News

96-year-old Bat Cave woman dies from hypothermia suffered during Helene

By Amy McCraw, Published: February 14, 2025

Hurricane Helene claimed the life of a 96-year-old Bat Cave woman who died in January due to complications from hypothermia she suffered as a result of the storm, according North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Marjorie Lucille Lentz, 96, passed away in Henderson County on Jan. 6 due to complications from hypothermia following “environmental exposure” after her home washed away during hurricane flooding, according to a recent statement from DHHS.
Lentz’s death is the 12th storm-related fatality in Henderson County and the 106th death in the state attributed to Helene.
The statement from DHHS did not say where Lentz lived in Henderson County or where she died.
But the Clearwater, Fla., funeral home that handled the arrangements for Lentz said she was resident of Bat Cave. The notification of her death came from a hospice facility in North Carolina, according to officials at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Clearwater, Fla.
Lentz was a native of Mason, Mich., and worked as a cafeteria worker at an elementary school where she was loved by the students, according to her obituary. She was described as a wonderful wife and mother.
Lentz was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star Dunedin Chapter, according to the obituary.
After spending many years in Florida, Lentz moved to North Carolina 2006 to live with her daughter, Patricia. In addition to her husband, Allen, Lentz was preceded in death by her daughter, according to the obituary.
Lentz is survived by her two sons, Mike and Keith. Survivors also include grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Services will be announced at a later date, according to the obituary.