: people.com