Monica Butner Obituary, Death: Woman found dead after going missing during Chantal identified by officials in Orange County

Monica Butner Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the woman who was found dead in Orange County on Monday after she went missing during Tropical Storm Chantal. The victim, 58-year-old Monica Butner from Person County, was reported missing late Sunday night, prompting an extensive search by multiple emergency agencies.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Butner disappeared while driving to work during the severe weather brought by Tropical Storm Chantal. Heavy rainfall had flooded many roads in the region, including Wilkerson Road, where Butner was last heard from. At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, she placed a call to 911, informing the dispatcher that her vehicle had become trapped in floodwaters. The call ended abruptly, and no further contact was made with her.

After receiving the distress call, emergency responders quickly began searching the area. Firefighters located Butner’s vehicle near Whitetail Run, where a two-lane bridge spans the South Fork River. Despite locating her car, there was initially no sign of Butner herself.

The search continued throughout the day on Monday, involving various teams from Orange County deputies, the Cedar Grove Fire Department, Davie County Search and Rescue, and the South Orange Rescue Squad. The combined efforts of these teams eventually led to a tragic discovery around 5 p.m. Butner’s body was found roughly 120 yards from where her vehicle had been located. Officials noted that she had been concealed by a large amount of storm debris and fallen trees, which had made locating her more difficult.

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood released a statement following the recovery of Butner’s body. “As I expressed yesterday, we wish this search had ended differently,” Blackwood said. He acknowledged the intense force of the floodwaters and emphasized that the storm’s severity ultimately led to Butner’s tragic death.

He praised the first responders and emergency personnel who took part in the effort, describing them as top-tier professionals. “The devastating power of stormwater caused Ms. Butner’s tragic death, despite the heroic efforts of searchers and the work of the top-notch professionals at Emergency Management who coordinated the incoming resources,” Blackwood said.

The sheriff also offered his condolences to Butner’s family and all those affected by the loss. He noted the emotional toll such tragedies have on both the loved ones of the victim and the teams working tirelessly in the hopes of a positive outcome.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by floodwaters during severe weather events. Emergency officials often stress that driving through flooded areas can be life-threatening, and the situation with Butner highlights the risks even when help is sought.

As the community mourns the loss of Monica Butner, officials are likely to continue encouraging caution and preparedness during future storms. The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death may continue, but for now, the focus remains on honoring her memory and supporting those grieving.