John and Karen live in Bybee, TN, in Cocke County, on the border of TN and NC. The property sits about thirty feet above the Nolichucky River. John had recently retired, and he and his wife lived in a camper on their property. They had applied for a loan but were told they could not receive that until they had at least one year’s proof of income. Therefore, they decided to move forward using their retirement savings. $175,000.00 later, the house was nearly closed-in, so they could continue working inside as winter approached.

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, after a long day of rain and working on the inside of their house, John and Karen retired to bed around 11 PM. Shortly after that, the Cocke County police and fire departments awakened them. They were told the dam above their property was likely to break, and they should grab what they could and go. Wisely, they obeyed the evacuation warning, and they and their son left and went to a hotel. However, they left their 20-year-old cat on the second floor with food and water. Never imagining what was coming over the following days, weeks, months, and perhaps years.

When they could return, they found portions of their house two miles down the river. The cat? Yes, it was found alive up in the rafters! John and Karen are staying in a hotel, awaiting word from officials if they can salvage any of their home to rebuild. The USDA is assessing the toxicity of the property for building. This heartbreaking story continues.

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