Share this @internewscast.com

Authorities recovered the body of a 65-year-old man from the debris of a landslide that swept through part of southeast Alaska last month.

The body of Otto Florschutz was found just before 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the Alaska Department of Public Safety said in a news release Friday. He is the fifth confirmed death of the Nov. 20 landslide.

One person, 12-year-old Derek Heller, remains missing, authorities said.

Wrangell Search and Rescue K9, Wrangell Search and Rescue volunteers, and an excavator assisted in the recovery of Florschutz’s body.

Search and rescue volunteers and a scent detection K9 team are continuing with “reactive searching as any new information or evidence leads to a specific search area,” the public safety department said.

Florschutz, a commercial fisherman, previously served on Wrangell’s Port Commission and was a candidate in the race to fill the congressional seat vacated by longtime U.S. Rep. Don Young’s death last year. He received 193 votes out of nearly 162,000 cast, The Associated Press reported.

Three homes were hit by a landslide that struck just before 9 p.m. near the community of Wrangell.

Authorities identified the four other confirmed victims as family members Timothy Heller, 44; Beth Heller, 36; and their children Mara, 16; and Kara, 11. Their son, Derek, remains missing.

Florschutz was their neighbor, according to authorities. His wife, Christina Florschutz, survived the landslide.

Both families were at their homes when the landslide hit. The third home was unoccupied.

Christina Florschutz said she was getting dressed when she heard “a horrible noise.” She told the Wrangell Sentinel and KSTV radio that the landslide slammed into the home and tossed her around “like a piece of weightless popcorn” before she lost consciousness.

When she woke up, she said she was trapped between the roof of her house and debris.

She told the newspaper and radio station that she managed to free herself and walked across the debris until a group of people found her, put her in a sled and dragged her to safety.

She has been recovering in the hospital.

The landslide, estimated to be 450 feet wide, occurred following heavy rain and winds in the area. It cut off about 54 homes from town. Around 35 to 45 people have chosen to stay in the area, said Mason Villarma, interim borough manager.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
VMI cadets fight back as Virginia Democrats threaten to close historic military college

Virginia’s Historic VMI Faces Closure: Cadets Rally Against Democratic Threats

Cadets at Virginia Military Institute have rallied to defend their esteemed military…
Ex-Dem mayor's son arrested after storming hotel with anti-ICE agitators, police say

Son of Former Democratic Mayor Arrested in Anti-ICE Hotel Protest, Police Report

The son of Bill de Blasio, the former mayor of New York…
Border czar suggests fewer ICE agents in Minneapolis, but only after 'cooperation' from state officials

Border Czar Proposes Reduced ICE Presence in Minneapolis, Contingent on Collaboration with State Authorities

Following the tragic incident involving the shooting of a protester by federal…
Federal judge gives man 15 years for Iran-backed assassination plot on US soil

Federal Court Sentences Man to 15 Years for Foiled Iran-Backed Assassination Plot on US Soil

In a significant legal decision, a federal judge has handed down the…
Will County man John Shadbar pleads guilty in hate crime case after shooting of Melissa Robertson in Lockport

Will County Resident Admits Guilt in Hate Crime Shooting of Melissa Robertson in Lockport

A resident of Will County has admitted guilt in a case involving…
Man allegedly tried busting Luigi Mangione out of jail with BBQ fork, pizza cutter while posing as FBI agent

Wild Jailbreak Attempt: Man Uses BBQ Fork and Pizza Cutter Disguised as FBI Agent to Free Inmate

A bizarre incident unfolded at a Brooklyn jail on Wednesday when a…
Woman airlifted to safety after plunging 150 feet down Los Angeles cliffside

Rescue Operation: Woman Successfully Airlifted After 150-Foot Cliff Fall in Los Angeles

A dramatic rescue unfolded in California on Wednesday when a woman was…
Police confirm investigation into anti-ICE Virginia Commonwealth nurse who encouraged drugging agents

Virginia Nurse Under Investigation for Allegedly Advocating Drugging ICE Agents: Police Confirm Probe

On Thursday afternoon, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) police confirmed that a…
Officer clings to life after homicide suspect allegedly unloads gun on police during high-risk arrest

Officer Critically Injured in Shootout During High-Stakes Arrest of Homicide Suspect

A Texas police officer is fighting for her life after being shot…
Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson arrested for speeding over 100 mph

Olympic Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson Detained for Exceeding 100 mph Speed Limit

Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson found herself in legal trouble in Florida on…
Chicago AccuWeather forecast: Next chance for snow on Friday with lake-effect making for messy commute, including Indiana Friday

Snowy Commute Alert: Lake-Effect Snow to Hit Chicago and Indiana This Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7’s team of meteorologists is closely monitoring the upcoming…
NYPD’s Tisch must heed Mamdani’s lead

NYPD’s Tisch Encouraged to Follow Mamdani’s Guidance

Among the post-election decisions of Mayor Mamdani, none has sparked more debate…