Family of Five and Neighbor Killed in Alaska Landslide

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Family of Five and Neighbor Killed in Alaska Landslide

The small community of Wrangell in the southeastern region of Alaska is mourning the loss of a family of five and their fishing neighbor, who were tragically killed in a devastating landslide on Monday night. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall and strong winds, destroyed a swath of evergreen trees, impacting three homes and burying a highway near the island community.

The victims have been identified as Timothy Heller, 44, his wife Beth Heller, 36, and their three young children – Mara, 16, Derek, 12, and Kara, 11. Search crews discovered the bodies of the parents and their eldest daughter, Mara, late Monday or early Tuesday morning. However, the two younger children are still missing, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

In addition to the Heller family, their neighbor Otto Florschutz, 65, was also caught in the landslide. While Florschutz’s wife survived, he remains missing. Florschutz, a Republican who previously served on the Wrangell Port Commission, had entered the race to fill the congressional seat left vacant after the death of U.S. Representative Don Young last year. He received 193 votes out of almost 162,000 cast.

The landslide has not only claimed lives but has also isolated approximately 54 other houses in the city. Despite the dire situation, about 35 to 45 people have chosen to stay in the area, relying on boats to deliver essential supplies like food, fuel, water, and prescription medications. The community has come together on Facebook, with the Wrangell Strong Community Relief Group organizing donations and efforts to help repair the damage caused by the landslide.

Yvonne Heller, mother of Timothy Heller, expressed her gratitude for the support received from the community. She shared a message from the Wrangell Strong Community Relief Group, stating, “But in the midst of this horrific tragedy, I have seen the goodness of God at work in our community. I am so blessed to call Wrangell my home, where everyone is considered family.”

A close friend of the Heller family also expressed the anguish felt by the community. She wrote on Facebook, “Monday night was the LONGEST night ever for I think most of Wrangell. Beth and her family were the first people I thought of. They found Mara, Beth, and Tim. They are still looking for Kara and Derek (the younger children), as well as another man, Otto Florschutz. Please pray that they find them today so they can rest.”

In response to the devastating landslide, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to collect donations for landslide relief. The fundraiser, along with an account at First Bank in Wrangell, aims to provide financial assistance to the families directly affected by the damage and loss of their homes and loved ones. So far, the campaign has raised $30,636 of its $200,000 goal.

The Heller family ran a construction company called Heller High Water, and their friends and loved ones remember them fondly. Tyla Nelson, Beth Heller’s best friend since high school, described Beth as a “fantastic person” and a great mother who did everything for her children.

As the community tries to cope with the loss, Wrangell School District Superintendent Bill Burr has announced that guidance will be available for students and staff when school resumes after the Thanksgiving break. Losing an entire family with three students is devastating, and the district will provide support during this difficult time.

The landslide in Wrangell serves as a tragic reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community support in times of crisis. As the search for the missing children and Otto Florschutz continues, the residents of Wrangell remain united in their grief and determination to help one another recover from this devastating event..