World

Hurricane Michael victims ID'd as death toll rises, recovery effort drags on

Officials say the death toll from Hurricane Michael now stands at 35, including 25 who died in Florida.

Most recent death attributed to falling tree that killed fire co-ordinator

Samantha Martinez, right, cries upon returning with her husband Rudy to their street and seeing the damage in person for the first time since Hurricane Michael hit Mexico Beach, Fla., on Tuesday. (David Goldman/Associated Press)

Officials say the death toll from Hurricane Michael now stands at 35, including 25 who died in Florida.

On Friday, authorities confirmed that a body recovered Monday was that of Aggie Vicari, a missing 79-year-old Mexico Beach woman.

Vicari's niece says her aunt's body had been under rubble for five days before rescuers found her. The South Florida woman says she spoke to her just hours before Michael's devastating winds came ashore.

The most recent death attributed to the storm was that of fire co-ordinator Brad Price of Wewahitchka. He was killed by a falling tree while helping clear debris with family members Thursday.

Florida officials say fallen trees are hurting the Panhandle's timber industry and also could pose a fire hazard.

Watch: See drone footage of the destruction caused by Hurricane Michael

See drone footage of the destruction caused by Hurricane Michael

6 years ago
Duration 0:45
Drone footage captures destruction wrought by Hurricane Michael on the Florida town of Mexico Beach, where buildings were reduced to piles of rubble, while roofs, cars and even boats were strewn about the formerly tranquil beach town.