The raging waves of Hurricane Helene destroyed the lives of the Guinn family in Minneapolis, North Carolina. Melissa, a loving mother of four, was taken away from her family, leaving a path of destruction in her wake.
The storm was too strong for the Guinn family to stay safe in their home by the river on September 27. The house fell off the hill, and Melissa was swept away right in front of her husband Jamie and their 8-year-old son River.
Jamie said, “It sounded like a cannon going off.” “I screamed for my little boy, and I could hear him screaming.” Melissa’s last words rang through the chaos: “Babe, watch out!”
Jamie bravely threw River to safety, but Melissa was gone when they turned around. “Dad, I think Mommy’s gone,” River told him. Jamie felt his words cut deep.
Jamie and River had to walk through mud, broken glass, and fast-moving water for hours to get help. Jamie broke his spine and cut his head, but the mental pain was much worse than the physical pain.
Jamie was shocked when she learned that Melissa had died on October 7, ten days after the accident. They were getting close to their 10th wedding anniversary.
Cindy wasn’t just a wife and mom; she was also Jamie’s best friend. He seemed to be having a hard time accepting the loss. “I don’t think I still comprehend,” he said.
A GoFundMe page for Melissa’s family said she was a beautiful, strong, passionate, and kind person who was great at everything she did. The four boys she had carry on her name: Brandon, Sebastian, Ethan, and River.
