Johnny Peterson, Bertha Mendoza Obituary, Death: – Authorities announced on Monday that the remains of five of the six individuals reported missing from Impact Plastics in Erwin have been located. It is believed that these individuals were carried away by floodwaters resulting from Hurricane Helene.
While the official identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed, a funeral home in northeast Tennessee, along with friends of the missing, have confirmed the names of four victims. Among them is Johnny Wayne Peterson, aged 55, who has been confirmed as a victim of the flooding.
His obituary states that he had been employed at Impact Plastics for over 35 years and is survived by his children, their mother, and an expected grandchild. Peterson was also actively involved in local football, attending every game to support his son. In memory of Peterson, contributions can be made to the Johnny Peterson Memorial Fund at the Clinchfield Credit Union, located at 1038 N Main Ave, Erwin, TN 37650.
Another confirmed victim is Sibrina Barnett, who was also employed at Impact Plastics. A memorial benefit spaghetti dinner is being organized in her honor, set to take place on Sunday, October 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fairview Methodist Church, located at 878 Highway 81 North in Jonesborough.
Bertha Mendoza, aged 56, has also been identified as a victim following the flooding of the Nolichucky River. Originally from Janamuato, Michoacán, Mexico, Mendoza had been a resident of Unicoi County since 1998. She had worked at Impact Plastics for many years and is survived by her parents, husband, four children, four grandchildren, and other family members. Her obituary emphasized her passion for spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.
Lidia Verdugo, another employee of Impact Plastics, has also been confirmed deceased. Her loved ones expressed their sorrow on a GoFundMe page, describing her as a remarkable mother and grandmother. As the search efforts continue, one individual remains unaccounted for: Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso. Reynoso’s husband, Francisco J.
