Adam Copeland, Beth Phoenix & family safe following Hurricane Helene
Beth Phoenix posted a message to Instagram on Wednesday stating that she, Adam Copeland, and their family are all safe following Hurricane Helene.
The couple live in Asheville, North Carolina, which was hit hard by the storm. Phoenix says they were unable to contact anyone for several days and were without power, cell phone service, or water.
Phoenix also shared that her 8-year-old Ruby developed a skin infection and had an inspiring trip to the ER last Friday that included sharing a ride with several nurses.
She wrote on Instagram:
“Copeland Update:
The Copeland Family is safe and gathered together. Thank you to all that have reached out!! After several days of no cell phones, no power, no water, limited gas and travel, we are finally getting our feet back on the ground. We have been blessed to be unharmed and have minimal damage to our home and our loved ones’ homes after the catastrophic Hurricane Helene. Because we have had limited access to the internet or media, this is the first time I have been able to observe all of the horrifying footage of our beloved Asheville and affected areas through the lens of others. To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement. While we all grieve, process, and rebuild as a community, I wanted to share a story of an experience we had.”
“Last Friday my 8-year-old Ruby began showing symptoms of a spreading skin infection. Despite doing what I could to treat her at home, by Sunday it was evident she needed to see a doctor. With no phone, no power…no urgent care… I made the decision to drive to the ER. My drive took me through Biltmore Village which I was stunned to see had been totally washed away and guarded by police blockade along with several people in scrubs. I pulled up and begged the officer if he knew of another route to the ER? Or if the ER was even there anymore? The kind officer rerouted me and asked me if I could take these CNAs and Nurses with me.”
“We gratefully welcomed our passengers and headed to the ER. During the ride, they filled me in on what they had seen the last 3 days… I was astounded to learn that they have been living at the hospital to meet the need of low staff and immense need. Stories of surgeries and life-saving rescues done with no power… leaving their families to come and do their best to save ours. Selflessly stepping up during a historic tragedy, to demonstrate the best of humanity. All the while, Ruby sat silently in the backseat absorbing all of this.”
“After a scary drive through the wreckage of downtown and the river arts district, we made it to the hospital. Ruby was eventually seen and we were able to get compassionate care. While at the hospital I was able to get WiFi. Ruby asked to use my phone and sent her Dad this text:
Phoenix’s post continues:
“Thank you to all of our essential workers, medical (of which my sister-in-law @shenanrice2015 is one), law enforcement, fire, Duke Energy, our water department, and all those pouring their hearts into our community in this time of need. I have no words for the gratitude I feel in my heart for what you are doing. #828Strong”
“So glad you guys are all safe!!” Renee Paquette responded to her post.
“So happy you guys are safe. You’ve been on my mind and in my heart. Ruby really put things in perspective,” wrote Natalya.
FTR’s Cash Wheeler also lives in the area. He has been sharing a GoFundMe for relief efforts. Tony Khan, Chris Jericho, and Nick Jackson have all donated to the campaign. Just under $57 thousand has been raised as of Wednesday.
An update was posted to the GoFundMe recently that reads:
*Update* We are so blown away by the generosity of everyone who has contributed, we continue to increase the goal. What originally was a hope to help deliver supplies has grown into a substantial relief initiative. We are so thankful and plan to distribute funds to as many outlets as we can. If you have any suggestions of local shelters, businesses or animal rescues, please leave on the comment board.”
As of this writing, 167 people are confirmed dead due to Hurricane Helene, with another 685 missing. It is already the deadliest storm in the United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.