Fact Check:

Hurricane Helene has been deemed the deadliest storm to impact the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The massive hurricane caused severe flooding and death in many small towns, including Marshall, North Carolina.

A post made on X claims that one man pulled 1,200 bodies out of a river in Marshall, NC following Hurricane Helene. The caption reads, “One man pulled 1200 bodies out of the river in Marshall and bagged them himself. Thankfully communities and neighbors banding together. -People keeping an eye on strangers scoping the area. -Looting in Asheville is real. Knives and guns pulled on eachother and it’s only day 6.”

The claim is false. No reputable sources have reported on this claim. As of October 3rd, 2024, there have been 200 confirmed deaths. (RELATED: No, This Image Does Not Show Dogs Leading Cattle To Safety After Flooding From Hurricane Helene). 

The United States Census Bureau 2020 decennial census shows that Marshall had a population of 777. North Carolina Demographics by Cubit reported that Marshall had a population of 807 in 2023 and has a projected population of 815 for 2024.

One X user responded to the post with a comment that reads, “LIES! If he started bagging at 8am last Saturday and bagged 24 hours a day NONSTOP until your post he would need to get a body out of the river and bag the person in under 5 min. Also where did he get 1200 bags! You’re EVIL!”

Check Your Fact has reached out to The Town of Marshall for comment.