Major Michelle Lynn Quintero

Michelle Lynn Quintero

Major Michelle Quintero was killed while attempting to reach her patrol vehicle in Yancey County during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Major Quintero was en route to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Unknown to the residents of Yancey County, a dam had overflowed, resulting in all power, radio communication, and phone services being down. Major Quintero was swept downhill and was hit by a tree careening in the fast-moving water.

Hurricane Helene was the deadliest storm to hit North Carolina. The heavy rains and damaging winds caused major landslides and flash flooding, damaging over 6,000 miles of roads and knocking out power to over 900,000 residents throughout western North Carolina. As of November 2024, over 100 deaths in North Carolina were attributed to Hurricane Helene, with 11 of the deaths from Yancey County and four from Madison County.

Major Quintero had served with the Madison County Sheriff's Office for over 17 years. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter, two brothers, a sister, and a grandson. Her husband and brother also serve in law enforcement, and her two children work for the Madison County Sheriff's Office.