Current:Home > Back'Beloved' father who was clearing storm drains identified as victim of Alaska landslide-LoTradeCoin
'Beloved' father who was clearing storm drains identified as victim of Alaska landslide
View Date:2024-12-23 20:43:41
An Alaska community is mourning the loss of a father who died in the Sunday landslide that left three others injured and prompted dozens of homes to evacuate.
Land detached from a hillside in Ketchikan around 4 p.m. local time, significantly damaging roads, ruining homes and knocking out power in the small Alaskan port city known as a popular stop for cruises, officials said in a media release on Sunday.
“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude,” Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer said in the release. “The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes."
One person died and three people were taken to a hospital to be treated for unspecified injuries, city officials said.
Landslide victim remembered as 'beloved' husband and father
Ketchikan officials identified the victim who died in the landslide as Sean Griffin, a public works employee who was clearing storm drains when the landslide struck.
Officials added that Griffin was a “beloved husband, father, son, neighbor, and coworker.”
Griffin followed his mom into public service and worked as the senior maintenance technician of the City of Ketchikan Public Works team, per the release.
“It was his commitment to the community that caused him to respond to the call for assistance during his scheduled time off," the release said. “Sean and another team member were clearing stormwater drains when they were caught in the landslide on the Third Avenue Bypass.”
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy made a post on X sending his condolences to the Griffin family.
"Rose and I are holding the Griffin family and the entire Ketchikan community close in our hearts as we send our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sean Griffin," Dunleavy wrote in the post.
At least 4 homes 'critically damaged'
In a media release on Tuesday, Ketchikan officials said the landslide “critically damaged four homes, with damages still being assessed for homes adjacent to the slide area.”
Many residents and businesses downhill of the slide area have reported flooding and roughly 60 homes in the area were ordered to evacuate, officials said.
“Meteorologists are onsite reviewing weather conditions and providing guidance for responders,” the release said. “Geologists have been working at the slide area assessing the soil stability and conducting measurements.”
Photos show the damage of the Ketchikan landslide
Photos and videos captured the the damage the landslide left behind in Ketchikan.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.
veryGood! (5519)
Related
- Mike Tyson concedes the role of villain to young foe in 58-year-old’s fight with Jake Paul
- Sudan’s generals agree to meet in efforts to end their devastating war, a regional bloc says
- U.S. Lawmakers Confer With World Leaders at COP28
- Prince William, Princess Kate share a new family photo on Christmas card: See the pic
- Biden, Harris participate in Veterans Day ceremony | The Excerpt
- Diamonds in the vacuum cleaner: Paris’ luxury Ritz hotel finds guest’s missing ring
- Asia lags behind pre-pandemic levels of food security, UN food agency says
- Kenya falls into darkness in the third nationwide power blackout in 3 months
- Sean Diddy Combs' Lawyers File New Motion for Bail, Claiming Evidence Depicts a Consensual Relationship
- Derek Chauvin's stabbing highlights security issues in federal prisons, experts say
Ranking
- Wildfires burn from coast-to-coast; red flag warnings issued for Northeast
- BTS members RM and V start compulsory military service in South Korea. Band seeks to reunite in 2025
- Petrochemical giant’s salt mine ruptures in northeastern Brazil. Officials warn of collapse
- Extraordinarily rare white leucistic gator with twinkling blue eyes born in Florida
- Jason Kelce Offers Up NSFW Explanation for Why Men Have Beards
- Kishida promises he’ll take appropriate steps ahead of a Cabinet shuffle to tackle a party scandal
- Israeli families mark Hanukkah as they mourn and hope for safe return of hostages
- NFL playoff picture Week 14: Cowboys seize NFC East lead, Eagles slide
Recommendation
-
Mega Millions winning numbers for November 8 drawing: Jackpot rises to $361 million
-
Tennessee picks up pieces after terrifying tornadoes; storm pounds East Coast: Live updates
-
3 coffee table books featuring gardens recall the beauty in our endangered world
-
Former Titans TE Frank Wycheck, key cog in 'Music City Miracle,' dies after fall at home
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Red Velvet, Please
-
Adam Silver plans to meet with Ja Morant for 'check in' before suspension return
-
At least 3 killed after fire in hospital near Rome
-
Derek Chauvin's stabbing highlights security issues in federal prisons, experts say