On the evening of November 20, 2023, a massive landslide at about mile 11 of the Zimovia Highway in Wrangell, Alaska, swept the Heller family home with a deluge of mud, trees, and debris. Twelve-year-old Derek Heller was reported missing after the slide, which was estimated to be about 450 feet wide and driven by heavy rain and strong winds.

Search and rescue operations lasted 15 days and involved the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department, Alaska State Troopers and volunteers. Responders used K9 scent dogs, drones, boats and helicopters to search an extensive debris field that extended into the water. Derek’s parents, Timothy and Beth Heller, and his sisters, 16-year-old Mara and 11-year-old Kara, were recovered; another resident, 65-year-old Otto Florschutz, was also found deceased, while his wife was rescued.

Officials suspended the active search after concluding all accessible areas had been examined but said volunteers and a K9 team would remain available for any new leads. If anyone in Wrangell or nearby areas saw Derek around November 20 or has information that could help, please come forward.