News Summary
The Augusta Commission has unanimously voted to establish a memorial plaque at Heroes Overlook on the Riverwalk to honor seven individuals who lost their lives during Hurricane Helene. Set for dedication on September 27, the plaque will serve as a remembrance for families and the community, acknowledging the personal stories behind the tragedy while promoting healing and unity in Augusta.
Augusta, Georgia — The Augusta Commission has voted unanimously, with an 8-0 outcome, to approve the establishment of a memorial plaque at Heroes Overlook on the Riverwalk. This plaque will honor the memories of seven individuals who tragically lost their lives during Hurricane Helene, which hit the area a year ago.
The names that will be engraved on the plaque include Daverio Carter, Stephen Donehoo, Izaac Donehoo, Uyen Xuan Le, Katherine McCall, Andrea Warner, and Caffee Wright. This memorial is intended to serve as a permanent place for family members, friends, and the broader community to reflect on the profound impact of the storm.
The dedication ceremony for the memorial is scheduled to take place on September 27, 2023, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. The event will commence at 10 a.m. and aims to honor the victims’ memories while simultaneously celebrating their unique lives and contributions to the community.
City officials have expressed that this memorial serves a vital role in ensuring that the victims are remembered not just as statistics of a natural disaster, but as individuals who held significant places within the community. The mayor of Augusta has specifically noted the importance of recognizing these people by remembering their stories and contributions to the city of Augusta and Richmond County.
The memorial plaque represents a commitment from local government to acknowledge the toll that Hurricane Helene took on the area. It also aims to help those who were affected find solace as they come together to share their memories of those who were lost. The mayor has emphasized that while nothing can remove the pain brought by Hurricane Helene, the memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to those who are no longer with us.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in early 2022, causing significant damage and resulting in the loss of seven lives. The memorial plaque is part of ongoing efforts by the Augusta Commission to address the aftermath of the storm and support those who are still dealing with its impacts, both emotionally and physically.
City officials view the memorial as a stepping stone towards healing for the community, allowing families and friends to pay respects in a dedicated and meaningful way. With the launch of the memorial, local leaders hope to foster a greater sense of unity and shared remembrance as residents come together to commemorate the victims.
The commission’s decision reflects a broader commitment to honoring the past while working towards a resilient future for the city. As the anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, the community stands together, remembering and celebrating the lives of those who were lost and acknowledging their enduring legacies within Augusta.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta Leaders Approve Helene Memorial
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- WFXG: Plaque to Honor Hurricane Helene Victims
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene memorial Augusta
- WJBF: Augusta Leaders Create Memorial for Helene Victims
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- Rocktown Now: Augusta County Circuit Court Clerks Aid Helene Families
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- WRDW: Augusta Leaders Consider Hurricane Helene Memorial
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond 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 Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
