[Updated: Thursday, November 22, 12:58am ET]
My deepest gratitude to New York Magazine for publishing my memorial to the people who lost their lives to Hurricane Sandy. Their researchers have helped to fill in some of the blanks on previously unidentified victims. You can continue to find the latest information here, as I have been updating daily.
On Saturday, November 17, The New York Times finally published their own list of names of those who were killed by Hurricane Sandy, “within a 65-mile radius of New York City.” Their data has allowed me to confirm a lot of my own and fill in some blanks as well. My post below remains the most complete account of all deaths as a result of the storm. [Article] [Interactive map]
As the death toll rises, the empathy wanes. It becomes harder to feel the weight of each individual. And it breaks my heart.
My boyfriend reminded me of the Stalin quote: “One death is a tragedy; one million is a statistic.” He’s right — the dead become numbers and their uniqueness is lost.
I haven’t found a single news source that has aggregated the names and causes of death of every person killed by the effects of Hurricane Sandy, so I decided to compile one myself. It has taken hours of research, as most articles fail to identify the names of the deceased, choosing instead to depersonalize their stories.
I’ve done my very best to account for everyone, but there are a lot gaps to fill. I will continue to update this post as new information is received. Please leave a comment if you have an addition or edit.
Thank you for joining me in helping to keep empathy alive. And to all who have lost a loved one, may their lives be a blessing. Rest in peace.
New York City
Staten Island
Artur Kasprzak, 28
Monday, October 29, 2012
South Beach, Staten Island
The off-duty NYPD rescued seven members of his family, including his 15-month-old son, from rising flood waters by ushering them into the attic, only to die from electrocution. His story…
Angela Dresch, 13 and George Dresch, 55
Monday, October 29, 2012
Tottenville, Staten Island
Refusing to evacuate because their home was robbed during Hurricane Irene, father and daughter drowned when a massive wave came in and knocked their house off its foundation. Mother/wife Patricia is in critical condition with hypothermia. Their story…
John Filipowicz Sr., 51 and John Filipowicz Jr., 20
Monday, October 29, 2012
Oakwood Beach, Staten Island
John Sr. didn’t want to leave his family home behind, so his son stayed with him. They were found together in the basement, where they drowned, locked in a final embrace. Their story…
Ella Norris, 89
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Ocean Breeze, Staten Island
Trapped in her flooded living room with her daughter, rescue workers attempted to get inside for hours. Her last words were, “Diane, I can’t do this anymore,” then went limp in her daughter’s arms. Her story…
George P. O’Regan, 79
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Shore Acres, Staten Island
The electricity was out in his apartment building, where the retired city firefighter and Korean War hero apparently lost his footing in a hallway stairwell and fell. His story…
Andrew P. Sammarco, 61
Monday, October 29, 2012
South Beach, Staten Island
While evacuating, he and his wife Angela hurried into their basement to fetch their laptops when water quickly filled their basement, separating the couple and trapping Andrew behind a door, where he drowned. His story…
Eugene Contrubis, 62
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Midland Beach, Staten Island
The Corrections officer was found dead inside his home by police, where it appears he was trapped and drowned. He refused to evacuate because no one else seemed to be doing so. His story…
Leonard Montalto, 53
Monday, October 29, 2012
Oakwood Beach, Staten Island
The U.S. Postal Service worker was found floating in the basement of his home. His daughter had been with him that evening until he insisted she leave. He wanted to stay back to make sure the pump worked. His story…
Connor Moore, 4 and Brandon Moore, 2
Monday, October 29, 2012
South Beach, Staten Island
Attempting to evacuate, their mother’s car stalled in flood waters and they had to get out and walk. She was carrying them in her arms when a surge came and swept them away. Their story…
Marie Colborne, 66 and Walter Colborne, 89
Unknown
Great Kills, Staten Island
The husband and wife were discovered in a wooded lot a block from their home on Thursday, November 1. Their story…
Patricia Bevan, 59
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Midland Beach, Staten Island
Found floating in a pool of water on the first floor of her home while police conducted door-to-door searches on Wednesday, October 31. She hold told a neighbor she wasn’t evacuating because she had no place to go. Her story…
Beatrice Spagnuolo, 79
Monday, October 29, 2012
Midland Beach, Staten Island
When the storm surge hit, she became trapped in her home and drowned. Her daughter Lucy had run outside to start the car in an attempt to flee. When the surge came, she wasn’t able to get back inside to save her mother. Her story…
Anna Gesso, 62
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Midland Beach, Staten Island
When she and a neighbor tried to evacuate, their cars became waterlogged and they were forced back home. Her neighbor begged her to come stay with her, but she refused. Police found her floating in her basement the next day. Her story…
John “Jack” Paterno, 65
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Midland Beach, Staten Island
The wheelchair-bound man was found submerged beneath his overturned bed during door-to-door searches on Wednesday, October 31. His cockatoo also died, but his pit bull survived by standing on top of the bird cage. His story…
Anastasia Rispoli, 73
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Midland Beach, Staten Island
Found unconscious and unresponsive inside her home.
