In a heartbreaking conclusion to a month-long search, the body of Rosa Andrade, a 29-year-old mother of two and employee at Impact Plastics, was found amidst the remnants of Helene’s devastating flooding in Unicoi County, Tennessee. Andrade, the last missing employee from the Impact Plastics plant, had been swept away by the floodwaters on September 27, 2024, when the Nolichucky River overflowed following heavy rains brought by the remnants of Tropical Storm Helene. Her body was discovered on Wednesday, October 30, in a debris pile along Interstate 26 in Erwin, marking the tragic end of a massive search effort that had spanned over 30 days.
The Devastation of Helene: Unprecedented Flooding in Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina
Tropical Storm Helene left a catastrophic impact across Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina. As the storm passed through the area, it brought with it torrential rains that transformed quiet rivers and streams into dangerous torrents. The Nolichucky River, which runs near the Impact Plastics factory where Rosa Andrade and her coworkers were employed, quickly exceeded its banks. Within hours, the swelling river unleashed a flash flood that overwhelmed the surrounding area, inundating roads, buildings, and bridges, and leading to multiple fatalities and extensive property damage.
Unicoi County officials had issued a flood warning, but the intensity and speed of the rising waters left little time for residents and businesses in the affected areas to evacuate. The flood swept away vehicles, destroyed homes, and submerged parts of the Impact Plastics facility, which had been situated precariously close to the river. The flooding in Tennessee was mirrored by similar destruction in Western North Carolina, where communities are still grappling with the aftermath and numerous residents remain missing.
Rosa Andrade: A Beloved Employee, Wife, and Mother
Rosa Andrade’s disappearance on the evening of September 27 sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community in Erwin, Tennessee. Described as a dedicated worker, Andrade had been employed at Impact Plastics for several years, balancing her job with her roles as a wife to Francisco Javier Guerrero and a loving mother to their two young children. According to her husband, Guerrero, Rosa’s last words were a loving farewell as she prepared to face her shift in the factory.
“She said goodbye to me and told me to take care of the kids,” Guerrero shared, his voice filled with sorrow. As the floodwaters rose and the factory became engulfed, it became clear that Andrade and several others were trapped within the facility, unable to escape the relentless torrent. Francisco, along with other family members and community members, held out hope for over a month, praying for a miracle and a sign of her whereabouts.
The Search Effort: A Community and Rescue Teams United
The discovery of Andrade’s body comes after an exhaustive and often grueling search led by William Edwards, Chief of the Unicoi County Search and Rescue team. In the immediate aftermath of the flood, search and rescue teams were mobilized across the region, utilizing everything from helicopters and boats to on-foot search parties in a bid to locate the missing employees. Edwards detailed the challenges that rescuers faced in their pursuit to find Andrade and the other missing individuals.
“Flood debris was scattered everywhere, and in some places, it piled up as high as 30 feet,” Edwards explained. “We had to comb through these debris fields meticulously. Every day, teams cleared paths, moved through unstable areas, and used cadaver dogs to search for any sign of life or recovery.” Despite the immense physical toll of these efforts, search and rescue teams remained determined to provide answers for the families who clung to hope in the face of uncertainty.
The search was compounded by the complex terrain around the Impact Plastics factory, where vast expanses of land had become littered with debris, uprooted trees, and remnants of buildings carried by the violent current. As days turned into weeks, the community grappled with the emotional weight of knowing that Andrade’s body might still be somewhere within the massive debris fields, hidden under the layers of wreckage.
The Discovery: Finding Closure Amidst Heartache
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a glimmer of closure arrived when a work crew clearing debris along Interstate 26 spotted what appeared to be human remains in a large pile. They immediately stopped work and contacted authorities, fearing the remains might belong to one of the missing individuals. Edwards and his team were called to the scene, and after a series of procedures, they confirmed that the body was that of Rosa Andrade.
“This moment was filled with both relief and profound sadness,” Edwards said. “We had been searching for Rosa, hoping to bring her home to her family. This recovery allows her loved ones to find some sense of closure after weeks of waiting and worrying.”
The confirmation of Andrade’s identity provided an opportunity for her family, especially her husband and children, to finally mourn her loss in peace. As Guerrero and their family processed the news, they expressed gratitude to the search and rescue teams, neighbors, and strangers who had tirelessly supported them throughout the ordeal.
Community Mourning: Remembering Rosa and Supporting the Family
In the days following the recovery, friends, family, and community members gathered to honor Rosa Andrade’s memory. Vigils and memorial services have been planned, with community leaders organizing fundraisers to support Guerrero and Andrade’s children. Neighbors and friends shared memories of Rosa, describing her as a compassionate, hard-working individual who always put her family first.
“She was a loving mother and a wonderful friend,” said Maria Torres, a neighbor and friend of Andrade’s. “Rosa was always there to lend a helping hand and had a smile that could brighten anyone’s day. This loss has shaken our entire community.”
Local churches and organizations have come forward to provide resources, emotional support, and counseling for those affected by the disaster. Plans are underway to create a scholarship fund in Rosa’s name to honor her dedication to her family and her work ethic.
Impact Plastics: Assessing Safety and Supporting Affected Families
In response to the tragedy, Impact Plastics has initiated an internal review of safety protocols, particularly in terms of disaster preparedness and emergency response procedures. The factory’s location near the Nolichucky River had been a critical factor in the disaster’s impact, and the company is examining measures to ensure the safety of its employees in future emergencies.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our team members and extend our deepest condolences to their families,” a representative from Impact Plastics stated. “We are committed to supporting the affected families and will continue to work with local authorities to improve safety protocols and assist the community as it heals from this tragedy.”
The company has also established a fund to aid the families of the employees who perished in the flood, with plans to provide ongoing support through partnerships with local agencies and organizations.
Continuing the Search: A Larger Disaster with Lingering Effects
While the search for missing individuals in Unicoi County has concluded with Rosa Andrade’s recovery, efforts are still underway in nearby Western North Carolina, where additional individuals remain unaccounted for following the devastation wrought by Helene. Search teams from multiple agencies have continued their work across the region, navigating hazardous conditions to locate those who remain missing.
Authorities urge residents to remain cautious and alert, especially when traveling through flood-prone areas. “It’s a harsh reality that natural disasters like these can have long-lasting impacts,” Edwards said. “We have a duty to continue these search efforts as long as there are people unaccounted for and families hoping for answers.”
Looking Ahead: A Community Rebuilding Together
The tragic events stemming from Tropical Storm Helene have profoundly affected Unicoi County and surrounding areas. In response to the tragedy, local leaders are working to bolster emergency preparedness measures and improve flood response protocols. Plans for community resilience initiatives, such as emergency response training and infrastructure improvements, are being discussed to prevent such a disaster from recurring.
As Unicoi County and its residents rebuild, Rosa Andrade’s memory stands as a solemn reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. The community has come together in an outpouring of love, support, and resolve, proving that even in the darkest moments, compassion and strength can prevail.
