The lives of four beloved family members were tragically cut short when Hurricane Helene hit as they tried to escape the storm on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Alison Wisely, her two young sons, Felix and Lucas, and her fiancé, Knox Petrucci, who were from Green Mountain, North Carolina, were attempting to evacuate when their car began to float in rising floodwaters.

Forced to abandon their car as the flooding worsened, the family attempted to make their way back to the house. However, a massive wave swept them into the nearby Toe River.

A man, who witnessed the event firsthand, had attempted to warn them against approaching the water and later tried to assist in their escape, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

He later confirmed their identities after being shown photos of the family. Emergency responders eventually located the family’s car a significant distance from the road, near the river’s edge. Their home was searched, and though it was empty, a lone dog was found inside.

Alison’s body was recovered on October 4, 2024, in Tennessee while Felix and Lucas’s bodies were found on the following day. On October 7, 2024, after several agencies worked tirelessly to bring Knox home so he could rest with his family, his body was also recovered.

As per her family, Alison, known for her wisdom and deep love for her children, was a nurturing mother who inspired Felix and Lucas to embrace their imaginations and creativity. As Sanctuary Operations Manager at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, she guided others through their grief with compassion and grace.

Knox, a beekeeper and manager at Honey and the Hive in Weaverville, was also a gifted musician and artist. Known for his advocacy for the Earth and bees, he lived with authenticity, supporting his friends and loved ones with boundless love.

Nine-year-old Felix was a curious and precocious boy. He loved learning about the world, especially the magical and mysterious, including earth creatures others do not believe in. He was also fascinated by tornadoes and hurricanes. He and his mother even produced a podcast about folklore and the supernatural, called Beyond Legend.

Felix’s brother, Lucas, 7, was a sweet and imaginative child. He brightened the lives of everyone around him with his humor and warmth, often donning superhero costumes and sparkling accessories. He adored cows of every kind and gave the best cuddles.

The family, who lived near the river in the North Carolina mountains, created a life full of love, music, creativity, and nature. They were planning to celebrate Alison and Knox’s wedding on November 9 but are now being mourned by devastated family and friends.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support memorial services and grieving family members. While the Carolina Memorial Sanctuary has graciously covered funeral costs, any additional funds will be used to honor the lives of Alison, Knox, Felix, and Lucas and support those impacted by the storm.

The heartbreak felt by their loved ones is unimaginable, and the family has thanked everyone for their love, support, and continued prayers during this painful time. They have also paid tribute to Alison, Knox, Felix, and Lucas.