Erik Rutan, guitarist for Cannibal Corpse, shared heartbreaking news about the catastrophic loss his family endured after not one, but two devastating hurricanes swept through their home in St. Petersburg, Florida. According to Rutan, “90% of everything” they owned was destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck on September 26, and Hurricane Milton, which followed just two weeks later on October 9.
Rutan, who left Cannibal Corpse’s European tour on September 28 to support his wife, took to social media on October 18 to express his gratitude for the support they’ve received during this difficult time. He wrote, “We are so grateful for all the love and support that has come our way. The positive words, messages, texts, and phone calls have meant so much to us. We feel so blessed to know that so many people care.”
He continued, describing the devastation: “Hurricane Helene and Milton decimated so many homes and lives and ours was one of them. 90% of everything we own including personal and family belongings, photos, things that can never be replaced as well as musical and studio gear was either severely damaged or completely destroyed.” The musician shared the emotional toll of returning home to find their life’s work in ruins, “This has been one of the most difficult times of our lives… Right now, we, as well as many, are suffering beyond measure.”
Despite the overwhelming loss, Rutan expressed hope and determination, writing, “Anyone that knows us knows that we will fight our way back through sheer will and determination to hopefully one day reclaim some kind of normalcy.” He concluded by asking for continued support and positive energy as his family works to rebuild their lives, promising further updates when possible.
Rutan became a permanent member of Cannibal Corpse in 2021, stepping in for longtime guitarist Pat O’Brien.
Hurricane Helene made a deadly impact in Florida’s Big Bend region, arriving as a Category 4 storm and marking one of the most destructive hurricanes in the U.S. over the past five decades. Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, further battered the state, zeroing in on the Sarasota area just south of Tampa Bay. Its intense winds and relentless rain caused widespread damage across Tampa Bay, with landfall occurring 75 miles south at Siesta Key.
