Buncombe County acknowledges substantial overcount in earlier numbers as NC chief medical examiner’s office completes official death count.Those taken. NC nears final tally of Helene deaths, county by county. is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s 10.4 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.