Rescuing his mom after deadly Hurricane Helene strands thousands in North Carolina

A week after Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, North Carolina, the city and its people are still figuring out how to put the pieces back together. The AJC’s Fraser Jones journeyed to Western North Carolina to help his mother and document the aftermath of the storm.

Disclaimer: Since the release of this video, the AJC has learned that the red X’s spray painted on homes and cars are used to indicate that the property has been searched. According to the North Carolina Joint Information Center, it does not indicate a home will be demolished. 

Follow us!

Download the app!

[ajcvideo]

We are so thrilled that this video has resonated with so many of you. Since the release of this video, the AJC has learned that the red X’s spray painted on homes and cars are used to indicate that the property has been searched. According to the North Carolina Joint Information Center, it does not indicate a home will be demolished.

[YvetteKelley-sniu]

YOUR MOMS VOICE SOUNDED LIKE SHE WAS TRYING TO STAY STRONG. MY HEART HURT FOR BOTH OF YOU.

[ginaalwaysavip]

Glad you made it to your mom. Imagine 8 dead people in your yard. RIP

[bevjensen]

Canadian here, obsessed with these dozens of videos showing the complete devastation you're experiencing and yet the incredible courage and resiliency shown by survivors. The power of love is incredible. Best wishes for the future.

[cecy]

Our prayers are with all of the people in USA. You Americans have helped many countries when natural disasters happened. God bless you and make you stronger and united. Such a wonderful souls helping one another.

[AmericansKeepingDemocracy]

Captivating. The little boy at the end saying, "It's free. I know you're hungry" made me cry.

[civildk]

"When you see someone move from the 'receiving' line, to the 'serving' line, it emboldens you." WOW! POWERFUL STATEMENT!

[lisam.willson]

YOUR MOMS VOICE SOUNDED LIKE SHE WAS TRYING TO STAY STRONG. MY HEART HURT FOR BOTH OF YOU.

[sarahturps]

My daughter lives in Asheville. She did a lot to help people. The grief is setting in. Deep, Heavy, grief she said. It's unfathomable.

[jaxfl]

It was a relief to see your mom wave at you and she is alive.

[carolinarodriguez]

This is the first documented video I’ve seen someone take the time to speak and document an immigrant Hispanic family in Asheville North Carolina area that was effected by the hurricane and it breaks my heart, I understand the loneliness and I hope they’re getting the help they need. I am so happy you were able to reunite with your mom this video truly is beautiful thank you for documenting what you can. I live in Florida and thankfully my house didn’t get hit it but so many families have been struggling

[suns]

Sitting here with tears brimming my eyes...😢...the kindness of strangers. Coming alongside. Arm-in-arm. Side-by-side. Lifting each other up. Providing for felt needs... emotional support and more. We're Americans.

[gigilarson]

I found my son. You are a wonderful son to get your mother. The best of luck to you guys

[beverlymartina]

Aww little boy saying "it's free, i know your hungry"😢

[WomanofFaith]

My daughter and I stopped there on the way back home to Kentucky from Myrtle Beach at the end of August 2024 and discussed moving there because we loved the calm and friendly atmosphere. My prayers go up for everyone there. This is so sad and heartbreaking. My family went through a similar situation in Kentucky in 2022.

[petgranny]

Glad your Mom is safe and you were able to get to her. Thanks for the coverage.

[ChristalenB]

Oh Father Please help all of these beautiful families who are broken and distraught. My heart hurts for them Lord. In Jesus mighty name help them mentally emotionally physically spiritually and financially, Amen 🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏

[blubella]

It sounds like your Mom will probably suffer PTSD so even when she says that she is fine take a care of her mental health. One thing for sure your Mom is lucky that she has you as her son. Good luck and you all take care of each other.

[OneWhoKnowz]

Young man 🧍‍♂️ Your mom did a wonderful job raising you. Go get your Mama!!! ❤I’m proud of you and don’t know you but new subscriber here. Nothing like a child who loves loves loves their mama!!

[JoanBrown-je]

So many of these people already had nothing……I’m so sorry.