Search teams in eastern Tennessee have located the remains of a man who vanished during Hurricane Helene more than seven months ago.
Steven Cloyd, 60, disappeared while trying to escape intense flooding in Washington County. Authorities found his remains along Highway 107 near the Nolichucky River during a riverbank cleanup. Crews clearing debris discovered the body on Thursday. By Saturday, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office identified the remains as Cloyd.
The discovery marked the end of a long and emotional search. The sheriff’s office confirmed the man found in hurricane floodwaters had no signs of foul play. Officials believe he died due to extreme flooding.
Public Information Officer Susan Saylor explained that Cloyd had been missing for 217 days. Cleanup workers located his body about two miles from where his Jeep was last seen. The Jeep had become disabled during the storm. Cloyd had taken shelter inside with his dog, Orion.
His wife, Keli Cloyd, had shared heartbreaking updates after the storm. She revealed that Steven had been texting her as waters rose. His final message came at 2:29 p.m., just before his phone lost power.
“He kept texting, ‘here we go again,’” Keli wrote on Facebook, describing the Jeep being swept away. Rescuers found Orion, their dog, on the day Steven went missing. However, locating the man found in hurricane floodwaters took many months.
The family released a statement expressing comfort and peace now that Steven has been found. “We know where Steve is,” they wrote, “surrounded by loved ones and finally at peace.”
Keli also thanked the crew who found him and stayed with his remains. “We know it wasn’t easy,” she said. “You carried him with care, and we are forever grateful.”
Hurricane Helene brought devastating floods to the area. According to Saylor, floodwaters rushed faster than Niagara Falls. Three lives were lost in Washington County alone. Yet the search for the man found in hurricane floodwaters became a symbol of persistence and community support.
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