BEECH ISLAND, SC. (THECOUNT) — A tragic accident during Hurricane Helene has claimed the lives of Jerry Savage, 78, and his wife, Marcia Savage, 74, after a tree fell on top of their bedroom. The elderly couple, who were longtime residents of Beech Island, South Carolina, were found embracing each other in their bed after the incident, according to reports from CBS News and Sky News.
The Tragic Event:
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The couple had been sheltering with family members, including their 22-year-old grandson John Savage, who had checked on them just moments before the fatal accident. John had heard the sound of branches snapping and wanted to ensure his grandparents were safe.
“We heard one snap and I remember going back there and checking on them,” John explained. “They were both fine, the dog was fine.”
Not long after, however, a loud “boom” echoed through the house. John and his father rushed to check on Jerry and Marcia, only to discover that a massive tree had fallen directly on their bedroom, crushing the roof and causing immediate devastation.
“All you could see was ceiling and tree,” John recalled. “I was just going through sheer panic at that point.”
Despite the swift arrival of emergency crews, the damage was severe. The couple was later pulled from the wreckage, and their bodies were found in an embrace. According to John, his grandfather had heard the tree snap just before it fell and had tried to shield his wife in their final moments together.
“When they pulled them out of there, my grandpa apparently heard the tree snap beforehand and rolled over to try and protect my grandmother,” John said.
A Lasting Love Story:
Jerry and Marcia Savage had been married for more than 50 years, a union that began when they were teenage sweethearts. Those who knew the couple described them as devoted to each other and to their family. Their daughter, Tammy Estep, described their love as “immediate, and it was everlasting.”
The Savage family believes that while the circumstances were tragic, it was part of “God’s plan” for them to pass away together rather than one having to live without the other.
“They were meant to be together, in life and in death,” Tammy shared.
Remembering Jerry and Marcia:
Jerry worked as an electrician and carpenter, known for his skills in fixing things and helping neighbors whenever they needed a hand. Marcia had a long career as a bank teller before retiring. She was also active in her church, where she was beloved by fellow congregants for her kindness and generosity. The couple’s lives were marked by love, faith, and service to others.
In addition to their daughter Tammy, the couple is survived by their son Mark Savage, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with expenses and has already received an outpouring of support from the community.
Via GoFundMe:
“As many of you may know, Jerry and Marcia Savage were taken too soon during Hurricane Helene. I am raising funds to cover the costs of the funeral to lay them to rest. Please consider donating, but if your not able to, share the the link with friends and family.
Jerry and Marcia were two of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever known. They are my husband’s grandparents, survived by their son Mark Savage and daughter Tammy Estep (Darrell) as well as 4 grand children and 7 great grandchildren.”
Impact of Hurricane Helene:
Hurricane Helene, a powerful storm that swept through the southeastern U.S., has left widespread destruction in its wake. The Associated Press reported that, as of Wednesday, October 2, at least 180 people have lost their lives due to the hurricane. Trees falling onto homes, as was the case with Jerry and Marcia, have been a tragic and recurring theme in the storm’s aftermath.
The couple’s death is one of many heartbreaking stories from the region as families continue to grapple with the devastation caused by the hurricane. South Carolina authorities have been working tirelessly to assist those affected, but the scale of destruction has been overwhelming.
Conclusion:
The loss of Jerry and Marcia Savage during Hurricane Helene has brought deep sorrow to their family and the wider Beech Island community. Their tragic death, as they embraced each other in their final moments, serves as a poignant reminder of both the fragility of life and the strength of enduring love. As their family mourns, they take comfort in knowing that the couple, who spent their lives side by side, will now rest together in peace.
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