Megan Drye was stranded with her parents and 7-year-old son on their roof as massive flooding hit Asheville, North Carolina. She was the only one to survive.
This was the last photo she took before the roof collapsed:
Mike and Nora Drye, along with their daughter Megan and grandson Micah, had taken shelter on the roof as Asheville was hit with historical flooding due to Hurricane Helene.
When the house caved in, Megan found herself trapped in debris as her loved ones were swept away by the water. In this case, being pinned saved her life.
Her sister, Jessica Drye Turner, shared their story to Facebook, where she was giving updates on her family throughout the weekend.
On Friday, September 27, Jessica posted this:
My family is currently on the roof of their house in Asheville, NC with nothing but the clothes on their back and one working phone. My parents, in their 70s, my sister and 7 year old nephew have lost everything. They are watching 18 wheelers and cars floating by. In addition, part of the house they're sitting on is in front of them. They've called 911 but they aren't the only ones needing rescue. This is definitely a moment when faith is all you have. God knows the outcome already. I just pray for their lives, health and an inner peace in their spirits that they know God holds them in his hands.
Followed shortly by this:
UPDATE: my parents and nephew drowned bc the roof collapsed. My sister got wedged btw something. She was rescued an hour later. I cannot convey in words the sorrow, heartbreak and devastation my sisters and i are going through nor imagine the pain before us. Please lift my sister who lost her son up in prayers and my other sister and myself as we come together to somehow comfort her and get through each moment banded together. She is alone, without a means to communicate and we don't know when we will get to her. The image I focus on every time I imagine that moment is how joyfully they are praising Jesus at his feet, dancing with renewed bodies and not remembering how they passed. I plead to Jesus to hold my sister tightly. God is faithful. Just. Weeps and mourns when we do and comforts us in our times of need. He rescued my parents and nephew in his way and took them home. Now, he will comfort, heal and rescue us that are broken, wailing, and utterly lost in another way. I have never felt this kind of loss, devastation and aching of my spirit. I cry out to my Lord! And I keep crying out to my Lord!! Take this heavy burden! Please comfort us! Constantly remind us of your faithfulness.
When the Bible says Jesus gives us a "peace beyond understanding," this is what it means.
On Saturday, Jessica reported that her sister had been found at a local hospital in Asheville. Jessica and another sister, Heather, drove to pick up Megan that evening, noting that some roads are passable for those who are looking for loved ones.
While she was there, if it wasn't for the body of Christ constantly pleading for us, she wouldn't have had some of the kindest, most empathetic nurses and doctors to help ease some of the pain bc of their each taking time to listen, hug her and just being there. I thank God so much for providing that comfort. In saying that, go get your loved one(s). There are so many people wondering if anyone will get to them. Just go. Gods bigger than big.
On Sunday, Jessica reported how the sisters had faced the pain of waking up without their parents or son/nephew.
We all woke up today after sleeping somewhat restfully for the first time in 2 days. I think just getting my sister with us gave us a momentary peace that enabled us to recharge to confront another day. Waking up for the first time was hard and i know will get easier over time. The emotional roller coaster was rough. But we laughed a few times bc my mother-in-law is a God-send and we cant help but chuckle at how she says things sometimes, giving us small reprieves b/w the sorrow and heartache. Every time one of us or all of us felt like we would go under, we were reminded of where our parents and Micah are and who they're praising eternally. We will not mourn where they are and for being with the King we all long to see one day. We are reminded it us we are mourning for.
The bodies have not yet been found.
The death toll across the Southeast continues to rise (120 as of Monday afternoon), with 35 deaths reported around Asheville alone:
Jessica said:
The coming days will be difficult for Heather and me (and Megan if she thinks she can) as we deal and cope with the earthly duties ahead of us. I don't know if we will find them. Once the water recedes, i pray we keep our focus on the Lord as we confront the grim realities ahead. They are not here. They have glorified bodies and their spirits couldn't be more joyful. So i praise my Lord! Again and again! He is working through the worst unimaginable tragedy to bring the body of Christ together. I continually keep [envisioning] this circle chain of hands surrounding us that keeps expanding. And all I hear getting louder is the name of Jesus. Thank you all so much. Don't stop praying, please. I will continue to update our journey, mainly for my sisters and me but also for those of you that have been with us that have become so much closer than I could've ever imagined strangers could be. We truly are the body of Christ.
What a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness in the midst of unimaginable suffering.
Please keep this family, and others who are suffering as a result of the hurricane, in your prayers in the days and weeks to come.
Here is the link to a GoFundMe benefitting Megan and her family 👇
Another GoFundMe organized by a cousin, Blakely Lizotte, can be found here 👇
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
