Emily Brown
Warning: Upsetting content
A mom has opened up about the horrific impacts of Hurricane Helene as she recalled the moment a tree crashed on to the bed where her children were sleeping.
Mom and teacher Crystal Taylor is one of millions of people impacted by the ongoing hurricane, which has claimed the lives of at least 160 people across six states.
Hundreds of roads have been closed, leaving many people stranded and without supplies, while millions are also still living without power.
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In the early hours of Friday morning (September 27), Crystal was asleep with her oldest child, Cassidy, after falling asleep watching TV at their home in Georgia.
Meanwhile her seven-year-old daughter, Harmony, and four-year-old son, Derrick, were asleep together in the same bed.
That morning, Crystal received a call from her mom to ask whether her trees were still standing amid the adverse weather.
Her husband Herbert went to check, but just as he did a huge oak tree in the family's yard came tumbling down.
The tree crashed into the room where both Harmony and Derrick were sleeping, causing the father to scream, "My babies!"
Crystal and Cassidy rushed to a neighbor's home for help and rescuers arrived at the scene, where they managed to put out an electrical fire which had sparked when the tree fell.
But the responders couldn't do anything to move the huge tree.
Recalling the ordeal to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Crystal remembered screaming: "I can't get to my babies!"
The mom admitted she was too scared to call out for her children in case they responded while she was unable to offer help, but she remained hopeful they would make it out alive.
She recalled telling herself: "My babies are gonna come out. They're gonna be all right."
It took rescue teams five hours to saw through the tree, at which point it was confirmed both Harmony and Derrick had sadly died.
The two children have been remembered fondly by their family, with Harmony described as a 'natural dancer' while Derrick had a passion for graham crackers.
Harmony and Derrick had shared a bedroom at home, and Harmony often wrapped her arms around her younger brother as they slept.
This is the position the children are set to be laid to rest in at their funeral, which will take place on Sunday (September 6).
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family in the wake of their loss, with money raised set to go towards funeral expenses and new housing.
To donate to the American Red Cross, which helps provide food, supplies, shelter and emotional support to victims of crisis you can donate here.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.