As Hurricane Helene moved across the southeastern United States in late September, it caused severe devastation across multiple states. Communities have been forced to deal with the effects of the hurricane.
From Florida’s Gulf Coast to North Carolina’s mountains, homes, businesses, and lives were destroyed. Despite the chaos of the hurricane, one family’s tale stands out.
In North Carolina, Alison Wisely, her fiancé Knox Petrucci, and their two young children, Felix (9) and Lucas (7), thought they were prepared for the storm. Living in Green Mountain, a normally peaceful region, they had no idea the weather event would turn so violent.
As Hurricane Helene approached, the family prepared with sandbags and pallets, expecting just minimal flooding in their basement. Unfortunately, nature had other intentions.
On September 27, the situation became severe. The waters rose faster than expected, and floodwaters encircled their home.
With no prospects of the storm letting up, the family took the heartbreaking decision to evacuate. Alison, Knox, and the boys jumped into their car in a last-ditch effort to escape the hurricane.
However, as they drove through the floodwaters, their automobile began to float, carried by the stream. They instantly recognized they were in danger and attempted to return to their home.
Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful. A tremendous wave overwhelmed the family, carrying them all into the neighboring Toe River.
The bodies of Alison, Felix, and Lucas were discovered shortly after the accident. Local agencies worked tirelessly for days to find Knox.
On October 7, his body was discovered, bringing a sad end to the hunt and reuniting him with his family in death.
Following the tragedy, relatives established a GoFundMe campaign, garnering more than $65,000 to aid with funeral expenses.
Alison and Knox’s memorial service will take place on November 9, which was initially scheduled for their wedding.
“On Friday, September 27, the world lost four of the most beautiful souls to walk this Earth,” the GoFundMe page sadly wrote. “Alison, Felix, and Lucas’s bodies have been recovered. The search is still on for Knox.”
Friends and family praised the couple as affectionate and artistic. Alison worked as the Sanctuary Operations Manager at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, where she encouraged her children’s creativity and curiosity.
Knox, a beekeeper and artist, was noted for his unwavering love, sincerity, and enthusiasm for nature. Their kids, Felix and Lucas, were known for their lively personalities and love of adventure.
As the community mourns, this horrific tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of nature’s unexpected forces and the devastating loss they can cause.