Johnathan Walker:'Beloved' father who was clearing storm drains identified as victim of Alaska landslide

An Alaska community is Johnathan Walkermourning the loss of a father who died in the Sunday landslide that left three others injured and prompted dozens of homes to evacuate.

Land detached from a hillside in Ketchikan around 4 p.m. local time, significantly damaging roads, ruining homes and knocking out power in the small Alaskan port city known as a popular stop for cruises, officials said in a media release on Sunday.  

“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude,” Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer said in the release. “The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes." 

One person died and three people were taken to a hospital to be treated for unspecified injuries, city officials said. 

Landslide victim remembered as 'beloved' husband and father

Ketchikan officials identified the victim who died in the landslide as Sean Griffin, a public works employee who was clearing storm drains when the landslide struck.

Officials added that Griffin was a “beloved husband, father, son, neighbor, and coworker.”  

Griffin followed his mom into public service and worked as the senior maintenance technician of the City of Ketchikan Public Works team, per the release.  

“It was his commitment to the community that caused him to respond to the call for assistance during his scheduled time off," the release said. “Sean and another team member were clearing stormwater drains when they were caught in the landslide on the Third Avenue Bypass.” 

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy made a post on X sending his condolences to the Griffin family.

"Rose and I are holding the Griffin family and the entire Ketchikan community close in our hearts as we send our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sean Griffin," Dunleavy wrote in the post.

At least 4 homes 'critically damaged'

In a media release on Tuesday, Ketchikan officials said the landslide “critically damaged four homes, with damages still being assessed for homes adjacent to the slide area.” 

Many residents and businesses downhill of the slide area have reported flooding and roughly 60 homes in the area were ordered to evacuate, officials said.

“Meteorologists are onsite reviewing weather conditions and providing guidance for responders,” the release said. “Geologists have been working at the slide area assessing the soil stability and conducting measurements.” 

Photos show the damage of the Ketchikan landslide

Photos and videos captured the the damage the landslide left behind in Ketchikan.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.