A 42-year-old husband and father has been identified as the victim of a tragic landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, on Sunday. Sean Griffin, who spent 17 years working with the city’s public works team, was killed while responding to help during his scheduled time off, as stated by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.
According to local officials, Griffin and a colleague were in the process of clearing stormwater drains when they became trapped in the landslide. “Sean was a beloved husband, father, son, neighbor, and coworker,” Ketchikan officials remarked. “He dedicated his life to serving his family and community.” Griffin began his career as a solid waste collector and advanced to various roles, culminating in his promotion to senior maintenance technician.
The Ketchikan community has been left mourning the loss of Griffin, who is remembered for his commitment, positivity, and strong devotion to those around him. In response to the landslide, mandatory evacuations were enacted, as three individuals were reported injured and hospitalized, with one being later discharged.
Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster emergency for the state of Alaska, while a joint emergency declaration was issued by borough Mayor Rodney Dial and Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer. Mayor Kiffer expressed his shock, stating, “In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude,” and highlighted the need to address the broader regional issues related to landslides.
Images from the scene revealed significant damage—including a pile of trees and soil against multiple hillside homes, some of which were displaced. Roads were also seen covered in debris. Senator Dan Sullivan expressed his condolences on social media, offering support for families affected and ensuring readiness for federal assistance if needed.
The landslide was influenced by severe weather, as Ketchikan experienced around 3 inches of rain this month, half of its typical August average, with over 2.5 inches falling over the weekend. Areas at higher elevations reported between 5 to 9 inches of rain, conditions that can lead to soil instability and landslides. Although rain is expected to lessen through Tuesday, additional rainfall is forecasted for later in the week.
Landslides are a common occurrence in southeast Alaska, with a previous incident in Wrangell last November resulting in six fatalities, including that of an 11-year-old girl.