In a tragic turn of events during Hurricane Helene, Boone McCrary, a 32-year-old emergency room nurse from Greeneville, Tennessee, lost his life while attempting to rescue a stranded resident from the swollen Nolichucky River. The incident occurred on September 27, 2024, as the hurricane's floodwaters ravaged the region.
McCrary, along with his girlfriend Santana Ray and his chocolate Labrador, Moss, set out on his fishing boat to aid David Boutin, whose home had been destroyed by the rising waters. The 115-mile-long Nolichucky River, which flows through North Carolina and Tennessee, had become a treacherous torrent due to the hurricane's impact.
As they navigated the debris-filled waters, the boat's jet motor became clogged, causing it to lose power and collide with a bridge support. The impact capsized the vessel, throwing its occupants into the raging current. Tragically, McCrary and Moss did not survive the ordeal. Ray managed to cling to a branch for several hours before being rescued.
The search for McCrary lasted four days, involving hundreds of volunteers who employed various technologies and methods. Drones, thermal cameras, and search dogs were utilized in the effort, showcasing the advancements in modern search and rescue operations. The searchers faced numerous challenges, including venomous copperhead snakes and difficult terrain.
Laura Harville, McCrary's sister, spearheaded the search efforts. She ingeniously used mason jars containing items with her brother's scent to aid the tracking dogs. This technique, reminiscent of the jars' original 1858 invention for food preservation, proved crucial in the search operation.
The force of the floodwaters was so intense that it carried McCrary's body over the Nolichucky Dam, completed in 1913 for hydroelectric power generation. The Tennessee Valley Authority reported that water flow over the dam reached an unprecedented 1.3 million gallons per second during the hurricane.
"I've never had anyone risk their life for me. From what I hear that was the way he always been. He's my guardian angel, that's for sure."
Boutin, who lost his own dog in the flood, was rescued after clinging to tree branches for six hours. He expressed deep gratitude and sorrow upon learning of McCrary's fate.
Hurricane Helene's impact extended far beyond this single incident. The storm claimed 215 lives across six states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It caused significant damage in Unicoi County, where 11 workers at a plastics factory were swept away, and a hospital in Erwin, Tennessee, required evacuation.
McCrary's colleagues at Greenville Community Hospital, founded in 1783 and named after Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, shared tributes highlighting his compassion and dedication to helping others. His adventurous spirit was evident in his last TikTok video, posted before the hurricane, where he expressed his "life wish" and determination to live life to the fullest.
The tragedy underscores the risks faced by first responders and the devastating power of natural disasters. It also highlights the importance of community solidarity and the use of social media in coordinating disaster response efforts. As communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, McCrary's sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heroism displayed in times of crisis.