Rita Odafe
Tragically, two young siblings in Georgia lost their lives when an oak tree fell onto their home during Hurricane Helene.
In a heartfelt conversation with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, their parents, Crystal and Herbert Taylor from Sandersville, reminisced about their beloved children, Harmony, 7, and Derrick, 4, who shared a strong bond.
“They were inseparable,” shared Herbert, 39, while Crystal, 34, added, “They were destined for each other.”
On the night of September 26, as Hurricane Helene impacted Florida as a Category storm, the family was gathered at home with their 11-year-old daughter, Cassidy.
Crystal stated that around 4:00 a.m., her mother awakened her to check on the stability of their trees.
As the winds intensified, Herbert went outside for a moment and was returning to the bedroom where Harmony and Derrick slept when a large oak tree crashed through the roof and onto their bed.
Overwhelmed with fear, Herbert cried out, “My babies!”
The family recalled that Crystal and Cassidy rushed to a neighbor’s house to call 911 after the tree’s impact, which also started a fire.
Emergency teams arrived swiftly and managed to extinguish the flames, but struggled to move the heavy tree to access Harmony and Derrick, the report indicated.
“I can’t reach my babies!” Crystal recalled shouting in despair.
After more than five hours, rescuers succeeded in clearing the tree and recovered the children’s bodies, according to the report.
The funeral for Harmony and Derrick is planned for Sunday, October 6, at Union Hill Baptist Church in Tennille, Georgia.
In touching statements included in their obituaries, the family reflected on the happiness shared during Harmony and Derrick’s “short time on earth.”
“We are grateful for the joy we experienced together,” read the note. “Though your angels came for [them] far too early, we will endure the sorrow and seek understanding.”
