Family of four swept away by hurricane Helene floodwaters.
A heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded as a family of four perished in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Catastrophic storm’s impact captured.
This catastrophic storm left a path of destruction across the southeastern United States, particularly in North Carolina.
In an aerial view of the destruction, people walk past a church devastated by the storm’s fury.
Credit for this haunting image goes to renowned photographer Mario Tama, who captured the devastation for Getty Images.
According to reports from The New York Times, the storm’s destruction and record-level flooding stretched over an alarming 600 miles.
One of the hardest-hit regions was North Carolina, which is now struggling to cope with the aftermath of Helene’s impact.
As rescue efforts continue, the news of the Wisley-Petrucci family has left social media users in tears.
Family’s last attempt to escape revealed.
Alison Wisley, 36, her fiancé Knox Petrucci, 41, and her two young sons, Felix, nine, and Lucas, seven, were trying to escape the storm’s deadly grip.
Their journey to safety turned into a nightmare as their car was swept away into the Toe River.
In an attempt to flee toward Green Mountain, the family faced the reality of rising floodwaters.
Reports indicate their car began to float as the floodwaters rose rapidly, making escape nearly impossible.
GoFundMe statement detailed.
A statement on their GoFundMe page revealed the horrifying details of that fateful day.
“At around noon on Friday during the storm, they attempted to flee their home by car,” the post detailed.
Tragically, their car began to float, prompting them to make a desperate decision to exit the vehicle.
The post continued, “They got out and tried to return to their house, but a big wave came and swept them all into the Toe River.”
Search efforts ongoing.
Search teams have successfully recovered the bodies of Alison, Felix, and Lucas, but Knox remains missing.
Efforts are ongoing, with several agencies tirelessly working to locate Knox so that he can be laid to rest with his family.
The couple had planned to marry in a small ceremony on November 9, but that date will now be marked by their funeral instead.
Devastation after family tragedy unveiled.
Friends and family have expressed their devastation at the loss, sharing memories of happier times.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $62,700 to help with funeral expenses, highlighting the community’s outpouring of support.
Meanwhile, North Carolina’s Mayor Peter O’Leary recently told CNN that towns like Chimney Rock and Green Mountain have been completely obliterated.
The destruction is widespread, with many people unaccounted for as the storm wreaked havoc on riverside homes and businesses.
The mayor described the devastation as “total,” emphasizing the community’s struggle to recover.
President Joe Biden visited the state last week, aiming to offer solace and support to residents in despair.
Call for financial support highlighted.
O’Leary has called for a “financial commitment to rebuild,” recognizing the monumental task ahead.
“There is a strong spirit to rebuild the town, rebuild the area,” he asserted, referring to the community’s resilience.
Chimney Rock is an iconic landmark for western North Carolina, adding urgency to the rebuilding efforts.
However, the mayor candidly noted the reality that recovery will be a lengthy process.
Emotional toll of hurricane emphasized.
“It’s still just so fresh for everybody,” he added, expressing the emotional toll on residents.
According to The Guardian, the death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically climbed to over 225 across six states.
With recovery efforts ongoing, officials warn that the number of casualties may continue to rise.
As the nation mourns this tragic loss, residents of Florida are now threatened by Hurricane Milton, leaving many on edge.