MACON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) – These Hurricane Helene updates are effective for Monday, September 30th.

Western North Carolina continues to recover after the hurricane hit on the night of September 26th to September 27th, bringing torrential rain and hurricane-force winds that downed trees on power lines.

Hundreds of thousands are still without electricity and water. We will continue to provide live updates throughout the day. The first update concerns a Macon County sheriff’s deputy whose body was recovered from floodwaters.

5 a.m. – A Macon County sheriff’s deputy was reportedly killed and identified in the Helene floodwaters

On September 29th at 9 p.m., the Macon County Sheriff’s Office made an emotional post on Facebook about one of their colleagues who died in the floods of Hurricane Helene.

“This is one of the hardest releases we’ve ever had to make,” the post reads.

The deputy reportedly died after his truck became submerged. According to the post, witnesses saw the truck sink in the river on Fulton Road. The sheriff’s office reported that the body was recovered and that it was that of Deputy Jim Lau, a former deputy with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office in DeLand, Florida.

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office statement said the first 911 call came in at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 27.

“It soon became apparent that one of our courthouse security officers, Jim Lau, had not returned to work from lunch and his truck matched the description of the truck seen in the river. A search operation was launched by several emergency services in the afternoon. “A foot search, a drone search and several rapid water rescue teams were called in,” the post says.

The post said the search was put on hold at sunset and then resumed on the morning of September 29th.

“Jim’s body was found and recovered in the river shortly after the search began,” the post said.

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office said the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is the investigating agency for this incident and it is an ongoing investigation.

“Jim was well-liked and respected in our department. He was known as a hard-working and reliable worker and stepped in wherever help was needed. His absence will be keenly felt in our agency,” the post reads. “We ask for prayers for this family and their loved ones, and we ask for prayers for our department. Continue to pray for Western North Carolina as a whole; the tragedy surrounding our mountain communities is unimaginable.”

5:30 a.m. – Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office warns of Hurricane Helene scams

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office sent out a press release warning residents about scammers who may try to scam residents out of their money when donating

“We want to warn everyone about scammers who may try to take advantage of your generosity,” the post reads. “In the coming days, scammers will likely make contact in a variety of ways claiming to be accepting donations for disaster relief. While many asking for donations have good and honest intentions, others may just be after your money.” If you receive a call, text or email asking for donations to help those affected by the disaster, make sure you verify the source before sharing your financial information.”

The sheriff’s office said it will never solicit payments or donations over the phone.

Check back here for live updates throughout the day.