Citizens from Carter County recently recalled their experiences with John Paul “JP” Mathes Sr., 60, and his wife, Robin, 47, after learning of their passing Saturday morning after inclement weather passed through the area Friday.
Mathes served in Carter County for a number of years as Circuit Court Clerk as well as a county commissioner.
J.P. Mathes II confirmed in a Facebook post Saturday that it was his father and stepmother that had lost their lives during the storm.
The post read, “I am saddened to say that my father John Paul Mathes and stepmother Robin Musselwhite lost their lives last night during the horrendous thunderstorms that came through the area. They were camping on Watauga Lake near Hampton and the wind knocked down a huge tree over their campsite. I would like to thank the rescue crews, law enforcement, local government officials, and friends who helped us through a very tough night which has now turned into morning.”
Numerous people shared their thoughts on the passing of the former county servant and his wife on the Elizabethton Star’s Facebook page.
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• Frank Carmack: “JP, please know that the thoughts and prayers of everyone at song of the mountains are with you. We are so sorry for your loss.”
• Jessica Bumgarner-Broyles – “JP will be greatly missed. Condolences and prayers for his loved ones and all families impacted by that crazy storm.
• Cindy Morse Jenkins: “Sorry for this couple and their family. I have family in these areas and worry about them as I am in Va. Prayers for all in the storm areas.
• Misty Renea Willis: “This just breaks my heart so sad. He was a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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The Carter County Sheriff’s Department responded to an incident at near Fish Spring Marina on Friday at approximately 7:58 p.m. in reference to a report of a tree that fell on a boat while occupied by individuals.
First responders discovered that two individuals were crushed by a tree that had fallen on their campsite nearby.
Carter County Sheriff Dexter Lunceford, Chief Deputy James Parrish, and investigators from the Criminal Investigators Division responded to the incident site. Members of the Carter County Rescue Squad were on the scene conducting rescue of individuals.
After extensive rescue operations, the effort changed to a recovery of the person. The coroner was contacted and arrived on scene were he pronounced the deaths of the two individuals.