Below is a small fraction of the damage that happened on September 27, 2024. My wife and I had just moved back to North Carolina to begin a new chapter in our lives, as I had just gotten out of the military.  2 weeks after arriving, we found ourselves in the direct path of what is now locally known to be the “1000 year flood".” 

These shots were taken several weeks after the storm. The pressing matter of survival didn’t leave a place in my mind for photography, however, I understood the importance of documenting this time. I struggled to pick up a camera, choose a lens, and find composition. I thought it was ridiculous to step away from my role as a new community leader and medical professional to go take some pictures while my waking hours could be spent accomplishing other tasks. 

Although these photos carry a certain amount of pain, they also provide me with some closure. I remember what my family and I went through, I remember what we (as a community) accomplished in the following months, and I remember the new family that I gained.

Helene was out of headline as fast as it came through and destroyed so many lives in these mountains. But for many, Helene is still here and always will be.

These are some shots taken around the property that we were living on.