Michigan construction worker among Hurricane Ian victims after clinging to tree

GARDEN CITY, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 35-year-old man from Michigan who was working building in Florida has been recognized as one of many victims of Hurricane Ian.

The physique of Craig Markgraff Jr. was discovered by rescue crews on Oct. 4, 5 days after he was reported lacking. He was final seen clinging to a tree on Sept. 29 as he tried escaping floodwaters. His loss of life has been dominated a drowning.

“He was undoubtedly somebody you have been drawn to,” Markgraff’s sister April Rudolph of Backyard Metropolis stated.

Markgraff, known as C.J. by lots of his pals, was recognized for dwelling life to the fullest. His sister described him as “the most effective brother ever.”

“Once I was in highschool, I got here out into the car parking zone and my automotive had been damaged into, and it was a shock to me,” Rudolph stated. “So, I known as my dad, and my brother was on the home. I did not even know. He overheard the dialog and never even two seconds of listening to one thing occurred, he is flying down the road to get to my college.”

Rudolph spoke with WXYZ’s sister station WFTS in Tampa. Markgraff cut up time between Michigan and Florida, the place he labored in building. He determined to remain as Hurricane Ian approached.

Not like the overwhelming majority of Hurricane Ian’s victims who lived principally alongside the coast close to Fort Myers, Markgraff lived roughly 40 miles inland in a metropolis known as Zolfo Springs. It’s a metropolis alongside the Peace River, which noticed catastrophic flooding

“His home, he lives like on a creek and it had already had some flooding simply earlier than the storm even got here. And he did not know what was going to occur. It was sort of getting ready to too late to go away,” Rudolph stated.

The household final heard from Markgraff on the Sept. 28 when he stated he was anxious in regards to the storm. A day later as flood waters reached his house, he was final seen clinging to a tree.

“I came upon first and I didn’t wish to inform my mother in any respect,” Rudolph stated.

Markgraff was one among three individuals killed by the storm in Hardee County. Since his loss of life, his household has acquired widespread help on social media and from household and pals, who will miss him dearly.

“It should be a very tough factor to cope with. However you realize, you are supported and cherished by so many individuals strangers you in all probability do not even know are there for you, rooting for you they usually need all people and all the things to be OK,” Rudolph stated.