Nashville, TN, September 17, 2026 — The remains of Nancy Tucker, identified as the final known victim of Hurricane Helene in Tennessee, have been discovered two years after the storm’s destructive impact. The discovery was made on Saturday in a remote section of the Cherokee National Forest, concluding a protracted search effort.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024, bringing with it severe weather that resulted in devastating floods across Washington County. The storm’s fury had previously claimed the life of Tucker’s husband when their home was reportedly swept away by the Nolichucky River.

The specific details surrounding the prolonged search for Ms. Tucker were not provided. The location where her remains were found is described as a remote area within the national forest.

The hurricane’s passage through Tennessee caused widespread damage and significant loss of life, with Ms. Tucker’s case representing the last confirmed fatality attributed to the storm in the state. The severe flooding in Washington County was a direct consequence of the extreme weather brought by Hurricane Helene.

Further details regarding the circumstances of Ms. Tucker’s death and the recovery of her remains have not been publicly disclosed at this time. The discovery marks a somber conclusion to the aftermath of the 2024 storm in the region.

Story summarized from the original created by Tony Gonzalez on wpln.org, see more information here.

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