A devastating storm swept through western North Carolina, claiming the lives of Alison Wisely, her fiancé Knox Petrucci, and her two children, Felix and Lucas. The family of four perished while attempting to evacuate their Green Mountain home.
As Storm Helene approached, the family tried to leave in their car but were swept away by floodwaters and carried into the Toe River. Relatives revealed that they had prepared for minor flooding but underestimated the storm’s severity.
Alison and Knox were set to wed on November 9. Knox, a local beekeeper and aspiring blacksmith, was deeply rooted in the Appalachian community. His sister, Briana, described him as a gifted musician and artist who brought people together.
Felix, 9, and Lucas, 7, were vibrant and curious children who loved art, music, and exploring the outdoors. Felix co-created a podcast about cryptids and folklore, while Lucas had a passion for superheroes and animals.
The boys’ father, Lance Wisely, expressed gratitude to the community for their love and support. Search and rescue teams found some of the family’s pets, including Reishi the dog, Mowgli the cat, and Sheila the lizard.
A GoFundMe has been established to support grieving family members and friends. The Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, where Alison worked, will cover burial and funeral costs. Excess funds will go to local organizations close to the family’s heart.
This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of extreme weather events. The community comes together to mourn the loss of this loving family and support those affected by Storm Helene.
