Aiken County has now reported 10 deaths linked to Hurricane Helene, according to the coroner.
Among these fatalities, three were caused by respiratory issues and two by cardiac problems. Four others were caused by fallen trees and one from a house fire by a woman using a candle for light.
The most recent victims include 86-year-old Paul Linn, who died on Wednesday due to respiratory complications at his home on Broughton Drive in Aiken. Also on Wednesday, 81-year-old Wayne Dawes passed away from cardiac issues on Fairway Drive in New Ellenton. The following day, 80-year-old Douglas Buck succumbed to cardiac reasons at a residence on Pine Log Road in Aiken.
Coroner Darryl Ables explained that the respiratory deaths were largely due to compromised oxygen machines resulting from power outages. In addition to Linn, 75-year-old David Welch from North Augusta and 66-year-old Rhonda Gabriel also died from similar respiratory complications after their oxygen machines failed.
The cardiac deaths were reportedly unrelated and occurred while two elderly men were cleaning up yard debris caused by the hurricane.
The coroner had already attributed seven deaths to the hurricane, including four people killed by fallen trees and an elderly Gloverville woman killed in a house fire likely caused by the use of a candle.
Note: If you have a photo of Paul Linn, Wayne Dawes or the other victims to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.
From the coroner:
