The tragic death of a beloved teacher, Donna Fagersten, due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, has left many shaken. This powerful storm has created significant challenges across several US states, making relief efforts even more difficult.
Fagersten, a 66-year-old second-grade teacher from Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, was only days away from her retirement when the hurricane hit her hometown. She had spent 35 years teaching at Ponce De Leon Elementary School in Pinellas County, one of the hardest-hit areas by the storm.
Close friends Mike Moran and Heather Anne Boles, who knew Fagersten well, shared details about her untimely passing. Fagersten, who had a deep love for her students, her two sons, and her cat, lived near Boles’ mother, just across the street from the water. As the storm intensified, Boles and Moran acted quickly, evacuating their home as floodwaters rapidly rose.
Boles described how the water surged at an alarming pace, giving them barely ten minutes to react. Along with Fagersten, they decided to ride out the storm at Boles’ mother’s house, moving to the third floor for safety. However, when things seemed to calm down, Fagersten chose to return to her house to check on her cat, a decision that would ultimately cost her life.
Shortly after she left, dangerous storm surges ravaged the coastline. A neighbor soon alerted Boles and Moran that someone had been seen floating in the parking garage. It was Fagersten. Despite their best efforts, administering CPR for nearly an hour, they were unable to save her. By that time, the floodwaters were so high that rescue teams had to reach them by boat.
Losing someone as beloved as Fagersten has been a heavy blow to her community. Boles recalled her friend’s infectious laughter and how well-known she was at local spots like Crabby Bill’s and JD’s. Fagersten’s passing has left a profound sense of loss, not just for her friends but for the entire community.
In the aftermath of the storm, Boles and Moran are also grappling with the total destruction of their possessions. In a bittersweet turn of events, Fagersten’s cat survived the storm, and they are now working to find the animal a safe home.
Hurricane Helene claimed nine lives in Pinellas County, three of whom were residents of Indian Rocks Beach. As news of these losses spread, individuals shared their grief on social media. One person posted a screenshot of the names of those who perished, prompting a wave of sorrowful comments from others who knew Fagersten.
Fagersten’s colleagues and former students expressed their heartbreak over her death. One colleague, Mary Gleason Lyons, wrote about working with her for over 13 years and how deeply she had impacted the lives of her students. Lyons shared her sadness and extended prayers to Fagersten’s family, noting that she would be missed by many.
While Pinellas County and other areas of Florida are reeling from the hurricane, neighboring states have also suffered significantly. From Georgia to Tennessee, communities are struggling with the aftermath of the storm. Heavy flooding has left at least 111 confirmed dead, with 42 in North Carolina, 29 in South Carolina, and additional fatalities in other affected states.
According to reports, approximately 1.8 million people are without power across multiple states. North Carolina, in particular, has been severely impacted, with many small towns cut off from aid due to blocked roads and damaged infrastructure. Relief efforts are ongoing, but the physical challenges, especially in rural areas, have made it difficult to reach those in need.
Despite the efforts of government officials and organizations like FEMA, the recovery process is slow and daunting. Many communities feel isolated and forgotten as they wait for supplies and assistance. The road to recovery will be long, but the resilience of those affected offers hope in the face of such overwhelming destruction.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Donna Fagersten and all the others who lost their lives in this tragedy. We stand with the communities working to rebuild, praying for healing and recovery for all those affected by Hurricane Helene.