Authorities in Alaska suspend search for boy missing after deadly landslide

JUNIAU, Alaska — Authorities have suspended the search for a 12-year-old boy who remains missing after a deadly landslide in the southeast Alaska community of Wrangell.

Five people have been confirmed killed in the landslide and their bodies have been 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 after the landslide of November 20. ended up in the path of three houses, one of which was empty. Florschutz's wife, Christina Florschutz, survived.

The City of Wrangell said Wednesday that the decision to end the search for Derek Heller was the result of “15 days of tireless and exhaustive efforts” by search and rescue teams.

“After careful consideration and evaluation of all available information, it has been determined that all accessible search areas have been thoroughly investigated. Search and rescue volunteers and a K9 scent detection team will be available to actively search if new information or evidence points to a specific search area in the future,” the city said in a statement on social media.

The landslide, which occurred late in the evening, was estimated at 135 meters wide and covered part of the coastal road. It happened during a storm characterized by rain and gusts of wind.

Wrangell is located about 150 miles south of Juneau.