A 42-year-old husband and father, Sean Griffin, has been identified as the victim of a landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, that occurred on Sunday. Griffin, a longtime member of the city’s public works team who had served for 17 years, was reportedly killed while responding to assist during his time off.
According to city officials, Griffin was working with a colleague to clear stormwater drains when the landslide struck. He was described as a cherished husband, father, son, and coworker, known for his dedication to family and community. Griffin’s career path saw him rise from solid waste collector to senior maintenance technician.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough has implemented mandatory evacuations following the landslide, which injured three people, one of whom has since been released from the hospital.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster emergency, while Ketchikan’s borough and city mayors acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Mayor Dave Kiffer noted that such a large slide had not been witnessed in his 65 years in Ketchikan, indicating a regional problem that requires further investigation.
Images from the scene show debris, including trees and loose soil, threatening homes and obstructing roads. Community leaders, including Senator Dan Sullivan, expressed their condolences and offered support for potential federal assistance.
This landslide followed significant rainfall in the region, including over 2.5 inches during the weekend, with higher elevations receiving up to 9 inches, indicating that the wet conditions may have contributed to the disaster. More rain is anticipated in the coming days. Landslides are a known risk in southeast Alaska, with a tragic incident last November taking the lives of six individuals, including a young girl.