Amidst the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a heart-wrenching discovery has been made in Beech Island, South Carolina. An elderly couple, Jerry Savage, 78, and Marcia, 74, were found deceased in their home when a tree fell on their home, embracing each other in bed, a poignant testament to their enduring love

A couple killed when Hurricane Helene hit the US last week were found hugging each other in bed, their grandson has said.

Jerry Savage, 78, and his wife Marcia, 74, were sheltering with family members at their home in Beech Island, South Carolina, while winds of up to 140mph (225kmh) roared outside.

One of their grandchildren, 22-year-old John Savage, heard branches snap and went to the couple’s bedroom to ensure they were okay.

“They were both fine, the dog was fine,” he said of the couple, who were lying in bed.

But Mr Savage and his father heard a “boom” a short time later when one of the biggest trees on their property crashed on top of his grandparents’ bedroom and killed them.

“All you could see was ceiling and tree. I was just going through sheer panic at that point,” he said.

Described as a “doer“, Jerry was an electrician and a carpenter, while Marcia was a retired bank teller who was active in her church.

The two were teenage sweethearts and married for over 50 years. Their daughter Tammy Estep said their love was “immediate, and it was everlasting”.

“They loved each other to their dying day,” Mr Savage said.

Jerry and Marcia are among more than 150 victims confirmed to have died in Hurricane Helene – one of the deadliest storms in US history.

Dozens died when trees fell on their homes or cars, including two South Carolina firefighters killed when a tree fell on their truck.

The hurricane hit multiple states, flooding homes, causing mudslides, and wiping out phone networks.