As Hurricane Helene lashed through Beech Island, South Carolina, with fierce winds and snapping branches, 22-year-old John Savage was concerned for his grandparents' safety. Checking on Marcia, 74, and Jerry Savage, 78, he found them and their dog safe in their bedroom. However, shortly after, a terrifying "boom" echoed through the house — the sound of a massive tree crashing onto the bedroom, tragically killing John’s grandparents.

"The ceiling and tree were all you could see," John recounted, describing the overwhelming panic he felt. His grandparents were discovered in each other’s embrace, demonstrating their close bond even in their final moments. The family believes their peaceful passing together was part of a divine plan, sparing either from suffering alone. John recounted how Jerry, upon hearing the tree snap, attempted to shield Marcia in a final act of love.

The Savages are among over 150 fatalities from one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history. Many, like them, perished under falling trees. The victims also included two South Carolina firefighters, who were killed when a tree toppled onto their truck. Hurricane Helene ravaged communities, causing floods, mudslides, and extensive communication outages across multiple states.

Jerry was a skilled handyman, working primarily as an electrician and a carpenter, often coming out of retirement out of boredom. Marcia, a retired bank teller, was deeply involved in her church and known for her striking singing voice, particularly favoring gospel music. She was also celebrated for her cooking, especially her Thanksgiving turkey and banana pudding, which the family cherished.

Condolences on social media described the couple as generous, kind, and humble. John and his father had been living with Marcia and Jerry for several years, and Katherine Savage, their 27-year-old granddaughter, fondly remembered growing up in a trailer behind their grandparents' home. Despite enduring storms before, they had never experienced such devastating loss.

A GoFundMe has been started to cover the funeral expenses for the couple, who are survived by their son, daughter, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Katherine shared that her grandparents, particularly Marcia, were a constant presence in her and her three sons' lives, helping out whenever possible.

High school sweethearts, married for over 50 years, Marcia and Jerry's love was described as immediate and everlasting. "They loved each other to their dying day," John Savage said, capturing the essence of their enduring bond.