Litzi Botello (Port Protection): Death, Family Losses, and Alaskan Legacy

If you’re searching for information about Port Protection Alaska cast members, one name often mentioned is Litzi Botello. A longtime resident of Port Protection, Litzi was featured on the National Geographic reality series Port Protection Alaska, where her lifestyle reflected the challenges and rewards of living off-grid in one of Southeast Alaska’s most remote coastal communities.

Litzi Botello passed away on June 25, 2021, at the age of 62, following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Her death was noted by both the Port Protection community and fans of the show, many of whom came to recognize her for her practical skills, resilience, and ability to thrive in a demanding environment.

In addition to losing an arm earlier in life, she experienced the untimely deaths of both her sons, yet remained active in her community and continued to live independently. Her story—from California to Alaskan survivalist—offers insight into what it means to live with determination and adaptability in the Alaskan wilderness.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Born on November 22, 1958, in Norwalk, California, Cecilia Jovita “Litzi” Botello was the daughter of John Duarte Botello (1924–2023) and Elida Mary Valdez Botello (1928–2017). Her early years were far removed from the wilderness of Southeast Alaska. Before her move to Port Protection, Litzi pursued a passion for art. According to a 2019 KRBD Public Radio report, she had worked as a sculptor for over 20 years. A trained polymer clay artist, Litzi was known for her vibrant and intricate aquatic-themed pieces. She began creating marine life sculptures—such as jellyfish—after she started fishing with her husband, John Bean.

Art became a therapeutic outlet for her, especially during difficult times. As she once shared:

“To create something beautiful that you think is good, you have to be in the right head space. It took me a while to get back, but now it’s fun… and not necessarily to sell, because it’s fun to create something that you can look at and be proud of.”

Moving to Port Protection, Alaska

That yearning for simplicity and deeper meaning brought Litzi to Prince of Wales Island, where she settled near the remote outpost of Port Protection. Over the next 40 years, she embraced a rugged lifestyle—off-grid, self-reliant, and in harmony with the wild. Her way of life became a quiet inspiration to others, including her niece Veronica Arrants, who would later join the same community and appear on the show. Veronica reflected,

“She had a unique strength. Even when I was young, I could tell she wasn’t afraid of much, and I admired her for that.”

Litzi became known for her fearless parenting style and her connection to nature, raising two sons in the Alaskan wilderness while staying closely connected to the land and sea.

Litzi Botello on Port Protection Alaska

Litzi joined Port Protection in Season 4 and quickly became a familiar and respected figure to viewers of the reality TV show. Despite having lost her arm years earlier, she continued to hunt, fish, fillet, and live independently, showcasing impressive survival skills in the harsh Alaskan environment. Nicknamed “The One-Armed Mexican” on the show, Litzi embraced her identity with humor and strength.

She often appeared alongside longtime friend and fellow cast member Gary Muehlberger, sharing quiet moments of companionship and resourcefulness. Her calm presence and skilled hands were admired in scenes where she prepared fish or repaired gear—subtle but powerful reminders of the strength it takes to survive in Port Protection.

Family Tragedies and Personal Loss

Litzi’s personal life was marked by deep heartbreak. She was the mother of two sons:

• Johnny Duarte Botello, born June 28, 1996, was raised in Port Protection before moving to Thorne Bay. He attended Thorne Bay High School and worked as a fishing deckhand. On June 20, 2015, he was involved in a head-on collision while driving to work and sustained critical injuries. He passed away on July 17, 2015, at just 19 years old. The Port Protection community came together with fundraisers, including a Neighbor Action Auction, to help with his medical expenses.
• Leland Caulder Botello, born June 26, 1991, died on July 27, 2017, at the age of 26. While fewer details are public, his death was confirmed in Litzi’s obituary.

Though Litzi rarely spoke about her sons on television, the weight of her loss was visible to those who watched closely. Her strength in the face of such personal tragedy added depth to her character and further endeared her to fans.

Community Contributions and Final Years

Litzi married John Bean on May 21, 2000, and the couple made their home together in Port Protection. Their cabin faced the sea and was surrounded by forest—an ideal sanctuary for Litzi, who found joy in both solitude and community.

Beyond her artistic and survival skills, Litzi was an important figure in the infrastructure of the off-grid community. Nearly two decades before her passing, she and a neighbor helped install the phone line from town to the back bay, one of the few emergency communication lines available. Her niece Veronica later recalled that Litzi would even test the line by touching it with her tongue—a method both practical and emblematic of her fearless ingenuity.

John Bean remained a private figure, never appearing on Port Protection Alaska, but he was known to many in the local community and Facebook groups through the photos and memories he shared. After Litzi’s passing, fans of the show took note when Season 6 honored those who had passed, including John. One viewer wrote:

“Honoring John Beam was beautiful… while we never got to see him on the show, I always appreciated the photos he shared in the Facebook group.”

Litzi Botello’s Legacy

Litzi Botello’s life in Port Protection, Alaska, reflected a long-term commitment to self-reliance, community, and creativity. As one of the cast members of Port Protection Alaska, her presence highlighted the adaptability and endurance required to live off-grid in Southeast Alaska.

Through her years in the community, she contributed to essential infrastructure, raised a family in a remote environment, and remained active in artistic expression. Her ability to live independently despite personal hardships—including the loss of an arm and the deaths of her two sons—was recognized by both her neighbors and a broader audience.

Today, Litzi is remembered in both Port Protection and beyond for her practical wisdom, her contributions to local life, and the example she set as someone who chose a simple, grounded existence closely connected to nature.