Ben Napier Heartbroken by Hurricane Helene Devastation as He Reveals Personal Connection to Worst-Hit Region

Mar. 15, 2025

Ben Napier (left) and some of the flood damage in North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene (right).Photo:Sara Kauss/FilmMagic; Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Sara Kauss/FilmMagic; Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Ben Napieris reflecting on the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in a region close to his heart.

“Growing up, the Smokies of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee were heaven for my brothers and me. The first vacation I can remember was to this part of our great country. I went to church camp at@lakejunaluskaevery summer, and continued as a youth minister,” he writes in the caption.

Ben continues, “This place is a part of mine and@erinapier’s love story."

He also includes a note that he’s sharing links to relief efforts in hisInstagram Stories, which include organizations likeManna Food Bank,Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, andMountain Projects, among others.

Ben Napier’s old photos from his trips to the Great Smoky Mountains.Ben Napier/Instagram

Ben Napier/Instagram

Helene first hit Florida as a category 4 hurricane on Thursday, Sept. 26 before creating a path of destruction through five more states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. As of Monday, September 30, there have been over 100 confirmed fatalities,CNNandNBC Newsreport.

North Carolina has seen the worst number of fatalities with a death toll of 42, which could rise as rescue crews continue searching the area. Communities in Western North Carolina have especially been hit with severe flooding, as a number of areas are covered in several feet of water.

At least 2 million people in the affected areas are without power as a result of the storm, according to NBC News.

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Damage from flooding in North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene.Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Regardingways to helpwith Hurricane Helene relief efforts, theWeather Channelsuggests financial donations are the best way to support the affected communities.

“While donations of clothing, food and bottled water inevitably rush in, aid organizations say they can create logistical nightmares,” the outlet reported. “A financial contribution to a reputable organization, on the other hand, can be funneled to wherever and whatever need is greatest.”

Trustworthy organizations include theRed Cross,Florida Disaster Fundand theSalvation Army.

source: people.com