Couple Was Running Out of Space to Breathe in Hurricane Flooding. A Year Later, They Reunite with ‘Heroes’ Who Saved Them

Husband and Wife Hailed as Heroes After Being Rescued During Hurricane

A heartwarming tale of survival and gratitude emerged from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Marion, N.C. when Lois and Kenneth Hawkins were rescued from the devastating floodwaters that engulfed their home. Their story is one that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the selfless acts of bravery carried out by rescue teams in times of crisis.

As the floodwaters rose around their home during the fury of Hurricane Helene, Lois and Kenneth Hawkins were forced to confront the possibility of their own mortality. In a poignant moment of reflection, the couple, married for 40 years, prepared to face what they believed could be their final moments together. However, fate had other plans for them.

Amidst the chaos and despair, Lois caught a glimpse of orange outside their window, signalling the presence of a swift water rescue team. In a desperate bid for survival, she frantically tried to get the attention of the rescuers, clinging to the hope of being saved from the clutches of the raging storm. It was a moment of sheer determination and faith in the face of adversity.

Lois, an 80-year-old retired nurse, and Kenneth, an 89-year-old retired engineer, had made the difficult decision to stay behind despite being advised to evacuate. Their reasons were deeply personal – Kenneth’s fragile health and concerns for their ailing cat, Lulu, made leaving seem untenable. Little did they know the harrowing ordeal that awaited them as the relentless rains poured down, causing the nearby river to swell ominously.

The situation quickly escalated as the water levels continued to rise, leaving the couple trapped in their home with no means of escape. Faced with imminent danger, they clung to each other, seeking refuge on higher ground within their home. The unfolding tragedy was compounded by the loss of their belongings and the overwhelming fear of what lay ahead.

In a moment of sheer desperation, with the waters rising around them and their survival hanging by a thread, Lois and Kenneth’s prayers were answered. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Swift Water Team, led by Sgt. Tim Godwin, arrived in the nick of time to rescue the couple from the jaws of disaster. Their arrival was nothing short of a miracle for the Hawkins, who credit the team with saving their lives.

The heroic efforts of the rescue team not only brought the couple to safety but also symbolised a beacon of hope in their darkest hour. Despite losing almost everything in the devastating aftermath of the hurricane, the Hawkins found solace in the kindness and generosity of volunteers from Baptists on Mission. The rebuilding of their home and the reunion with their rescuers marked a poignant moment of triumph amidst adversity.

As they stood outside their new home, hand in hand with the ‘heroes’ who had come to their rescue, Lois and Kenneth Hawkins embraced the spirit of resilience and gratitude. The unwavering support of their community and the unwavering bravery of the rescue team served as a testament to the power of compassion in the face of calamity. Their story stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the bonds that unite us in times of crisis.

In a world often plagued by turmoil and tragedy, the tale of Lois and Kenneth Hawkins serves as a reminder of the strength that lies in unity and the resilience that emerges from the depths of despair. As they look towards a future rebuilt on foundations of hope and solidarity, the couple’s journey stands as an inspiration to us all – a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and the unwavering human spirit in the face of adversity.