AVERY COUNTY, NC (WJHL) – A Telford woman who was thought to be missing since Hurricane Helene hit the area has been found dead in Avery County, North Carolina.

According to the Avery County Sheriff’s Office, a search operation on October 23 led to the discovery of the deceased woman.

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The sheriff’s office was conducting a search in the Ingalls community on North Toe River. It was reported that the searched area could only be reached on foot.

The woman was positively identified as Charlene Caroline Wilber, 70, of Telford, Tennessee.

Authorities used dental records to identify Wilber.

Wilber has been missing from Buck Hill Campground since Sept. 27, according to the sheriff’s office.

Wilber is one of three people missing from the area, the Avery County Sheriff said in a news release. As of Wednesday, two people are missing and five people have died in Avery County due to Hurricane Helene.

“The Avery County Sheriff’s Office will continue to make all efforts to identify any remaining missing persons as a result of Hurricane Helene and follow up on any leads obtained,” the statement said.

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