James “Uncle Jimmy” Rossi, 85
Monday, October 29, 2012
Ocean Breeze, Staten Island
He told his family he was planning to evacuate and would be staying with friends, but no one had heard from him by the next day. He was found in deep water in his backyard. His bulldog, Shorty, survived. His story…
Charlotte Brewster, 74, and David Haggerty, 65
Unknown
Midland Beach, Staten Island
Brother and sister were discovered by police on Friday, November 1, in a house-to-house search of the neighborhood. They had told their landlord that they wanted to stay behind to take care of their pets, because they didn’t believe the storm would be that bad after the nonevent of Hurricane Irene. Their story…
David Maxwell, 64
Unknown
Midland Beach, Staten Island
Neighbors, who hadn’t seen David since the storm, flagged down police asking them to check on his house. He was found inside unconscious and unresponsive, 11 days after the hurricane. During the storm surge, water had risen to the top of the home’s front door, filling the structure. His cat also died. David’s life partner had recently suffered a stroke and resides in nearby nursing home. His story…
Brooklyn
Jessie Streich-Kest, 24 and Jacob Vogelman, 24
Monday, October 29, 2012
Ditmas Park, Brooklyn
The childhood friends were walking their dog in Ditmas Park when they were crushed by a falling tree. Their bodies weren’t discovered until the following morning. The dog lived. Their story… | Donate to Jessie’s favorite cause
Richard Krins, 67
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Found unconscious and unresponsive by police on Tuesday, October 30, in his home. His story…
Senpo Hua, 87
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Found on Tuesday, October 30, lying face down underwater in the living room of his home.
Cy Schoenfeld, 72
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Found in his home by police on Tuesday, October 30. He had drowned.
Lorraine Gore, 91
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Found dead by her niece on Tuesday, October 30, lying face down in the first-floor living room of her apartment. She had refused to evacuate.
Unidentified man, 51
Unknown
Gravesend, Brooklyn
Found unconscious and unresponsive by police Thursday, November 1, in a grassy area. The cause of death was drowning.
Unidentified man, 48
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Gowanus, Brooklyn
He slipped and fell on a wet patch of ground right outside of a building without power, presumably where he lived. He was found unconscious.
Queens
Lauren Abraham, 23
Monday, October 29, 2012
Richmond Hill, Queens
The makeup artist was electrocuted when she tripped and fell on a downed power line, after going outside to take photos of the storm. Her body burned for 30 minutes before emergency personnel arrived. Her story…
Anthony “Tony” Laino, 29
Monday, October 29, 2012
Flushing, Queens
Crushed by the trunk of a tree that crashed through his second-floor bedroom. The family had been asking the city to take down the tree for years. His story… | Donate to his family
Nancy Sorenson, 50
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Rockaway Park, Queens
As her family was evacuating their flooded home, she made a final attempt to grab belongings when a sudden surge of water launched a broken mirror into the air that sliced arm. Her husband swam to the back of the basement to get her and pulled her out of the basement, but the cut was too severe. She bled to death. Her story…
David Gotthelf, 72
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Rockaway Park, Queens
Found in bed on Tuesday, October 30, having apparently drowned. He had cerebral palsy, and in recent years found it hard to get around on his two canes. Increasingly reliant on a wheelchair, David probably was not strong enough to pull himself to an area higher than his bed. Just before the water took over his home, he had called a coworker to plead for help. His story…
Rick Gold, 67
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30 , 2012
Belle Harbor, Queens
The beloved neighborhood letter carrier and Army veteran insisted on remaining at home even though his family evacuated, because of the hype of Hurricane Irene. Rick was on the phone with his wife watching water come into the basement shortly before he died. The block was flooded with five feet of raging water, so neighbors couldn’t get into the house until the next day. His story…
Albert McSwain, 77
Saturday, November 10
Rockaway Beach, Queens
Wanting to go outside with his daughter for some fresh air on Wednesday, October 31, they encountered the unlit, wet staircase. She turned back to get a flashlight and moments later Albert slipped and fell down the stairs. Power had been out in the building since the storm. Ten days later, he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. His story…
Henry Sullivan, 57
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Belle Harbor, Queens
He had gone down to his basement to shut off the gas to his home and never returned. He was found submerged in the basement on Tuesday, October 30.
