(NewsNation) — Hurricane Helene brought devastation to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, devastating one family who lost 11 loved ones to the storm.
Jesse and Mekenzie Craig live in Fairview, North Carolina, a town about 12 miles southeast of Asheville. One area of the town was known as “Craigtown” for the family that was so entrenched in the community.
“We’re just taking it day by day,” Jesse Craig told NewsNation. “We have a great family and a great support system.”
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Eleven members of the family, including Jesse Craig’s parents, were killed after a mudslide swept through the area, destroying entire houses.
Craig said he and his wife were waiting out the storm in their basement and he spoke to his father the morning Helene hit.
When the couple emerged they found downed trees across the room and one of their vehicles totaled. But there was no cell phone service to check on loved ones.
His brother eventually got a call through and broke the news.
“He said Mom and Dad are gone,” Craig recalled. “Instantly, your brain goes into shock, your body goes into shock.”
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After getting the call, service cut out again and the Craigs were unable to get ahold of anyone for days. In addition to Jesse Craig’s parents, he lost his aunt, uncle, great-uncle, great-aunt and multiple cousins.
The Craig family had been in the town since the mid-1900s, with multiple generations staying in the same area. Now, the Craigs are determined to rebuild so the family doesn’t lose eight decades of history.