Relatives scramble to relocate Florida woman to Utah after she lost everything to Ian
Oct 5, 2022, 9:55 AM
SYRACUSE, Utah — Family members were scrambling Tuesday to get a relative in Florida safely to Utah after she lost everything to Hurricane Ian.
Dianna Walz went dark for roughly four days after leaving a concerning voicemail with her family in Utah and also posting a Facebook video on Sept. 28 showing floodwaters in her house floating the refrigerator close to the ceiling.
Another voicemail on Oct. 2 let family members know Walz was alive as she described the devastation.
“I love you guys,” the woman left in the recording. “You guys, I’d given up.”
Niece Genevra Prothero said the messages were heartbreaking.
“When we heard the voice messages, we all cried,” Prothero said. “You don’t think that’s going to happen to your family.”
It was only on Monday that she and others were able to speak to Walz, who is in Fort Myers, Florida.
“It is the most terrifying thing we have ever been through as a family,” Prothero said. “It did not look like she was going to make it.”
Prothero said Walz lost everything to the storm, including her home, her car and her cat.
“I mean she had a body floating right next to her,” Prothero said.
Prothero said at one point a fork went through Walz’s foot and she also suffered a head injury at some point during the hurricane.
“It’s just been a nightmare for her,” Prothero said.
Prothero said the family’s plan was to relocate Walz to Utah, though the timetable remained uncertain.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe* account to raise money.
“I know Utah is going to be the very best place,” Prothero said.
*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
