Ketchikan, Alaska – The community of Ketchikan is in mourning following the tragic death of Sean Griffin, a long-time resident and dedicated public servant, who lost his life in a massive landslide on Sunday. Griffin, a 17-year veteran of the City of Ketchikan Public Works team, was responding to a call for assistance during his scheduled time off when the landslide struck, burying parts of the town in debris.
Sean Griffin was clearing stormwater drains on the Third Avenue Bypass with another team member when the landslide, triggered by intense rainfall, hit. His dedication to his work and the community was evident in his willingness to help, even during his time off. Griffin’s tragic death has left a deep impact on the community, where he was known as a beloved husband, father, son, neighbor, and coworker.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough confirmed Sean Griffin’s death and praised his lifelong commitment to public service. The severe landslide also injured three others, with two requiring hospitalization, and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure across several neighborhoods.
In response to the disaster, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration, and Ketchikan City Mayor Dave Kiffer noted the unprecedented scale of the slide in the town’s history. The local community is now grappling with the aftermath, with significant property damage and disruptions to daily life.
As the town mourns the loss of Sean Griffin, many residents have taken to social media to express their condolences and support for his family. Jennifer Marrs shared, “Praying for strength for the Griffin family. My heart aches for the pain they are feeling,” while Hayley Chambers noted, “The Streets Department are incredible guys, often doing the tough, thankless work to keep our community running. My condolences to Sean’s family and his coworkers.”
Other heartfelt messages included one from Suzanne Bedwell, who stated, “Alaska mourns with Ketchikan,” and Angelene Rodriguez, who expressed, “My heart goes out to the bereaved family. It’s so heartbreaking to hear tragic events like this. May God comfort you as well as the affected ones.”
The Ketchikan Borough School District has canceled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday, and Ketchikan High School has been designated as a shelter for displaced families. As the town continues to recover, efforts are focused on supporting those affected and preventing future incidents.
The community of Ketchikan will remember Sean Griffin for his unwavering service and dedication, a true testament to the spirit of the town.