News Summary
On September 27, residents of Augusta gathered to honor the memory of those lost during Hurricane Helene, which caused significant devastation in the region. The ceremony focused on the lives of seven victims from Richmond County and emphasized the community’s commitment to rebuilding and resilience. Mayor Garnett Johnson and other speakers highlighted ongoing recovery efforts and the importance of unity in the face of tragedy, ensuring that the memories of those lost are never forgotten as Augusta works toward a stronger future.
Augusta, GA held a poignant ceremony on September 27, 2025, marking one year since the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane wrought significant destruction throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), resulting in 31 fatalities across the region and severe damage to homes and businesses. The solemn event aimed to honor those who lost their lives, particularly focusing on seven residents of Richmond County who perished in the storm.
Attendees gathered at Heroes’ Overlook near the Augusta Riverwalk, where they paid tribute to Daverio Carter, Stephen Donehoo, Izaac Donehoo, Andrea Warner, Uyen Xuan Le, Katherine McCall, and Caffee Wright. During the ceremony, Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson emphasized the ongoing pain felt from the loss, alongside a community commitment to resilience and rebuilding.
Personal reflections were shared, notably from Mary Williams, who addressed the audience about her connection to the tragedy through her sister, Caffee Wright. Williams expressed gratitude for recognizing and honoring the victims amidst their community’s recovery efforts.
The ceremony attracted dozens, including local officials and members of the community. Notable speakers included former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver and Derek Dugan, a member of the Long Term Recovery Committee. Dugan articulated the committee’s mission, which focuses on restoring Augusta to its pre-Hurricane Helene state by identifying homes requiring repairs and mobilizing resources and volunteers for reconstruction efforts.
Mayor Johnson reflected on the remarkable resilience of the Augusta community, recalling the speed of recovery actions initiated mere hours after Hurricane Helene struck. Fire Chief Antonio Burden also highlighted the importance of neighbors supporting one another during the aftermath of the disaster, showcasing a spirit of unity that emerged in the wake of tragedy.
The Long Term Recovery Committee continues to evaluate the ongoing needs of the community, with a focus on preparing for future storms. Individuals and families still requiring assistance with repairs related to the hurricane can find information and application options available online for continued support.
As Augusta commemorates the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the city remains focused on healing and rebuilding, ensuring that the memories of those lost will not be forgotten as they collectively work toward a stronger and safer community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon Returns to Augusta
Challenges for Families During Pregnancy After Hurricane Helene
Augusta Commemorates One Year Since Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
Community Unites for Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Augusta Community Mourns Loss of Four Beloved Residents
Community Outcry in Surrey Over USPS Contract Termination
Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Returns to Augusta with Traffic Disruptions
Augusta Opens New Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education
Augusta Commemorates One Year Since Hurricane Helene
Smile Grocery Fined for Price Gouging During Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- WJBF: Augusta Honors Hurricane Helene Victims in Heartfelt Ceremony
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- The Augusta Press: A Long Nightmare – Augusta Reflects One Year After Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
- Augusta Chronicle: City Honors Lives Lost to Hurricane Helene
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- Augusta Chronicle: Stats Reveal Scope of Hurricane Helene Destruction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Augusta Chronicle: Remembering Hurricane Helene – Augusta Area Residents Helped Each Other
- 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.
