June 24, 2025

Hurricane Helene Claims Lives in Laurens County

News Summary

Tragedy struck Laurens County as Hurricane Helene caused the deaths of two individuals. A woman died when a tree fell on her tractor-trailer, and a man was killed when a tree collapsed on his home. Emergency Management officials reported extensive damage, with numerous trees downed and power lines affected, adding to a growing death toll across Central Georgia. The hurricane has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, but flooding and recovery efforts continue to challenge the community.

Laurens County – Two people have lost their lives in Laurens County as a direct result of Hurricane Helene’s impact, according to Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Bill Laird. The storm has left a trail of destruction, prompting officials to respond to numerous emergency calls throughout the night.

The first fatal incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Highway 441 South when a tree fell onto a tractor-trailer, resulting in the death of a 48-year-old woman named Angela Edwards, who was inside the vehicle. Angela’s husband, who was also in the truck, sustained only minor injuries. A little over two hours later, a second incident took place on Clairmont Drive, where another tree fell onto a home, leading to the death of 58-year-old Doug Brownlee. Doug’s wife, who was present in the house at the time, fortunately escaped uninjured.

Authorities in Laurens County received at least 140 calls reporting downed trees throughout the night, highlighting the severity of the situation. These two fatalities add to a rising death toll in Central Georgia, which now stands at a minimum of six linked to the hurricane’s aftermath. In Wheeler County, two individuals died when a suspected tornado flipped their mobile home. Their bodies were later discovered in a field approximately 100 yards from where the mobile home had been located. Additionally, Washington County reported two deaths; however, details surrounding these incidents remain unclear.

As Hurricane Helene has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, it continues to sweep across Georgia, causing widespread damage. Counties across Central Georgia are grappling with significant property damages, particularly from downed trees and power lines. The impact of this storm has been felt deeply, with communities now faced with costly repairs and recovery efforts.

Recent heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Helene has also resulted in major flooding across parts of South Carolina, with specific areas receiving up to 20 inches. Flood warnings have been issued for numerous rivers due to excessive runoff, with meteorologists forecasting that some rivers are expected to reach major flood stage in the coming days. This presents an additional challenge for emergency responders and residents alike as they navigate the aftermath of the storm.

In a lighter note, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office has announced that the Polar Patrol will be at the Waterloo Family Dollar on June 24, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This community initiative aims to provide free ice cream and KidPrint ID cards for children. The Polar Patrol relies on community donations, and those interested in supporting the initiative or seeking scheduling options can reach out to Deputy Snow for further information.

As the region reflects on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected by this unprecedented weather event.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Catastrophic Flooding in South Carolina from Tropical Storm Helene
City of Clinton Launches Traffic Safety Initiative
North Carolina Faces Power Restoration Challenges Following Hurricane Helene
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Laurens County, SC
Power Restoration Efforts Underway in the Carolinas
Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath Causes Drop in NC Mountain Tourism
Tragic Incident in Newberry County: Pedestrian Struck and Killed
Newberry County Prepares for Wintry Weather
Tornadoes Strike Upstate South Carolina on December 29, 2024

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.