According to recent reports, several of the “Mountain Mules,” who famously assisted rescue and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, have tragically passed away. As roads became impassable due to the destruction of Hurricane Helene, the mules were utilized to traverse the mountainous landscape and deliver critical supplies.
Former Nuclear Scientist for the US Dept of Energy Matt Van Swol broke the news on X, writing, “I have some sad news. This morning, three of the Mountain Mules, who became famous for carrying supplies through the mountain passes of Western North Carolina to Hurricane Helene victims, have tragically passed away. Rest in Peace: Vader, Amigo, and Kev 💔”
Swol reported that a tree fell on a fence holding the mules, who escaped to a road where they were struck. A statement from the Mountain Mule Packers read, “We could not be more heartbroken over this incredible loss, and it is with great pain that we share it with you, as we know many of you have also fallen in love with these sweet animals.”
It continued, “We will forever honor them for their faithful, loyal, and honorable service to others as they were used in training of some of the finest military members our country has, and especially the countless hours of work they have done to help so many families affected by Hurricane Helene. Besides their service, they were more importantly a part of our family, and loved.”
The group concluded, asking for prayers as they endured the heartbreaking loss of their pack mules. “Please pray for us at Mountain Mule Packers and Mission Mules as we cope with this terrible loss while continuing to go forward in their honor. We know that God can comfort us and show us the way going forward,” the Mountain Mule Packers said.
Shortly after stepping back into office, President Donald Trump visited Western North Carolina as communities in the region are still struggling to piece their lives back together after losing everything in Hurricane Helene last year. Trump has vowed to help the region as many complain the federal government has done little to help their cause. The president has noted in recent statements that good Samaritans from around the nation have done more to help North Carolina than the federal government.
The Tribune reported on comments from Derek Roberts, the Mayor of Newland, a small town of just over 700 residents, criticizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) citing his daughter’s experience with the agency after losing her house. Roberts claimed his daughter barely received any aid whatsoever after the disaster.
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Watch Mayor Derek Roberts speak about his daughter’s predicament below:
“My daughter, whose house got completely wiped out – she has no flood insurance – meets with a FEMA person, applies for everything, doesn’t get the $750 that Kamala says she’s supposed to get. Gets approved for $300 for personal items. What is that gonna do?” Roberts said. “Her entire first floor is literally wiped out,” the mayor added. “Everything hauled everything off. So where is FEMA?”
Watch footage of the Mountain Mules below, stepping into deliver necessary resources to impacted residents of North Carolina:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.