PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has reported a tragic update: the death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to nine. All victims were located within mandatory evacuation Zone A.
The Sheriff’s Office, along with the Indian Shores, St. Petersburg, and Treasure Island Police Departments, are actively investigating these storm-related deaths.
Victims Identified:
- Donna Fagersten, 66 (Indian Rocks Beach): Found in her home with evidence of drowning.
- Patricia Mikos, 80 (Dunedin): Found deceased in her residence after a possible electrical fire caused by flooding.
- Aiden Bowles, 71 (Indian Rocks Beach): Located in his home, likely drowned due to rising waters.
- Marjorie Havard, 79 (St. Pete Beach): Found inside her residence, surrounded by debris, with apparent drowning.
- Francis Wright, 71 (Madeira Beach): Located on the floor of his debris-filled home, likely drowned.
- Jerome Waite, 89 (Saint Petersburg): Found in his garage, surrounded by debris, likely drowned.
- James Thompson, 55 (Redington Shores): Found in his home with evidence of drowning.
- Rachel Burch, 37 (Treasure Island): Found deceased in her home with apparent water intrusion.
Read: Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene Weakens, Continues To Bring Flooding To Southern Appalachians
The ninth victim’s information will be released once next of kin is notified. He was an adult male found in a residence on Indian Rocks Beach, also likely drowned due to flooding.
These tragic deaths underscore the importance of heeding evacuation orders during severe weather events.
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