The aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton has left a profound impact, and while it will take time to fully assess the extent of the devastation, heart-wrenching stories of tragedy continue to surface. Communities are grappling with the immense loss, as lives and homes have been shattered by the relentless forces of nature. One of the most tragic incidents to emerge from the chaos is the heartbreaking tale of a family in North Carolina who perished while attempting to flee the wrath of Hurricane Helene. Their story serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictability and severity of natural disasters.
Earlier reports brought attention to the youngest victims of the hurricane, twin babies Khyzier and Khazmir Williams, who were just five weeks old when their lives were tragically cut short by the storm. Additionally, the story of a couple in South Carolina who were found in a final embrace, having passed away while clinging to each other, resonated deeply with many. These individual stories of loss highlight the profound human toll that hurricanes can have, beyond the statistics and damage estimates.
Today, we focus on another sorrowful narrative—the tragic fate of Alison Wisely, her fiancé Knox Petrucci, and her two young sons, Felix and Lucas, who died while trying to escape the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The family, residing in the small town of Green Mountain, North Carolina, made the decision to evacuate as the storm approached, hoping to find safety from the worsening conditions. It was midday on Friday when they embarked on their ill-fated journey.
As they attempted to drive through rising floodwaters, the situation quickly deteriorated. Their vehicle, overwhelmed by the surging water, began to float, and they were forced to abandon it. In a desperate effort to survive, the family tried to make their way back to their home, only to be swept away by the powerful currents of the Toe River. A witness who saw the family’s struggle had warned them against attempting to cross the water and later tried to assist in a rescue attempt. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the family was carried away by the relentless floodwaters.
The search for their bodies spanned several days. Alison’s body was recovered on October 4, 2024, in Tennessee. The next day, the bodies of Felix and Lucas were found, and on October 7, Knox’s body was also recovered. The loss of this family has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving friends, relatives, and neighbors grappling with their grief.
According to family members, Alison and Knox had made extensive preparations for Hurricane Helene, anticipating some minor flooding in their basement. They had taken precautions, including purchasing pallets and sandbags, under the assumption that their location in the mountains would protect them from the worst of the storm. However, the flooding in the area was far more catastrophic than anyone had predicted. The Toe River, which normally flows gently through the region, swelled by an astonishing 22 feet, and water levels inside their home nearly reached the ceiling of their single-story house. The family had no way of knowing just how dangerous the situation would become.
Knox’s sister, Briana Petrucci Yarbrough, shared a touching tribute to her brother, reflecting on the kind and generous person he was. “Knox was always there for friends who were like family and inspired others in the way he moved through life with authenticity and boundless love and acceptance,” Briana said. “I want people to remember my brother as someone who brought the community together and sought meaningful connections with everyone around him.” She also spoke fondly of Alison, describing her as a “brilliant and wise” woman who was a devoted mother to Felix and Lucas, co-parenting the boys with their father, Lance Wisely.
As the community mourns the loss of this beloved family, efforts are underway to support those left behind. The Carolina Memorial Sanctuary has pledged to cover the costs of the family’s funerals, providing some relief to grieving relatives and friends. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help raise funds in honor of Alison, Knox, Felix, and Lucas. These donations will not only go toward funeral expenses but also assist those affected by the storm’s devastation.
In a cruel twist of fate, Alison and Knox had been planning to marry on November 9, just weeks after the hurricane struck. Their loved ones are now left to grapple with the heartbreak of losing them so close to what should have been a day of celebration. The pain of their loss is made all the more acute by the knowledge of what they were looking forward to—a future together, filled with love and hope.
The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene has been immense, with the death toll continuing to rise. As of the most recent reports, more than 230 people have lost their lives in the aftermath of the storm, with recovery efforts still ongoing. In the hardest-hit areas of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, search teams are continuing to locate bodies, nearly two weeks after the storm passed through. The region has been left reeling from the scale of the destruction, and the long process of rebuilding is only just beginning.
This particular family’s story is just one of many tragedies that have unfolded in the wake of the hurricanes, but it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in the face of nature’s fury. The lives lost in storms like Helene and Milton are not just statistics—they were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors. Their absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled.
In the coming weeks and months, as the full scope of the damage becomes clearer, communities will need to come together to support one another. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply offering a listening ear, every effort will be vital in helping those affected by the storms to heal. The road to recovery will be long, but with time, compassion, and resilience, these communities can rebuild and honor the memories of those who have been lost.
Rest in peace to Alison, Knox, Felix, and Lucas, as well as to all the victims of Hurricane Helene and Milton. Their lives were tragically cut short, but they will not be forgotten. The courage, love, and hope they embodied will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.