Asheville police seek owners of sentimental family photos recovered in Helene debris

North Carolina’s Asheville Police Department is trying to find the owners of dozens of family photos that were found by first responders who sifted through the rubble from Hurricane Helene.

“Amid the debris and devastation wrought by the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers, APD officers found and saved dozens of family photographs that survived the storm,” the department said in a Thursday post to Facebook.

“Though the water was strong enough to demolish buildings, uproot trees, and bend and tear steel, it could not wash away the memories contained within these photos. The Asheville Police Department would therefore like to see them returned to their rightful owners.”

The post included over 80 photos that spanned decades.

They range the gamut from damaged and pointless to severely sentimental – Christmas mornings, weddings, vacations, school picture day photos, little kids playing with their infant siblings.

Many people responded to the post gratefully claiming their prized pics.

“Thank you! Asheville Police Department,” wrote Dallas Moss, “A few of these photos are of me and my brother. My brother died several years ago. These photos mean the world to me and my family!”

Others celebrated the department for keeping the flame of hope lit after the storm.

“Wow! These families will cherish these photos even more. Thank you for all you are doing,” wrote Mary Ann Ramirez.

Tiffany Dobosh Hewitt wrote, “What an amazing thing you are doing. May they find their way home. God bless!”

The gallery of photos was “absolutely heartbreaking” for user Michelle Henhoeffer.

Hurricane Helene’s death toll in North Carolina has risen to 95, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. 

Asheville’s Buncombe County suffered the most deaths across the state – with 42 people confirmed dead.

Vice President Kamala Harris visited the beleaguered city earlier this month.

Former President Trump will head to Asheville on Monday to deliver remarks and tour damage, according to The Hill.