Hurricane Helene moved across the southeastern United States in late September and wreaked havoc in a number of states. The effects of the hurricane have forced communities to deal with it.
Homes, businesses, lives were destroyed from Florida’s Gulf Coast to North Carolina’s mountains. One family’s story stands out despite the chaos of the hurricane.
In North Carolina, Alison Wisely was ready for the storm with her fiancé Knox Petrucci and their two young children, Felix (9) and Lucas (7). They had no idea the weather event would turn so violent, living in Green Mountain, a normally peaceful region.
Facing impending arrival of Hurricane Helene, the family was ready with sandbags and pallets, anticipating nothing more than minimal flooding in their basement. Unfortunately, nature was not on their side.
It was severe on September 27. The waters rose too fast, and floodwaters surrounded their home.
The family made the heartbreaking decision to evacuate because there was no prospect the storm would let up. Last ditch, Alison, Knox and the boys jumped in the car and got out of the hurricane.
But as they drove through the floodwaters their automobile started to float, borne on the stream. They knew they were in danger and tried to go back to their home.
Sadly, it did not work. The family was overwhelmed by a tremendous wave that carried them all into nearby Toe River.
After the accident, Alison, Felix, and Lucas’ bodies were found shortly after. Knox had been tirelessly worked for days to find by local agencies.
His body was found on October 7, ending the hunt with a sad sendoff and returning him home with his family in death.
Relatives set up a GoFundMe page following the tragedy to help with funeral expenses, and raised more than $65,000.
Originally Alison and Knox’s wedding was set to take place on November 9, and that date will also be used for the couple’s memorial service.
The GoFundMe page sadly put, ‘Friday, September 27th, the world lost four of the most beautiful souls to walk this Earth.’ “But Alison, Felix and Lucas’s bodies have been recovered.” Knox remains on the search.”
The couple was praised as affectionate and artistic by friends and family. At Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, Alison worked as the Sanctuary Operations Manager; encouraging her children’s creativity and curiosity.
Knox, beekeeper and artist, was known for his unswerving love, sincerity, and enthusiasm for nature. Felix and Lucas, their kids, were lively and an adventure loving young lad.
In this tragic loss, the community is mourning, and nature’s evil force reminds us that there is not anything we can prepare for, and that these forces can leave behind death.