A quiet evening for the Taylors turned tragic as Hurricane Helene swept through their home. Among the lives lost were their two young children, Harmony, 7, and Derrick, 4. On September 26, 2024, Crystal Taylor, 34, and her daughter Cassidy, 11, were watching TV, while her husband Herbert, 39, slept with the other children. Though aware of the approaching storm, they didn’t anticipate its severity.

At 4 a.m., Crystal reassured her mother that they were safe, but moments later, a massive oak tree fell on the house, igniting an electrical fire. Herbert screamed, “My babies,” while Crystal and Cassidy sought help from a neighbor. Cassidy called 911, but rescue efforts were delayed by the fallen tree. Five hours later, the children were found, presumed to have died instantly.

The Taylors’ community has rallied in support, raising over $45,000 through a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs and relocation. “Thank you for your prayers and support,” Herbert shared on Facebook. The storm has claimed at least 135 lives across the Southeastern U.S., leaving many families, like the Taylors, grappling with heartbreaking loss.