Mysterious family photos discovered in Hurricane Ian debris set off search in Florida

A stack of weathered photos pulled from Hurricane Ian debris has taken on special meaning as one Florida community searches for the owners.

The images were discovered in Lee County, where the Category 4 storm killed 72 people and destroyed more than 5,300 structures in late September.

Identifying the owners has become a hot topic since the photos were shared on Facebook by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Many wonder not only who they are, but also what may have happened to them during a storm that washed away numerous homes.

“Just imagine the owner of these photos thinking these priceless memories were gone forever … to be found more than seven months after Hurricane Ian devastated SWFL (Southwest Florida),” the Lee County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a May 2 Facebook post.

“While the photos have some damage, we are certain the family who lost these precious memories would appreciate them back. We need your assistance ... to help reunite the family with photos they thought they’d never see again.”

The photos depict couples and young adults, some standing beside boats and others posed in homes. One shows a young man displaying a recently caught fish, while another depicts an adult sitting atop a cannon at a historic site.

All show hints of water damage but the faces remain clear. They were found “amongst hurricane debris” along Galt Island Avenue in St. James City on Pine Island, the sheriff’s office reports.

The May 2 Facebook post got 800 shares, reactions and comments in one day, including some who noted the effort was part of something bigger for people who survived the storm.

Others saw it as indicative of Lee County’s community spirit in the wake of a major disaster.

“The kindness of posting these photos and trying to get them back to the family speaks loudly to ya’ll’s empathy,” Andrea Collignon posted.

“I hope they get them back. I’m sure it would mean the world to them to get even a little of what was lost back,” Kathy Paton wrote.

Florida had 149 deaths attributed to Hurricane Ian, and 72 were in Lee County, according to the University of South Florida.

“In Lee County, at least 52,514 structures were impacted, of which 5,369 were destroyed and 14,245 received major damage,” the National Hurricane Center reports.

“Bridges and roadways were also severely damaged or destroyed. Roads and bridges to Sanibel and Pine islands were washed away, limiting access to either by boat or helicopter.”

Pine Island is about 130 miles southeast of Tampa.

This story was originally published May 3, 2023 at 1:38 PM.