The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office shared a heartfelt message from Sheriff Quentin Miller as the community grapples with the aftermath of severe devastation. The Sheriff acknowledged the overwhelming loss, with homes destroyed and families shattered, but emphasized the ongoing dedication of search and rescue teams.
“We are not just looking for bodies—we are looking for lives,” he stated, highlighting the emotional weight of searching for missing loved ones.
Sheriff Miller reminded everyone that those unaccounted for are cherished community members, and the search will continue until everyone is brought home.
While the number of deceased and missing may fluctuate in the coming weeks due to the complexities of identifying victims and determining whether the deaths were storm-related, the Sheriff urged patience. FEMA and other agencies have joined forces to ensure accuracy in this difficult recovery process.
Sheriff Miller concluded with a message of resilience and unity, affirming that Buncombe County will rebuild and heal, and that the Sheriff’s Office will stand with the community every step of the way.
