Four students from Buncombe County have tragically lost their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, according to Superintendent Rob Jackson, who shared the news during a recent Board of Education meeting.
On Friday, Jackson reflected on the profound impact the storm has had on the community, describing it as a time of great loss. Weeks after Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, leaving devastation in its wake, Buncombe County Schools is mourning the loss of four students.
Among the victims were two brothers, Felix and Lucas Wisely, ages 9 and 7.The identities of the other two students have not yet been made public.
Additionally, 21 students remain unaccounted for more than two weeks after the storm triggered catastrophic flooding in the area, Jackson said during the Oct. 11 meeting, according to NBC affiliate WXII-TV.
“I’m extremely broken-hearted to share that since the storm’s arrival, we’ve also lost four of our students,” Jackson said at the last school board gathering a week ago.
In addition to the Wisely brothers, their mother Alison and fiance Knox Petrucci died while trying to flee the floodwaters on September 27. Their story is shared in a GoFundMe set up to help cover costs “of a fitting memorial and to support grieving family members and friends in their travels to the family’s funeral services, and support friends and family who have been hard hit by Helene. We will be using any extra funds to memorialize Aly, Knox, Felix, and Lucas, celebrate their lives, as well as donating to local organizations that meant the world to their family, and those who are working tirelessly to assist those affected by this unspeakably, horrific climate tragedy.”
At around noon on Friday, as Hurricane Helene bore down, the Wisely family tried to escape their home by car. However, floodwaters lifted the vehicle, causing it to float. Realizing the danger, they abandoned the car and attempted to make their way back to the house. Tragically, a massive wave swept them into the rushing waters of the Toe River.
So far, the bodies of Aly, Felix, and Lucas Wisely have been recovered. The search continues for Knox, with multiple agencies working tirelessly to locate him so he can be laid to rest alongside his family.
The GoFundMe goes on to describe the family and their home. The Wisely family lived in a picturesque home by the river in the North Carolina mountains, where they built a life filled with love, creativity, and magic. Surrounded by bees, chickens, pets, music, and art, their home reflected the vibrant and joyful spirit they shared.
Alison, a brilliant and nurturing mother, encouraged her children to explore their imaginations and embrace their playful, creative selves. As Sanctuary Operations Manager at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, Aly guided others through grief with compassion. She and Knox had planned to marry in an intimate ceremony on November 9th, but instead, loved ones now mourn their loss.
Knox, a local beekeeper and manager at Honey & the Hive in Weaverville, was also a talented musician, songwriter, and aspiring blacksmith.
Felix, curious and imaginative, was fascinated by the world around him—especially weather phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes. He delighted in the magical and unknown.
Sweet Lucas brought joy to everyone around him with his humor, kindness, and gentle spirit. He had a vivid imagination and loved exploring the outdoors, always curious about the world. Often dressed in superhero costumes.
Rest In Peace.
