Death toll in Alaska landslide climbs to 3; 3 others still missing
Share and Follow

Authorities have recovered the body of one of two people who had been missing following a deadly landslide last week in the southeast Alaska community of Wrangell.

The body of Otto Florschutz, 65, was found late Thursday afternoon and recovered from the debris, Alaska State Troopers said in a statement Friday. One person, 12-year-old Derek Heller, remained missing following the late night Nov. 20 landslide that came down into the path of three homes, one of which was unoccupied.

ALASKA LANDSLIDE: FOURTH VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Five people have been confirmed killed in the landslide: Florschutz; Timothy and Beth Heller and two of their children, Kara, 11, and Mara, 16.

Alaska landslide

The aftermath of a deadly landslide near Wrangell, Alaska, is photographed on Nov. 21, 2023. (Alaska Department of Public Safety via AP)

Florschutz’s wife, Christina Florschutz, survived. In a recent interview with the Wrangell Sentinel and KSTK radio, she described the force of the landslide, saying it tossed her “like a piece of weightless popcorn” before she lost consciousness. She described regaining consciousness and being trapped between the roof of her house and debris until morning, when she was able to free herself. She said she tried to stay warm by wrapping herself in pieces of fleece cloth.

The landslide, which was estimated to be 450 feet wide, occurred during a storm that brought significant rainfall and gusty winds.

Wrangell is about 155 miles south of Juneau.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
South Philly shooting today: At least 8 wounded in mass shooting inside 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA

Several people injured in shooting at 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — At least eight people were wounded in a mass shooting…
Man arrested on corpse abuse charges in Montevallo

Individual apprehended for mistreating a dead body in Montevallo

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — A 56-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges…
Environmental Protection Agency union alleges political retaliation after Chicago EPA workers put on leave after criticizing Trump

Union representing Environmental Protection Agency workers in Chicago claims political retaliation following employees being placed on leave for criticizing President Trump

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team is delving into allegations of political…
Social Security Administration sends misleading email lauding Trump's new tax cuts law

Misleading email from Social Security Administration praises Trump’s tax cuts.

WASHINGTON — The Social Security ministration has sent a misleading email to…
Macy's Fourth of July fireworks light up NYC sky

Macy’s Fireworks Illuminate the New York City Sky on Independence Day

The 49th annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show left New Yorkers…

Kerr County is fully utilizing all available resources in efforts to recover from a catastrophic and fatal flood.

KERR COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — In a media briefing Friday morning, Kerr…
New users get $1,000 no sweat first bet for FIFA Club World Cup

– Receive a hassle-free $1,000 first bet offer for FIFA Club World Cup newcomers

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
JSO: Woman shot, killed during party on Rover Drive hour after Fourth of July

Woman Fatally Shot at Party on Rover Drive Following Fourth of July

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said five people were detained following the deadly…