As Hurricane Helene ravages the southeastern United States, a tree fell on the roof of a house in South Carolina, killing a couple in their 70s.
They were identified as Jerry Savage, 78, and Marcia Savage, 74, of Beech Island. They were pronounced dead at the scene by the Aiken County Coroner's Office, according to authorities.
Their grandson, John Savage, said the two were found embracing each other in bed on Sept. 27. suffer.
“When they pulled them out of there, my grandfather apparently heard the tree snap beforehand and rolled over to try to protect my grandmother,” he said. “They loved each other till death.”
Other family members also praised the couple, describing them as a teenage sweethearts who had been married for more than fifty years. Their daughter Tammy Estep said their love was “immediate and eternal.”
Tributes posted on social media commemorated the couple's generosity, kindness and humility.
The GoFundMe account was allegedly set up to help with funeral expenses, and a woman claiming to be a relative described them as “two of the kindest, most generous people I know.” She said they are survived by two children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
“As many of you may know, Jerry and Marcia Savage were taken away prematurely during Hurricane Helene. I am raising funds to pay for funeral expenses and to lay them to rest.
At least two other people died on Beech Island, including 29-year-old Michael Roukous of Dexter, New York, who died after a tree crushed the roof of a house he rented in the area. A 70-year-old man was pronounced dead after his roof was struck by a tree.
They were among those killed by more than 200 people as Helen unleashed her wrath across multiple states.
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