83-year-old woman killed after car swept away in Chatham County floodwater
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Tropical Storm Chantal remnants caused flooding across western Chatham County.
- An 83-year-old woman died after her vehicle was swept off Farrington Point Road.
- Officials urged residents to avoid driving through floodwaters amid ongoing risk.
An 83-year-old woman died after her car was swept away by floodwaters in Chatham County on Sunday.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal brought significant rainfall and flooding to the western part of the Triangle, including in Chatham County,
Sandra Portoy Hirschman, of Pittsboro, was found in her submerged car, swept away by floodwaters, about 100 feet from the road at 11:30 p.m. Sunday. She was reportedly driving on Farrington Point Road near Hinton Road.
No other vehicles or occupants were involved.
Several roads in Chatham County were flooded due to the rain, and county officials warned people to stay off the roads.
“The safety of our residents and responders is our top priority,” said Steve Newton, Chatham County Emergency Management director. “We strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads if possible and to avoid driving through floodwaters. Turn around — don’t drown.”
Monday night, a second fatality was confirmed. The body of a Person County woman who was reported missing Sunday during Chantal’s rainfall was found dead in Orange County, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
Meanwhile, a search remained underway for two boaters on Jordan Lake who are reported missing.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published July 7, 2025 at 12:36 PM with the headline "83-year-old woman killed after car swept away in Chatham County floodwater."
