Helicopter Pilot Undertakes Rescue Missions in Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Gary Heavin was able to rescue a heart patient in need of medical care, and her dog, by landing in her backyard.

Gary Heavin donates his time and effort to rescue operations in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Courtesy of Gary Heavin

On his first rescue mission as a helicopter pilot bringing supplies and transporting people out of the destruction left by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, Gary Heavin was sent to rescue a woman and her two children. Upon arrival, he discovered they had already drowned; their bodies had just been discovered. 

In response to Heavin’s question about their age, a local fire department official said he didn’t know, but in the mother’s automobile were two children’s car seats.