Tragic Landslide in Alaska Claims Lives of Family-of-Five and Neighbor

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Tragedy Strikes Small Community as Landslide Claims Lives of Family-of-Five and Neighbor in Alaska

The quiet island community of Wrangell in Alaska’s southeast region was left devastated after a fatal landslide struck on Monday night, burying homes and a highway under a swath of evergreen trees. The landslide, estimated to be 450 feet wide, occurred during a period of intense rainfall and heavy winds, exacerbating the already dire situation.

The victims of the landslide have been identified as Timothy Heller, 44, and his wife Beth Heller, 36, along with their three young children – Mara, 16, Derek, 12, and Kara, 11. The Heller family was inside their home when the disaster struck, and tragically, search crews have recovered the bodies of Timothy, Beth, and their oldest daughter, Mara. However, the two younger children remain missing, leaving the community clinging to hope for their safe return.

In addition to the Heller family, their fisherman neighbor Otto Florschutz, 65, was also caught in the landslide. While his wife survived, Otto remains missing, adding to the heartbreak and uncertainty surrounding this catastrophic event.

The landslide not only claimed lives but also cut off approximately 54 other homes from the town, leaving these residents stranded. However, despite the challenges, Mason Villarma, the interim borough manager, shared that roughly 35 to 45 people have chosen to stay in the area, determined to support one another during this difficult time.

The Wrangell community has come together in solidarity, using social media platforms such as Facebook to share their grief and offer support. One Facebook group, called Wrangell Strong Community Relief Group, has been instrumental in organizing donations and efforts to help mend the damage caused by the landslide. The outpouring of support from both within the community and from individuals across the state and country has been overwhelming, demonstrating the resilience and compassion of the human spirit.

Yvonne Heller, mother of Timothy Heller, expressed her gratitude for the goodness she has witnessed in the wake of this tragedy. Sharing a post from the Wrangell Strong Community Relief Group, she said, “In the midst of this horrific tragedy, I have seen the goodness of God at work through our community. I am so blessed to call Wrangell home, where everyone is considered family.”

A close friend of the Heller family also took to Facebook, describing the anguish and uncertainty felt by the community during the night of the landslide. She pleaded for prayers, hoping that Kara, Derek, and Otto Florschutz would be found so that they could be laid to rest. The friend also organized a GoFundMe page to collect donations for landslide relief, recognizing the financial burdens faced by the affected families.

The Hellers, who ran a construction company called Heller High Water, were well-known and respected members of the community. Tyla Nelson, who described herself as Beth Heller’s best friend since high school, spoke highly of her friend’s character and motherly qualities.

The Wrangell School District Superintendent, Bill Burr, expressed his condolences and announced that counseling would be available for students and staff upon their return from the Thanksgiving break. The loss of an entire family with three students is beyond devastating, and the community is rallying to provide support and comfort during this challenging time.

As Wrangell begins the process of healing and rebuilding, the generosity and resilience of its residents shine through. The GoFundMe page set up to aid in the recovery efforts has already garnered significant support, with $30,636 raised out of the $200,000 goal. The funds will provide much-needed assistance to those directly affected by the landslide.

The road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and arduous, but the unity and strength displayed by the Wrangell community will carry them through. As they mourn the loss of their loved ones and begin the process of rebuilding, they are not alone. The support and love pouring in from near and far serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience prevail..