Hurricane Helene slammed the Southeast U.S. at the end of last month, leaving a devastating aftermath with a death toll of about 227 and thousands without running water. Along its path of destruction was a pet lovers' memory bridge in North Carolina that washed away in the flood.

The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge—"a gateway to somewhere beautiful"—became a staple in the area as the community transformed the once-abandoned bridge and surrounding space into 30 themed gardens filled with more than 200 species of plants and views of Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

In 2022, artist and volunteer Amy Wald conceptualized and installed the Rainbow Bridge in a separate area of the outdoor oasis. It quickly became "viral" as people visiting the colorful bridge could honor their beloved pets who "crossed the rainbow bridge."

"In the two years, hundreds of collars/tags were hung on the Rainbow Bridge by grieving pet owners from all over the country," Linda Reandeau, Lake Lure Flowering Bridge volunteer, told Newsweek via email.

Reandeau said that by October 5, people started seeing aerial pictures and realized the extensive structural damage to Lake Lure Flowering Bridge and the Rainbow Bridge.

"The Rainbow Bridge was very near the Rocky Broad River, so it is completely washed away," she said. "There were hundreds of collars and tags hung on the Rainbow Bridge by grieving pet owners. At this time, we do not know if any have been found."

This news shattered the community and visitors as those who honored their pets with collars and tags had their memories washed away with the rushing waters. Heartbroken, TikTok user @raising3dogs shared a clip of Rainbow Bridge during her springtime visit.

The caption reads: "I'm absolutely devastated by the news that the bridge has washed away. My heart goes out to Lake Lure & everyone affected by Hurricane Helene."

Reflecting on her time at Rainbow Bridge, the poster shared with Newsweek via TikTok that it was "such a beautiful, healing environment." She holds onto hope that some of the collars might be recovered and the bridge will eventually be rebuilt. Reandeau said she isn't sure what is ahead for them at Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.

"All of our volunteers are residents of the community, or a nearby community, and are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene," she said. "We hope someday that we can rebuild, but the priority now is on the well-being and safety of the residents and the rebuilding of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure."

The TikTok video honoring the bridge had viewers crying all over again. Some shared that the bridge washing away felt like their fur babies were getting taken from them a second time.

Others tried to look at the positive: "The bridge washed away so the dogs could go help the other dogs find their way to the rainbow bridge."

Another added: "I saw a comment on another video saying 'They were needed to help all the babies stuck in the storm so they wouldn't cross alone' and it had me ugly crying."

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