Derek Heller Missing Person Case

Nov 29, 2023

Mar 14, 2024

Derek

Heller

13

12

60 inches

90 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On the evening of November 20, 2023, a devastating landslide occurred at approximately mile 11 of the Zimovia Highway in Wrangell, Alaska, tragically impacting several homes and families. Among those missing in the immediate aftermath was 12-year-old Male, Derek Heller. The massive slide, estimated to be about 450 feet wide, was triggered by a powerful storm that brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The Heller family home was directly in the path of the deluge of mud, trees, and debris that surged down the mountainside and across the highway. In the days that followed, search and rescue teams faced treacherous and unstable conditions as they tirelessly worked to locate survivors and victims. The immense search effort involved local and state agencies, including the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department, Alaska State Troopers, and numerous volunteers. Responders utilized K9 scent dogs, drones, boats, and helicopters to comb through the extensive and hazardous debris field that extended into the water. Tragically, the search led to the recovery of Derek's parents, Timothy and Beth Heller, and his two sisters, 16-year-old Mara and 11-year-old Kara. Another resident, 65-year-old Otto Florschutz, was also found deceased, though his wife was rescued. Despite the exhaustive 15-day search, crews were unable to locate Derek. The challenging terrain, filled with endless amounts of clay and slippery surfaces, complicated the monumental task. After 15 days of continuous and dangerous work, officials made the difficult decision to suspend the active search for Derek Heller. The City and Borough of Wrangell stated that all accessible search areas had been thoroughly examined. While the active search was halted, officials indicated that search and rescue volunteers and a K9 scent detection team would remain available to respond to any new leads or evidence. The community of Wrangell, a small fishing town, was left to grieve the immense loss of life. The case of Derek Heller remains a painful open wound for his family and the close-knit Alaskan community, a heartbreaking reminder of the destructive power of the natural disaster that claimed the lives of his entire immediate family.

Nov 20, 2023

Wrangell

Alaska

Wrangell Petersburg County

No

132453

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK23121256

2023-11-21

Alaska State Troopers

1012

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

07/09/2026