The fiancé’s sister shared the heartbreaking news of this loss, describing the unimaginable pain of losing her brother, his fiancée, and her children.
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.
In an emotional post, where she announced the news, Knox’s sister, Briana, reflected on the love and memories they shared. She paid tribute to Alison as the wisest and most loving partner to Knox, someone who quickly felt like family.
“She instantly felt like a sister and I will always cherish the talks we had about the afterlife and the meaning of life over coffee when we spent time together in Lake Winnipesaukee,” penned Briana.
Knox’s sister spoke fondly of Felix and Lucas, calling them the, “brightest, magical, funniest little souls you could ever imagine.” She expressed the sorrow of not being able to fully embrace her role as their aunt.
Briana also honored her brother’s legacy, promising to carry forward the values he held dear. “Knox, I love you so much. You taught me how to love fiercely, and wholly and I don’t know how I am going to do life without you,” she added.
She celebrated Knox’s fierce love, his advocacy for the environment and bees, and his unwavering commitment to his friends and family. The pain of his absence is indescribable, but she vowed to continue embodying the qualities he lived by, including his forgiving and genuine spirit.
Briana extended her thoughts to the father of Alison’s children, Lance Wisely, and his partner, Sarah, as well as her parents, Kathy and Bruce, and brother, Hayden. She asked for prayers and support for them as they grieve this tremendous loss.
In her message, she expressed immense gratitude to the volunteers, emergency workers, and community members who have come together during this difficult time. She asked for privacy and time for the family to grieve as they navigate through the pain of their loss.
Lance also wrote a touching message, expressing the immense love and pride he felt for his sons. He shared, “The boys were loved fiercely and generously by all of their grown ups, and by you, even many of you who never met them have watched them grow up and shared in our joys as a family.”
The dad also described his sons as adventurous, artistic, and full of joy and snuggles. “It has been my great honor and pleasure, and exhausting privilege, to be their father for their time in this world with us,” he wrote.
Lance spoke highly of Knox, who embraced Felix and Lucas as his own, always showing them love and care. He also paid tribute to Alison, calling her brilliant, charming, and a devoted mother. Their cooperative co-parenting relationship was one that Lance deeply valued, as they shared the joys of raising their children.
Lance acknowledged the deep sense of loss that has touched so many. The family’s passing has left a void, and the outpouring of love and support serves as a testament to the impact they had on those around them.