Four Killed by Falling Trees in Greenville County Due to Tropical Storm Helene

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. – Tropical Storm Helene left a deadly mark on Greenville County, causing four fatalities related to falling trees on Friday, September 27. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office responded to separate incidents throughout the day, confirming the victims’ deaths caused by storm-related accidents.

The first tragedy occurred at 5 Cedar Avenue, Lot 11, where 56-year-old Lornder Lee Palmer was killed when a tree fell on her home. According to the coroner’s report, Palmer was entrapped inside her residence when the tree crashed through, leaving her trapped under the debris. First responders arrived at 7:17 a.m., and Palmer was pronounced dead at the scene by 7:38 a.m.

A second incident took place in Marietta, South Carolina, at 896 Chestnut Ridge Road. Forty-year-old Aaron Marshall Lance was outside his home when a tree struck him. Emergency responders arrived at 9:43 a.m., and Lance was pronounced dead at 10:22 a.m. His untimely death underscores the unpredictable dangers posed by high winds and falling trees during severe storms.

The third fatality occurred at 2036A Cleveland Street Extension in Greenville. The victim, 59-year-old Charles Daly Dean III, was inside his home when a tree came crashing through, fatally striking him. The coroner’s office was notified at 9:20 a.m., and Dean was pronounced dead by 10:14 a.m. after first responders confirmed his death at the scene.

The final storm-related death took place at 1369 Ridge Road in Greenville. Sixty-eight-year-old Moreno Arnez Maddox was outside when he was hit by a falling tree branch. The call for assistance came in at 9:54 a.m., and emergency crews pronounced Maddox dead at 10:19 a.m. due to injuries sustained from the impact of the falling branch.

All four deaths were directly attributed to falling trees or tree branches as Tropical Storm Helene swept through the area, bringing heavy winds and dangerous conditions. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office, along with Mauldin Fire, local police, and first responders, has expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities are continuing to monitor storm damage and warn the public to stay alert during extreme weather conditions.

Residents in the area are being urged to take extra precautions, particularly when severe weather strikes. Officials emphasize the importance of staying indoors and avoiding areas with large trees during high-wind conditions to prevent further tragedies.