A North Carolina family of four tragically lost their lives while trying to escape the deadly floodwaters brought by Hurricane Helene in September. Alison Wisely, her two young sons, Felix (9) and Lucas (7), along with her fiancé Knox Petrucci, attempted to flee their home in the Green Mountains as the storm hit on September 27. Their car, unfortunately, began to float in the floodwaters, forcing them to abandon it and attempt to return home on foot. Sadly, they were swept into the Toe River and lost in the current.
Rescue efforts led to the recovery of Alison and her sons’ bodies shortly after the incident, but Knox’s body was not found until October 7. The family had been described as having “the most beautiful souls,” and a GoFundMe was set up in their honor, raising nearly $70,000 to assist with funeral costs. The memorial service is scheduled for November 9, which was meant to be Alison and Knox’s wedding day.
Alison’s sons were remembered for their unique personalities and bright spirits. Felix was known for his curiosity and love for the unknown, as well as his fascination with weather, including hurricanes. Lucas was described as kind and imaginative, often bringing laughter to his family with his superhero costumes and love for cows.
The community has been deeply moved by the loss of this family, with many coming together to support Felix and Lucas’s biological father, Lance Wisely. As Hurricane Helene’s destruction continues to claim lives, the Wisely-Petrucci family’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating power of nature.
