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Alaska

Alaska rescue teams suspend search for missing 12-year-old after fatal landslide kills 5

The decision to halt the AK search for Derek Heller comes after 15 days of extensive efforts

Associated Press
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  • Authorities have suspended the search for a missing 12-year-old boy after a deadly landslide in Wrangell, Alaska.
  • Five people were confirmed killed in the landslide: Otto Florschutz, Timothy and Beth Heller and two of the Heller children.
  • Officials say all accessible areas have been thoroughly examined, and search efforts will resume if new information or evidence emerges.

Authorities have suspended the search for the 12-year-old boy still missing following a deadly landslide in the southeast Alaska community of Wrangell.

FIFTH PERSON CONFIRMED DEAD IN ALASKA LANDSLIDE; 1 STILL MISSING

Five people have been confirmed killed in the landslide and their bodies recovered: Otto Florschutz, Timothy and Beth Heller and two of the couple's children, Kara Heller, 11, and Mara Heller, 16. Derek Heller remains missing following the Nov. 20 landslide that came down into the path of three homes, one of which was unoccupied. Florschutz's wife, Christina Florschutz, survived.

Alaska landslide

The landslide occurred in Wrangell, Alaska, on Nov. 21, 2023. The bodies of the deceased have been recovered, but Derek Heller, 12, remains missing. (Alaska Department of Public Safety via AP, File)

The City and Borough of Wrangell on Wednesday said the decision to end the search for Derek Heller followed "15 days of tireless and exhaustive efforts" by search and rescue teams.

1 CONFIRMED DEAD IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA LANDSLIDE

"After careful consideration and evaluation of all available information, it has been determined that all accessible search areas have been thoroughly examined. Search and Rescue volunteers and a scent-detection K9 team will be available to respond with active searching if any new information or evidence leads to a specific search area in the future," the city said in a statement posted on social media.

The late-night landslide was estimated to be 450 feet wide and covered a swath of the coastal highway. It occurred during a storm marked by rainfall and gusty winds.

Wrangell is about 155 miles south of Juneau.