Intel US Channel Chief Kimrey’s Home Flooded By Hurricane Ian

The channel veteran’s family has lost all of their possessions after historic hurricane waters flooded and likely destroyed their Florida home.

The Florida home of Intel U.S. channel chief Jason Kimrey and his family was destroyed last week by Hurricane Ian, putting them among the thousands of people hit hard when the storm ripped through the state last week.

Kimrey (pictured), vice president of U.S. channel and partner programs at Intel, his wife and two daughters were able to evacuate ahead of the storm and are safe, but the family home in Sanibel, Fla., was flooded and every item inside destroyed, the family said in an update posted on a Go Fund Me campaign set up by an Intel colleague.

The house will likely need to be torn down, the family said.

“While our lives have been changed forever, the most important thing is that my family and I are safe from the impacts of Hurricane Ian,” the Kimrey family wrote in the update. “The devastation from this hurricane is truly unbelievable, and we are so fortunate to have made the decision to evacuate the day before it made landfall in the Ft. Myers/Sanibel area.”

The power of the “unprecedented” storm surge created by Hurricane Ian was too much for the house to withstand, the family said.

“We specifically picked this home because it sat at one of the higher points on the island and was well-built to withstand the impacts of a hurricane. However, it was a single-level home, and with the unprecedented storm surge of 12 to 18 feet, our home could not withstand the power of rapidly moving water from all sides,” the family said. “As a result, approximately five feet of water [flooded] our home, and every item inside was destroyed.”

The Kimrey family relocated to the area in July 2021 and had moved into the recently renovated house approximately one month ago.

Kimrey could not be reached for comment.

“I have been fortunate to speak to Jason a few times since the devastation of Hurricane Ian,” said Greg Ernst, corporate vice president of Intel sales and marketing, in a statement to CRN. “As you can imagine, his family is going though an emotional roller coaster. They are focused on building an action plan each day, and providing a foundation of strength for their two amazing daughters. Jason and [his wife] have been overwhelmed by the love that their friends, co-workers and channel partners have shown.”

In an email to CRN, Intel’s John Kalvin, vice president and general manager of global partners and support organization, said, “We are incredibly saddened by the devastation in Florida caused by Hurricane Ian. Our hearts go out to all those impacted, including Intel’s very own Jason Kimrey and his family. Jason is a tremendous leader who is deeply committed to our partners’ growth. Our Intel family and the broader partner ecosystem have shown extreme support for Jason and all those impacted.”

The hurricane made landfall as a Category 4 storm and devastated the southwest coast of the state with winds of up to 150 mph while dumping more than 20 inches of rain. So far, the death toll has reached 68, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, though that number is expected to rise - especially in the Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island areas.

The GoFundMe note also says the family will need to relocate to a new home and that insurance is expected to pay for little of the expenses since hurricane flood damage is not covered by homeowners’ policies.

While expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and financial assistance given through the GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $52,000 as of press time, the family said it also intends to share the funds with others in need.

“I know there are many other great organizations and individuals in [southwest] Florida who will need financial support as well. My promise is to only use the money that is critical for our immediate need,” according to the family update. “I fully intend to donate a portion of the proceeds to charities or other people who will undoubtedly need support in the months and years to come as well.”

“For now, we have secured short-term housing and we are safe,” the Kimrey family wrote. “We have a long road ahead.”

The causeway to Sanibel island was damaged by the hurricane and remains impassable. Wednesday was the first day many residents could return to assess the damage by boat, according to CNN. “It is going to be emotional when they see their properties up close and the amount of damage that this storm inflicted upon them,” Sanibel’s City Manager Dana Souza told CNN. Drone video shows extensive damage throughout the island and rescue workers are still checking on residents who stayed through the storm.