Craig County officials have identified the woman killed during a storm-related incident as Holly King, a dedicated special education teacher at Eastern Montgomery High School.
The news was confirmed by the Craig County Sheriff’s Office on Monday. King, aged 29, had spent six years with the Montgomery County school system, earning respect and admiration from colleagues and students alike.
The incident occurred on Friday, September 27, 2024, in the 14100 block of Cumberland Gap Road, where severe weather conditions led to significant destruction in the area. Sheriff Lloyd Craddock disclosed in a press release that King lost her life due to the extreme conditions brought on by the storm.
Emergency services responded to a 911 call placed by an injured woman who reported being “at her out-building.” When responders arrived, they found the out-building overturned and discovered the female caller deceased inside her home.
The structure involved in the incident was identified as a chicken coop, according to Darryl Humphreys, the county’s emergency management director. This small agricultural building, commonly used for housing poultry, was not designed to withstand the ferocity of the storm, leading to its collapse and contributing to the tragedy.
In the wake of this devastating event, it was reported that a deputy responding to the scene sustained serious injuries when he was struck by debris from the chicken coop. Sheriff Craddock stated, “A deputy on scene was struck by a piece of flying metal and had significant injuries.” The deputy was promptly transported to the hospital for treatment. As of Monday, there has been no update regarding his condition, leaving the community anxious for his recovery.
Memorial services and tributes are already being organized by the school community, reflecting the deep connections King had fostered during her tenure. The pain of her absence is felt not only by her students but also by her fellow educators, family, and friends who will remember her for her warmth, dedication, and kindness.