On December 26 2004, 5th cousin Marja Kristiina Pere perished in Khao Lak, Thailand, due to the great 2004 Tsunami.
The Lappalainen family were killed in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, while vacationing at Blue Village Pakarang in Khao Lak. Pasi Lappalainen, his girlfriend Marja Pere, and Pasi's son Jere were all swept away by the wave.