As NC clean-up continues, third death attributed to Hurricane Dorian

By Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Hatteras, N.C. — On a day when Gov. Roy Cooper paid visits to coastal communities cleaning up after Hurricane Dorian, the State Medical Examiner’s Office linked a third death to the storm.

The 54-year-old man died Saturday while attempting to use a chainsaw to remove a tree in New Hanover County. The previous two storm-related deaths included a Pamlico County man who collapsed Friday and a Columbus County man who fell from a ladder while preparing his home for the storm on Sept. 2.

Cooper and North Carolina Emergency Management have asked for help from from FEMA in assessing the damage left behind.

“State agencies and our partners will continue to deliver supplies and aid until our coast has recovered from Hurricane Dorian. The sad news of an additional confirmed fatality is a reminder that though the storm has moved away, we are still experiencing the dangers from the damage,” Cooper said.

At the Frisco Volunteer Fire Department on Hatteras Island, a flood of bottled water and cleaning supplies have piled up, ready for distribution to those who need them.

“We had tons of volunteers at home that wanted to look out for our neighbors, and that’s why we’re bringing it here,” said Kill Devil Hills commissioner Terry Gray. His community donated truck loads of water, cleaning and hygiene supplies.

Kenny Brite was mopping up Monday after 10 inches of rain flooded his ground floor.

“We’ve been spraying bleach the last two days to avoid any mold accumulation and just hosing it out with fresh water,” he said.

In Avon, Buxton and Hatteras Village, flood-stained furniture and other throwaways form mounds along Highway 12, where some parts remain under sand and salt.

At Cape Hatteras High School (the mascot is the Hurricanes) flooding and strong winds pummeled the building, heavily damaging the roof.  Local officials say it could be 10 days before it reopens to students.

The Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other goodwill groups are also on the island, positioned to help on that road to recovery.