Authorities have announced the recovery of the body of a 65-year-old man from the debris of a landslide that swept through part of southeast Alaska last month. Otto Florschutz became the fifth confirmed fatality of the November 20 landslide, according to a news release by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

Wrangell Search and Rescue K9, Wrangell Search and Rescue volunteers, and an excavator played crucial roles in the recovery effort of Florschutz's body. Despite this tragic discovery, one person still remains missing – 12-year-old Derek Heller.

The public safety department stated that search and rescue volunteers, along with a scent detection K9 team, continue with "reactive searching," following any new information or evidence that leads to specific search areas in an effort to locate Derek.

The devastating landslide occurred just before 9 p.m. near the community of Wrangell, striking three homes. The four other confirmed victims were identified as Timothy Heller, 44; Beth Heller, 36; and their children Mara, 16, and Kara, 11. Derek, the Hellers' son, is the only family member still missing. Authorities confirmed that Florschutz was their neighbor, while his wife, Christina Florschutz, survived the landslide.

Recounting the tragic events, Christina Florschutz shared her harrowing experience, describing how she was getting dressed when she heard "a horrible noise." She recalled being tossed around "like a piece of weightless popcorn" before losing consciousness as the landslide impacted their home. Remarkably, she managed to free herself from the debris and found assistance from a group of people who placed her in a sled and brought her to safety.

The landslide, estimated to be around 450 feet wide, was triggered by heavy rain and winds in the area. It resulted in the isolation of approximately 54 homes from the town and prompted around 35 to 45 residents to choose to stay in the affected area, according to Mason Villarma, interim borough manager.

The search and rescue efforts remain ongoing as authorities tirelessly work to locate Derek Heller and provide closure for the affected families.