Tragic Storm-Related Accident Claims Lives in Newberry, S.C.
NEWBERRY, S.C. — It’s truly heartbreaking to report that a couple lost their lives in a tragic accident as a result of the destructive winds of Tropical Storm Helene. Robert Wise, 49, and his wife, Valencia Jones Wise, 48, were killed when a tree, which had stood tall for over 50 years, fell on their vehicle early Friday morning. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Chapman Road, located in the Little Mountain area of Newberry County.
Bumpy Road Before the Accident
According to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, this unfortunate accident came shortly after local police had been in touch with the couple regarding roads blocked by fallen trees. Foster noted that minutes after that interaction, police received an alert about a tree crashing onto a vehicle, which turned out to be the Wise couple’s car.
“Rescue squads and the fire department were right there,” Foster said, sharing how the emergency responders and some nearby neighbors rushed to help. They worked feverishly to lift the massive tree off the car and to extricate the occupants. Sadly, despite their best efforts, the situation proved to be beyond recovery. “It was a heart-wrenching scene,” Foster stated.
An Eyewitness Account
A nearby resident, who witnessed the whole event, shared her harrowing experience. “I remember seeing the couple just a moment before, waving to the wife as I helped to direct traffic, while some neighbors were clearing trees from the roads. Then, in a split second, a tree that had been standing for decades just came down, like something from a movie,” she recounted, visibly shaken. “It was like slow motion. I can still see her face in my head.”
Community in Mourning
With the tragic loss of Robert and Valencia, the small community of Newberry is left in mourning. Their passing has been felt deeply, as many remember the couple for their kindness and involvement in local activities. Sheriff Foster continues to encourage residents to look out for each other during these challenging times.
Safety First: Stay Cautious on the Roads
As the community pushes through the aftermath of the storm, Foster mentioned that many homes are still without power. He urged everyone to be patient and take care while navigating the roads. “So in that situation, it takes time. So people have to pack a little bit of patience. The other thing is try to stay off the roads. It’s still very dangerous out there, especially at night,” he advised.
Authorities from the Newberry County Coroner’s office, alongside the South Carolina Highway Patrol, are currently investigating this unfortunate incident. They hope to provide clarity for the grieving community and ensure that such tragedies highlight the importance of storm preparedness and vigilance.
Keeping Each Other Safe
As we come together in times of tragedy, it’s vital to remember the lessons learned during storms like Helene. Always keep an eye on weather updates, make sure to have a plan in place, and never take unnecessary risks during unpredictable weather. Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy as they navigate through their painful loss. Remember to look out for one another, support each other, and keep the spirit of community strong.
