Deputy Didn't Return from Lunch After Hurricane Helene. His Body Was Found in River the Next Day

Jim Lau, who worked as a Macon County courthouse security officer, is one of two North Carolina officers who have died in the wake of Hurricane Helene

Two deputies have died in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene caused “significant flooding and hazardous conditions” in the western portion of the state, including a courthouse security officer whose body found found after he failed to return to work from lunch.

The North Carolina Sheriffs' Association announced Sunday, Sept. 29, that two deputies “were tragically killed in raging flood waters” triggered by Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday, Sept. 26.

One deputy worked for Macon County and the other worked for Madison County, according to the statement shared on Facebook.

“We ask that you keep the families, friends, and colleagues of these deputies as well as the entirety of Western North Carolina in your thoughts and prayers during this unfathomable and difficult time,” the state sheriffs' association said.

Jim Lau, a courthouse security officer, was identified as one of the victims, according to a separate statement from the Macon County Sheriff's Office.

"This is one of the most difficult releases we have ever had to make," read a statement shared on social media.

"On September 27 at 11:30 A.M., a 911 call came in about truck in the river on Fulton road, with witnesses saying they they saw someone in truck before it went underwater," they wrote. "It was soon realized that one of our courthouse security officers, Jim Lau, hadn’t returned to work from lunch and his truck matched description of the truck that was seen in the river."

After a search, his body was found in a river early on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Jim was very liked and respected within our department,” the sheriff’s office said. “He was known to be a hard worker, dependable, and he jumped in wherever help was needed. His absence will truly be felt in our agency.”

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has not released information about the second deputy’s death.

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Officials said more than 100 people have died after Helene slammed into southeastern portions of the United States on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Buncombe County, located near both Macon and Madison Counties, is one of the areas hit hardest by Helene, with at least 35 people death and an estimated 600 people missing, per multiple reports.

Related: 4-Year-Old Girl and a Firefighter Among Hurricane Helene Victims Identified, as Death Toll Continues to Rise

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper expects the death toll to continue to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue in the state and across the south in the days following Helene, according to the Associated Press.

President Joe Biden has approved funds for disaster relief for 25 counties in North Carolina — including Macon, Madison and Buncombe — as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, according to a press release from Cooper.

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