Search Continues for Missing Woman Two Years After Hurricane Helene Devastated Western North Carolina
Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, a search-and-rescue team returned to the Elk River in Avery County to look for Kim Ashby, the last person still missing from the storm. Ashby, a teacher and mother, was swept…
Charlotte, NC, September 28, 2026 —
Two years after Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation in Western North Carolina, search efforts have resumed for the last individual still missing from the storm’s impact. The Linville-Central Rescue Squad returned to the Elk River in Avery County to conduct a search for Kim Ashby, a teacher and mother who was swept away by floodwaters.
Ashby was last seen and subsequently swept away by floodwaters in 2024. Her remains have not been recovered, leaving her family without definitive closure following the catastrophic event. The Linville-Central Rescue Squad has committed to continuing search operations on an annual basis in hopes of locating Ashby and providing some measure of peace to her family.
Hurricane Helene impacted Western North Carolina significantly, causing extensive damage and leading to numerous disappearances. The search for Kim Ashby represents a sustained effort to account for all individuals affected by the storm. The specific outcome of the recent search, including the duration and the extent of the area covered, was not immediately available.
The rescue squad’s dedication to repeated searches underscores the profound and lasting impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. The effort in Avery County highlights the ongoing commitment to victims and their families, even years after the initial event.
Story summarized from the original created by Michael Warrick on www.wbtv.com, see more information here.
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