The storm continued to howl as rescuers arrived at the Taylor residence on South Hospital Road. They managed to extinguish the flames, but the massive oak tree obstructed access to Derrick and Harmony, leaving them trapped.

Crystal sobbed, “I can’t get to my babies.” Fearful that calling their names might provoke them to cry out while she was helpless to save them, she struggled to stay calm. Hours dragged on, and it took more than five hours for the crew to saw through the tree and reach the children.

As time passed with no sign of her kids, Crystal, a pre-K teacher at Ridge Road Primary, reassured herself, “My babies are going to come out. They’ll be alright.”

She pictured Derrick asking for his favorite snack, cookies, and graham crackers, while Harmony would come looking for the special boiled white potatoes her cherished “papa,” made for her.

Sadly, this future was cut short. The Taylors believe Derrick and Harmony passed away instantly. Now, the family is grieving their loss and appreciates the public’s prayers and support.

Herbert wrote on Facebook on September 28, 2024, “I wanna thank everybody for the calls txt and all the luv and prayers we been getting it really means a lot to us at this difficult time much luv to yall.”

On September 30, 2024, Crystal also spoke out, “Hello everyone, I wanted to reach out to everyone and say that nothing has went unnoticed and me and my family appreciate all the love that has been shown to us during this time.”

The Taylors have also been receiving financial support from well-wishers via Herbert’s cash app $Rick4715. A GoFundMe page organized by Brittany Price and Jenna Barefield on behalf of the family is also running. It has raised over $55,000 of its $100,000 goal at the time of writing.

The page reads, “Please consider giving to help the family during this incredible loss with funeral expenses as well as finding new housing and everyday expenses. They also have their oldest daughter to care for.”

With more than 900 donations received, the Taylors are deeply thankful for the outpouring of financial support, prayers, and kind gestures from their community.

The Taylors and other families are grieving as they try to reestablish their lives. As we previously reported, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many lives have been lost, including that of a little boy and his grandparents. The late child’s aunt detailed what happened via a lengthy post she shared online.

CBS News recently reported that Hurricane Helene had claimed the lives of at least 135 people. Of all the states that were impacted by the storm, the Carolinas are said to have experienced the worst of the hurricane’s damage, as over 80 civilians had been found dead there, according to officials.

Hurricane Helene’s aftermath continues to devastate various states across the US, despite the locations having done what they could do to combat the worst of the storm’s effects.