Rose Faggiano, 85
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Howard Beach, Queens
Her neighbors said they heard her yelling for help Monday evening, but the current was too strong to rescue her. Firefighters found her dead inside from an apparent drowning while conducting a door-to-door search of the area on Tuesday, October 30. Her story…
Eden Toussaint, 58
Unknown
Rockaway Beach, Queens
Found by police in the basement of his home on Wednesday, October 31. He appeared to have drowned.
George Stathis, 90
Unknown
Rockaway Park, Queens
Found dead in his home on Saturday, November 3. His cause of death has not been released. He had not wanted to leave his home because he didn’t expect the storm to be that bad. His story…
William McKeon, 78
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Rockaway Beach, Queens
Found unconscious and bleeding from his head at the bottom of a wet, sandy stairwell inside his home. He had been without power since the storm. His story…
Unidentified woman, 84
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Rockaway Beach, Queens
Found on Tuesday, October 30. Cause of death unknown.
Manhattan
Herminia St. John, 75
Monday, October 29, 2012
Gramercy, Manhattan
The great-grandmother suffered cardiac arrest after she lost power to her respirator and her backup tank sprang a leak. Her daughter and live-in aide couldn’t fix it in the dark. She had survived a wild storm decades ago in her native Panama when the wind propelled a piece of metal that gashed her leg. Her story…
Anthony Narh, 58
Monday, October 29, 2012
TriBeCa, Manhattan
The Ghanaian immigrant and Bronx resident was found dead inside a car on the first floor of a parking garage where he worked. He had been called in to work that night. His story…
Frank Suber, 55
Monday, October 29, 2012
Financial District, Manhattan
A Staten Island homeless man was walking through Lower Manhattan when the storm hit. A surge pushed him from the sidewalk through the doors of a commercial building, where he was found in the basement.
Pao Chu Hsieh, 101
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Lower East Side, Manhattan
When she began coughing uncontrollably, a family member called 911, but by the time ambulance workers arrived, she was unresponsive. While the chief medical examiner’s office has ruled that Pao died of natural causes, there were freezing temperatures outside and her apartment complex was still without heat or electricity 7 days after the storm. Her story…
Long Island, NY
Vishwaja Muppa, 21
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Port Jefferson Station, Long Island
The Edison, NJ, woman was riding in an SUV when it collided with a police car, killing her. It happened at 1:30am Tuesday during the storm.
Anne Marie Dolan, 57
Unknown
Commack, Long Island
The homeless woman was killed when a tree fell on her tent pitched in woods. Her body was discovered on Monday, November 5, but the date of her death was not known. Her story…
Lewis Bodi, 87
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Glen Cove, Long Island
The WWII veteran and former dean of York College-CUNY died after being burned by a kerosene lantern at his home. His 85-year-old wife Sally had been upstairs getting to bed when she heard her husband yell from downstairs, “I’m on fire!” She had made it downstairs to find her husband and the rug around him engulfed in flames. Lewis had a terrible tremor. Their story…
David Freberg, 36
Monday, November 12, 2012
Nissequogue, Long Island
A tree trimmer with South Carolina’s Patriot Tree Service was killed when he was struck in the head by a tree branch while trying to remove a tree that had been knocked over during the storm. He leaves behind a wife and three young children. His story…
Edith “Dee” Wright, 52
Monday, October 29, 2012
Montauk, Long Island
Reported missing by her family Monday night, her body washed up on the beach Tuesday morning. Police believe she was walking her dog along the ocean. Her story…
John “Jack” Miller, 39
Monday, October 29, 2012
Lloyd Harbor, Long Island
The asset manager was killed by a falling tree in his driveway while his family was evacuating. His wife wasn’t hurt and neither were their daughters, ages 5 and 3, who were in the car. His story…
Safar Shafinoori, 84
Monday, October 29, 2012
Roslyn, Long Island
Killed by a falling tree when he went outside to move his car.
