COLERAIN – Bertie County Sheriff John Holley has confirmed the identity of 11 individuals that lost their lives Saturday.

Holley said he waited to release the names to make sure everyone was properly identified and accounted for in the aftermath of two tornadoes that killed nearly a dozen Bertie County residents and destroyed numerous homes and businesses.

“We had to make sure everything was done correctly,” he said. “It takes time in a situation like this to make sure we have everything done properly and in order.”

Three people were killed at 1345 NC 42. They were Barbara Lafferety, 64, Roy Lafferty Jr., 72, and Helen Alston White, 90.

Morris Ford Road was also the scene of three deaths. Milton Sutton, 51, and Mildred Warren, 68, were killed at 231 Morris Ford Road while Peggy Leary, 60, died at 245 Morris Ford.

Two people died at 151 Harrell Road. Robert Perry, 77, and Celia White, 96, were both killed during the storms.

In addition, Gayle Hinchey, 56, lost her life at 421 Elm Grove Road; Louis Chamblee, 54, died at 422 Nowell Farm Road and Dorothy Mitchell, 66, was killed at 628 Glovers Cross Road.

“This is a sad time for all Bertie County citizens,” Sheriff Holley said. “Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy.”