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
Back of a German firefighter's orange jacket with "FEUERWEHR" printed on it.

DHL Depot Incident: 12 Hurt and Hazmat Teams Called in After Suspicious Package Discovered Amidst Recent Parcel Threats

At least 12 individuals sustained injuries when a suspicious package was found…
'This Is What I Voted For': Trump Executive Order Fulfills Big Promise on Care for Vets vs. Illegals

Trump Set to Reduce Federal Funding for California

Federal funding plays a significant role in supporting various state responsibilities, such…
Trump EPA rollbacks would weaken rules projected to save billions of dollars and thousands of lives

EPA Rollbacks Under Trump Could Undermine Regulations That Save Billions and Protect Thousands of Lives

When the Environmental Protection Agency’s chief revealed plans to significantly scale back…
TSA Privacy Rights Violation: Key Allegations Uncovered

Revealing Allegations of TSA Privacy Rights Infringements

A federal air marshal whistleblower revealed that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)…
Israel Bombs Christian-Hospital Gaza: A Tragic Attack

Tragic Incident: Christian Hospital in Gaza Hit by Israeli Airstrike

On June 5, 2025, Israeli forces bombed the courtyard of the Al-Ahli…
Pope makes plea for peace with Ukraine in call with Putin

Pope Urges Peace in Ukraine During Call with Putin

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! In his first conversation…
'Freakier Friday' new look: what the latest trailer reveals about the sequel's story.

“New ‘Freakier Friday’ Trailer: Insights into the Sequel’s Plot”

Disney released a new trailer for “Freakier Friday” and the switcheroo shenanigans…
SEPTA bus fire: Blaze that damaged 40 decommissioned buses at Philadelphia storage yard now under control

SEPTA Bus Yard Fire: Flames Engulf 40 Retired Buses in Philadelphia Storage Area, Now Contained

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A fire damaged 40 decommissioned SEPTA buses, including 15…
LIST: Potential candidates for Florida's governor race in 2026

Rundown: Possible Contenders for Florida’s 2026 Gubernatorial Election

Candidates for Florida’s gubernatorial race in 2026 are starting to emerge across…
Bomb threat grounds Spirit Airlines flight at Detroit Metro Airport: 'Potential security issue'

Spirit Airlines Flight Grounded at Detroit Metro Due to Bomb Threat and ‘Security Concerns’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A bomb threat led…
Navy sailor vanishes without a trace as mother reveals concerning break in daily habit

Navy Sailor Mysteriously Disappears: Mother Highlights Unusual Change in Routine

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Virginia authorities are searching…
David Jolly Florida governor run: Ex-Republican runs as Democrat

David Jolly Switches Parties for Florida Governor Bid: Former Republican Now a Democrat

The former Republican, now registered Democrat Jolly announced his bid Thursday morning,…