Monica Butner Obituary, Death – Tragic Loss During Tropical Storm Chantal

The Orange County community is in mourning after a tragic incident during Tropical Storm Chantal claimed the life of 58-year-old Monica Butner from Person County. Butner was reported missing late Sunday night after her vehicle became trapped in floodwaters on Wilkerson Road, and despite an extensive search effort, her body was found roughly 120 yards from her vehicle on Monday afternoon .

Background Information
Butner was driving to work during the severe weather brought by Tropical Storm Chantal when her vehicle became trapped in floodwaters. She placed a 911 call at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, informing the dispatcher that her vehicle was stuck, but the call ended abruptly, and no further contact was made with her .

Search Efforts
The search for Butner involved multiple emergency agencies, including Orange County deputies, the Cedar Grove Fire Department, Davie County Search and Rescue, and the South Orange Rescue Squad. Despite locating her vehicle near Whitetail Run, where a two-lane bridge spans the South Fork River, there was initially no sign of Butner herself. The search continued throughout the day on Monday, with the combined efforts of the teams eventually leading to the discovery of Butner’s body .

Investigation
The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding Butner’s disappearance and death is ongoing. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood released a statement following the recovery of Butner’s body, acknowledging the intense force of the floodwaters and emphasizing that the storm’s severity ultimately led to Butner’s tragic death. Blackwood praised the first responders and emergency personnel who took part in the effort, describing them as top-tier professionals .

Community Response
The community is mourning the loss of Monica Butner, and officials are encouraging caution and preparedness during future storms. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by floodwaters during severe weather events. Emergency officials often stress that driving through flooded areas can be life-threatening, and the situation with Butner highlights the risks even when help is sought .

Conclusion
The death of Monica Butner is a tragic reminder of the devastating power of stormwater and the importance of prioritizing safety during severe weather events. As the community comes together to support Butner’s family and loved ones, officials will continue to emphasize the need for caution and preparedness .

*Resources:

– *Local emergency management*: For information on emergency preparedness and response.
– *Flood safety resources*: For tips on staying safe during flood events.
– *Community support groups*: For individuals affected by natural disasters .

By honoring Monica Butner’s memory and promoting awareness about flood safety, we can work towards preventing similar tragedies in the future .