A devastating tragedy has struck western North Carolina, claiming the lives of Alison Wisely, her fiancé Knox Petrucci, and her two young children, Felix and Lucas. The family of four perished while attempting to evacuate their Green Mountain home amidst the raging storm Helene.
As the storm approached, the family tried to flee in their car but were swept away by the floodwaters of the Toe River. Relatives revealed that they had prepared for minor flooding but were caught off guard by the river’s unprecedented 22-foot rise.
Alison and Knox were set to wed on November 9 in Burnsville. The couple had built a life filled with love, creativity, and community. Knox, a local beekeeper and aspiring blacksmith, was deeply rooted in the Appalachian arts and queer communities.
Briana Petrucci Yarbrough, Knox’s sister, remembered her brother as a kind-hearted individual who brought people together. “Knox inspired others with his authenticity, love, and acceptance,” she said.
Alison was a devoted mother who nurtured her children’s creative spirits. Felix, 9, was a curious and imaginative boy who loved exploring the unknown, while Lucas, 7, was a bright and caring child with a flair for humor.
The family’s father, Lance Wisely, expressed gratitude to the community for their love and support. “Our family was touched by all of you,” he said.
Miraculously, some of the family’s pets survived the tragedy. Their cattle dog, Reishi, was found alive, and their cat, Mowgli, has been adopted by a family friend. The family’s lizard, Sheila, also survived.
A GoFundMe has been established to support grieving family members and friends. The Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, where Alison worked, has generously offered to cover burial and funeral expenses.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of this loving family, their memory will live on through the countless lives they touched. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of community and love.
