A tragic incident has unfolded as a family of four lost their lives while attempting to flee the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
According to the New York Times, the storm left a trail of destruction, including record-level flooding across a 600-mile stretch. North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas, is still grappling with the severe aftermath. As searches for missing people continue, the heartbreaking news of a family of four trying to escape the storm has left many in tears.
Alison Wisley, 36, her fiancé, Knox Petrucci, 41, and her two children, Felix, nine, and Lucas, seven, were swept away by floodwaters while trying to escape. The family had been driving toward Green Mountain to escape as the hurricane approached but their car was caught in rising waters and began to float.
A GoFundMe post shared the details of the tragedy, revealing that the incident occurred around noon on Friday.
“At around noon on Friday during the storm, they attempted to flee their home by car,” the post read. “The car began to float. They got out and tried to return to their house, but a big wave came and swept them all into the Toe River. So far, Aly, Felix, and Lucas’s bodies have been recovered. The search is still on for Knox, and several agencies are working tirelessly to find him so that he can be put to rest with his family.”
There will be more and more sad stories coming out of NC, TN, SC, FL & GA as the cleanup continues from Hurricane Helene and now Milton. RIP to Alison Wisley, her fiancé and her 2 children. Swept away by the floods while trying to evacuate. pic.twitter.com/NzmACWBWYi
— BowTiedBroke (@BowTiedBroke) October 9, 2024
The couple had planned to marry in a small ceremony on November 9, which will now be the date of their funeral. Friends and family have been left heartbroken by the devastating news.
The fundraiser has raised over $65,000 to help cover funeral costs and bring the family members to rest.
Meanwhile, Mayor Peter O’Leary spoke to CNN about the severe destruction in parts of the state, such as Chimney Rock and Green Mountain, which have been “completely wiped out” by the storm. Many residents remain unaccounted for as the hurricane destroyed homes and businesses along riversides, leaving behind “total devastation.”
President Joe Biden recently visited the state, offering comfort and support to those affected. Mayor O’Leary called for a “financial commitment to rebuild,” saying, “There is a strong spirit to rebuild the town, rebuild the area. Chimney Rock is a historic, iconic landmark for western North Carolina.” However, O’Leary acknowledged that recovery would be a long, difficult process. “It’s still just so fresh for everybody. Of course, we want to rebuild. All of us want to rebuild. But we have monumental challenges in front of us,” he added.
According to the Guardian, the death toll from Hurricane Helene has now surpassed 225 people across six states, and officials warn the number may continue to rise as rescue and recovery efforts persist.
RIP.
