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More than 100 days after Helene, state releases its long-awaited list of storm deaths, but Watchdog finds inconsistencies • Asheville Watchdog

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avlwatchdog.org – SALLY KESTIN – 2025-01-07 10:00:00

The state health agency finally released a list of storm-related fatalities this week, more than three months after Tropical Storm Helene, but it includes a woman who died of breast cancer and other inconsistencies that conflict with the agency’s own records.

For months, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services denied public records requests from Asheville Watchdog and other media outlets for information about the deceased. Death certificates, autopsy reports and related documents are public records in North Carolina, but agency spokesmen said they were waiting until the death investigations were complete.

On Monday, the DHHS sent a list to the media. But it contained names only – no ages, circumstances or causes of death, or even a county where each person lived or died.

And the numbers did not initially match up with the agency’s own web page for storm-related fatalities, a source DHHS has consistently cited as the official record-keeper of Helene victims.

The department did not respond by deadline to questions about the list or the apparent discrepancies.

The list released Monday contains 104 names, but the agency’s storm fatality web page has said for weeks that 103 people died statewide. After The Watchdog asked about the difference, the state changed the web page to 104 total deaths.

The web page also says 43 people died in Buncombe, but as The Watchdog documented in its series, The Lives We Lost, just 41 death certificates citing Helene as a cause have been filed in the county.

Those 41 people are on the state’s list, along with one other woman from Buncombe. 

That woman died at a nursing home on Sept. 27, the day of the storm, but the cause of death was metastatic breast cancer with no mention of Helene, according to her death certificate. It describes the manner of death as “natural.” The Watchdog is not identifying the woman because her family could not be reached.

DHHS did not respond to a question about why her name was on the list.

The Watchdog has provided the only full accounting of the deaths in Buncombe, which suffered the most fatalities of any county. Reporters identified the deceased by combing through more than 850 death certificates, opening each PDF one at a time, to find those attributed to the storm and tracking down relatives and friends.

Lives We Lost profiled each of the 41 people for whom death certificates have been filed in Buncombe. You can read the 10-part series here.


Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Email skestin@avlwatchdog.org. The Watchdog’s reporting is made possible by donations from the community. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/support-our-publication/.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Family, friends hold candlelight vigil in honor of Giovanni Pelletier

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www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-14 13:47:52


SUMMARY: Family and friends held a candlelight vigil in Apex to honor Giovanni Pelletier, a Fuquay Varina High School graduate whose body was found last month in a Florida retention pond. Giovanni went missing while visiting family, after reportedly acting erratically and leaving his cousins’ car. Loved ones remembered his infectious smile, laughter, and loyal friendship, expressing how deeply he impacted their lives. His mother shared the family’s ongoing grief and search for answers as authorities continue investigating his death. Despite the sadness, the community’s support has provided comfort. A celebration of life mass is planned in Apex to further commemorate Giovanni’s memory.

“It’s good to know how loved someone is in their community.”

More: https://abc11.com/post/giovanni-pelletier-family-friends-hold-candlelight-vigil-honor-wake-teen-found-dead-florida/17811995/
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NC Courage wins 2-1 against Angel City FC

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www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-13 22:43:31


SUMMARY: The North Carolina Courage defeated Angel City FC 2-1 in Cary, ending their unbeaten streak. Monaca scored early at the 6th minute, followed by Bull City native Brianna Pinto’s goal at the 18th minute, securing a 2-0 halftime lead. Angel City intensified in the second half, scoring in the 88th minute, but the Courage held firm defensively to claim victory. Pinto expressed pride in the win, emphasizing the team’s unity and playoff ambitions. Nearly 8,000 fans attended. Coverage continues tonight at 11, alongside college football updates, including the Tar Heels vs. Richmond game live from Chapel Hill.

Saturday’s win was crucial for the Courage as the regular season starts to wind down.

https://abc11.com/post/north-carolina-courage-wins-2-1-angel-city-fc/17810234/
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Is nail gel actually harmful? It's complicated

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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-09-12 23:25:29


SUMMARY: Gel nail polishes were recently banned in the EU due to the chemical TPO, which helps the gel harden under UV light. Concerns stem from studies showing potential reproductive risks in rats fed TPO, but humans aren’t exposed this way. The margin of exposure calculated for TPO is very high (1,515), suggesting it’s safe for people. More significant risks come from UV light used to cure nails, which may contribute to skin cancer over time. To stay safe, consider applying sunscreen before your salon visit and discuss toxin-free polish options with your aesthetician. Ultimately, balanced caution is key.

Certain gel nail polishes are no longer widespread in Europe as a chemical was banned due to potential health risks with long-term exposure. But a closer look at the study prompts some questions.

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