Navy veteran clung to tree for seven hours before being swept away by Helene flooding, says devastated niece

The devastating loss of 75-year-old Navy veteran Bruce Tipton left his niece teary-eyed as she spoke about his legacy.

"Everybody knew him in the community. He'd give you the shirt off his back. He was lovable. He would do anything for anybody that he could. He was a father, a grandfather, uncle, a brother and a friend to everybody here," Annie Meadows, a North Carolina resident, told "Fox & Friends First" as she wiped away tears.

Tipton was swept away by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene after crying for help and clinging to a tree for seven hours. -- More...

Breaking News, Latest News and Current News from Fox News. Breaking news and video. Latest Current News: U.S.,