Hurricane Helene has claimed over 230 lives across six states, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Among those tragically lost are Khyzier and Khazmir Williams, five-week-old twin boys from Thomson, Georgia, who are believed to be the youngest victims of this catastrophic storm. The twins died alongside their mother, Kobe Williams, when a tree crashed through their mobile home during the storm.
Heartbreaking Loss in Georgia
Kobe Williams, the twins’ mother, and her family didn’t anticipate the storm would be as severe as it turned out to be. “Nobody was taking the storm seriously,” said Mary Jones, Williams’ mother and the twins’ grandmother, in an interview with Today.com. “Then it started, and the wind was so loud. When the lights went off, Kobe got really scared. She was worried about the babies.”
Throughout the night, the family stayed awake as Hurricane Helene tore through their neighborhood. At around 5:15 a.m., Jones fed baby Khyzier so her daughter could get some rest, but the storm kept everyone on edge. Kobe remained awake, too frightened to sleep.
Less than an hour later, a strange noise awoke Jones. She described hearing a “shushing sound” followed by complete silence. When she went to check on her daughter and grandsons, she discovered the heartbreaking scene— a massive tree had fallen through the roof and into her daughter’s bedroom.
A Tragic Scene
“I started screaming, ‘Kobe! Answer me! Please answer me!’” Jones said, recalling the horrifying moment. As she searched through the darkness, all she could see were branches and debris. Neighbors rushed over to help, but the wreckage was too thick to reach the family.
When emergency responders arrived, they confirmed the worst. Kobe Williams had been holding her babies in her arms when the tree struck, in a desperate attempt to protect them. None of them survived.
“I asked, are they alive? And (one officer) said, ‘It’s bad, don’t go in there,’” Jones recounted. “And I just lost it. I lost it.”
The tragic deaths of Khyzier and Khazmir have left their family and the local community in mourning. Kobe Williams’ niece, Markeya Jones, shared the devastating image of her aunt trying to shield her babies during their final moments.
Hurricane Helene: The Deadliest Since Katrina
Hurricane Helene has become the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm has caused widespread destruction across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Alabama. As communities begin to clean up the devastation, hundreds of people remain missing.
Amidst this tragedy, another storm looms on the horizon. Hurricane Milton is currently barreling toward the Tampa Bay Area, threatening to bring further destruction to a region already devastated by Hurricane Helene.
A Nation in Mourning
The loss of life and devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene has been felt across the nation. Families like the Williams family are left grappling with the unimaginable grief of losing their loved ones in such a sudden and violent manner.
“I have no words for the amount of devastation left behind from Hurricane Helene,” one resident shared. “It breaks my heart that so many people’s families and livelihoods were destroyed in a matter of moments.”
As recovery efforts continue, many are turning to prayers and community support for comfort in this time of overwhelming loss. The story of Khyzier and Khazmir Williams serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be in the face of such powerful natural disasters.
Please keep all those affected by Hurricane Helene in your thoughts and prayers as they begin the long road to recovery.
Trevor Hughes-USA TODAY
As the southeastern United States braces for the impact of Hurricane Milton, the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene still weighs heavily on the hearts of many. For the family of Kobe, Khyzier, and Khazmir Williams, their loss is unimaginable, a symbol of the storm’s terrible reach.
In the face of such tragedy, the resilience and support shown by communities is vital as they begin to rebuild their lives.
