FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA: A Beacon of Hope Amidst Hurricane Milton’s Devastation
In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic impact, a poignant moment emerged from the ruins in Florida, offering a flicker of hope amidst overwhelming tragedy.
A heartwarming scene unfolded live on air when a small dog named Benji was rescued from the debris—his owners tragically lost their lives during the storm, as reported by PEOPLE Magazine.
Benji’s Heartfelt Rescue Captured Live by CBS Miami
On Thursday, October 10, CBS Miami reporter Morgan Rynor was on-site in Fort Pierce, documenting the extensive destruction left behind by Hurricane Milton.
In footage shared by CBS Miami, Rynor stood before what had once been a family residence but was now reduced to mere rubble. As she narrated the devastation around her, a man emerged from the wreckage holding Benji—a small dog who had been missing since the previous night.
“He found Benji!” Rynor exclaimed with palpable emotion. “Oh my goodness… I can’t believe I’m starting this segment with some uplifting news.”
She pointed towards the debris and continued, “Just moments ago we pulled out this little dog named Benji who has been unaccounted for since last night.”
The video captured an emotional contrast between despair and hope; while many families faced unimaginable loss, Benji’s survival provided a brief respite from sorrow.
Sadly for his owners—who perished in their home during Hurricane Milton—their story ended in tragedy. According to Rynor’s report, they were among those who lost their lives as they sought shelter from the storm’s fury.
Rynor explained that when Hurricane Milton struck landfall with ferocity, panic ensued within their household. In an attempt to escape chaos and fear during the storm’s peak moments, little Benji fled and ultimately ended up buried beneath debris at a neighboring property where rescuers later found him.
The Discovery of Benji: A Community Effort
CBS News confirmed through neighbors that there were indeed fatalities among those living near where Benji resided.
During her coverage for CBS News that day, Rynor recounted how photographer Brian Shanahan heard faint barking just minutes before they were set to go live on air. Despite being pressed for time due to their impending broadcast schedule—they prioritized investigating over going live immediately.
“Even though we were just two minutes away from our 7:30 segment,” said Rynor later on air,” we felt it was crucial to find out what was happening with this little guy.”
Shortly thereafter they located him amidst wreckage and brought him back to safety. While continuing their live report afterward—a neighbor recognized Benji and shared more about his heartbreaking situation.
Rynor also provided updates about Benji via her Instagram Stories showing him comfortably resting on her lap after being rescued (@Morgan Rynor/Instagram)
“I’ve learned that unfortunately his owners did not survive,” she posted online. “Benji is safe here with me now; I’ll ensure he receives proper care while checking if he has any other family members nearby—but ultimately he will need a new home soon as neighbors are figuring out next steps.”
Benji’s rescue took place within Spanish Lakes Country Club Village—a community designed for residents aged 55 years or older located in Port St Lucie within St Lucie County—one of areas hardest hit by Hurricane Milton along with its accompanying tornadoes.
According to Fox Weather reports citing local emergency services data—four individuals tragically lost their lives due directly related tornado activity resulting from Wednesday’s severe weather conditions across St Lucie County.
