Janice R. Andrews
A November wedding in Western North Carolina was transformed into a day of remembrance after Hurricane Helene claimed the lives of an engaged couple and two young boys. Knox Petrucci, 41, and Alison Wisely, 35, along with her sons Felix, 9, and Lucas, 7, perished in devastating floods that struck Yancey County on September 27. Their planned wedding date of November 9 will instead mark the day of their memorial services.
A Love Story Cut Short
Knox and Alison’s romance began in 2019 at Honey & the Hive, a beekeeping supply store in Weaverville, North Carolina. Their shared interests in art, animals, and the outdoors brought them together, leading to a deep connection that culminated in Knox’s handcrafted proposal in June 2023. The couple made their home in a 1950s brick ranch in Green Mountain, sharing their lives with Alison’s sons and their beloved pets.
Lives Full of Promise
The family embodied creativity and curiosity. Felix, an intellectually gifted nine-year-old, co-hosted a podcast with his mother called “Beyond Legends,” exploring folklore and supernatural topics. Seven-year-old Lucas, known for his fearless spirit and endearing love of cows, excelled in gymnastics and aerial silks. Both boys were becoming bilingual through their school’s Spanish immersion program.
The Fatal Day
On September 27, Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters engulfed their community. Witnesses reported seeing the family attempt to escape in Alison’s white Mazda CX-5, only to be forced out when the vehicle began floating. In their desperate attempt to return home, they were swept away by a massive wave. The discovery of their bodies days later devastated the tight-knit community.
Community Response
The tragedy sparked an outpouring of support, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $65,000 for funeral expenses. Friends like Melissa Mejia have worked tirelessly to salvage precious mementos from their mud-filled home and rescue surviving pets, including the boys’ lizard, Sheila. Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, where Alison worked as operations manager, has offered to cover burial costs.
A Bittersweet Legacy
The loss has deeply affected many, including Knox’s sister Briana Yarbrough, who had recently reconciled with her brother after years of estrangement. The boys’ father, Lance Wisely, who maintained a positive co-parenting relationship with Alison, last saw his sons just a week before the tragedy.
As the community prepares for the November 9 memorial services, the story of Knox, Alison, Felix, and Lucas stands as a testament to love, family bonds, and community strength in the face of devastating loss. Their legacy lives on through the memories they created and the lives they touched.
