Wrangell, Alaska – Last week, the remote fishing village of Wrangell, Alaska, was devastated by a tragic landslide, resulting in the loss of several lives. Among the victims were the Heller family, with the body of 11-year-old Kara Heller being the most recent to be recovered from the debris. The landslide has left the community in mourning, with two individuals still missing and rescue efforts ongoing.
Search and rescue teams in Wrangell recovered the body of 11-year-old Kara Heller over the weekend from the debris of last week’s deadly landslide, as the sole survivor rescued last week shared her story. After a scent detection K-9 identified the site Saturday evening, Alaska State Troopers say Heller’s body was recovered with the help of an excavator.
Kara Heller is the fourth landslide victim to be recovered. The bodies of her sister, Mara Heller, and her parents, Timothy and Beth Heller, were recovered earlier this week. Two people remain missing: Derek Heller, 12, and neighbor Otto Florschutz, 65.
The tragic aftermath of the landslide has brought a community together in grief and solidarity. A retired couple, Charlie and Mel Hazel, residing at mile 12.7 of Zimovia Highway, have been pivotal in providing support during the aftermath. Their floating dock, originally a retirement project for Charlie, has become a crucial hub for evacuations and emergency management efforts. The Hazels have witnessed the devastation firsthand and have played a vital role in aiding their community during this difficult time.
The village of Wrangell has been deeply affected by these recent events, and the recovery efforts and search for the missing individuals continue. The close-knit community is rallying together to provide support and assistance to those affected by this devastating natural disaster. As the community grieves the loss of innocent lives, there is hope and determination to find the missing individuals and provide solace to those impacted by this tragedy.