Michael Fleming, 80
Monday, October 29, 2012
Bay Shore, Long Island
Died when he suffered a head injury after falling from his front stoop in the storm’s heavy winds. His story…
Nicholas Lourikas, 66
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Hauppauge, Long Island
While working to cut down storm-damaged trees with a chainsaw, he was hit in the head by a falling tree branch. The dangers of tree cutting have always been present, now with the best electric chainsaw equippment available for inexperienced, regular people, we all need to be more careful. His story…
Juan Granados, 20
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Garden City, Long Island
The motorcyclist was killed in a crash at an intersection where the traffic lights did not work. His girlfriend riding with him broke both of her arms.
Michelle Bracco, 44
Monday, November 5, 2012
Oceanside, Long Island
Died of carbon monoxide poisoning after running a gas generator out of a garage. Her story…
Santiago Diazde, 59
Thursday, November 8
Hempstead, Long Island
Struck by a car and killed while crossing a street where traffic lights were out.
Abigalo Piedraheta, 78
Friday, November 2, 2012
New Cassel, Long Island
Died after using a coal-burning grill inside her home, according to the authorities, who said the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.
Unidentified person
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Nassau Country, Long Island
Died of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning; the home’s carbon monoxide detector had been set off. The police did not release more details.
Elsewhere in New York
Jeffrey Chanin, 51
Monday, October 29, 2012
Pearl River, NY
The retired NYPD officer was killed and his family injured when a tree fell through the roof of their home and into the second floor living room where they were sitting together. His wife is in critical condition and his three teenage children sustained minor injuries. Their story…
Monday, October 29, 2012
Greenburgh, NY
Killed when the car he was driving crashed into a downed tree that had fallen across the highway. His story…
Jack Baumler, 11 and Michael Robson, 13
Monday, October 29, 2012
North Salem, NY
Neighbors playing together during the storm were killed instantly when an 100-foot oak tree fell into the living room of the Baumler home where they were hunkered down. Michael’s two siblings and Jack’s brother and mother suffered minor injuries but survived. Their story…
Doreen Richardson, 69
Monday, October 29, 2012
Kerhonkson, NY
The resort owner was driving around her property to assess the damage when a strong gust of wind snapped a large overhang off the front of a rental unit and sent it sailing more than 20 feet over the top of building, crash-landing onto her windshield. Her story…
James Stapleford, 75, and Eva Stapleford, 73
Unknown
Shokan, NY
The rest of their neighborhood had power, but they did not so they were using a generator. James was found dead in a basement-level garage, his body near a gasoline-powered generator and extension cords that ran to the home’s electrical panel. Eva was found at the bottom of the stairs leading down to the basement. Police believe she fell while trying to find her husband. They are believed to have been dead for at least two days. Their story…
New Jersey
William Sword, 61
Monday, October 29, 2012
Princeton, NJ
The investment banker was killed by a tree that fell as he cleared debris from his driveway. He had survived being stabbed 15 times in a home invasion in 2003. His story…
Bobby McDuffie, 47
Monday, October 29, 2012
Newark, NJ
Drowned while trying to move his car out of the way of the rising Passaic River. He had been working the night shift in the warehouse where he was employed, and he and his fellow coworkers had been warned to evacuate. They finally decided to leave when the street outside started flooding, but he never made it home. His story…
Bruce Latteri, 51
Monday, October 29, 2012
Jefferson, NJ
After he lost power in his house early in the night and got nervous when a tree fell in his driveway, he headed next door to a neighbor’s home to wait out the storm. They watched a movie and at 11pm, Bruce said he should go home. He was killed a few hours later when a tree crashed through his house, crushing him while he was sitting in a chair. His story…
Richard Everett, 54 and Elizabeth Everett, 48
Monday, October 29, 2012
Mendham, NJ
Husband and wife were killed when a 100-foot-tall, 3-foot-wide tree fell on their car. They were driving to their horse farm to prepare for the storm. Their sons, 14 and 11, were sitting in the backseat and sustained minor injuries. Their older daughters weren’t in the car. Their story…
Mudiwa Benson, 19 and Kenya Barber, 19
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Newark, NJ
The second cousins died in their sleep of carbon monoxide poisoning in their apartment building, which was being powered by a generator, placed too close to their bedroom window. Their story…
William Hardenburg, 67
Monday, November 5, 2012
Raritan Township, NJ
The emergency management coordinator was clearing damage from the storm in front of a home when he was struck by a passing vehicle and killed. His story…
Charlene Jordan, 70, and Edwin Jordan, 74
Friday, November 2, 2012
Willingboro, NJ
The husband and wife were victims of a house fire. There are conflicting reports as to whether a generator caused the fire and if their deaths were linked to Hurricane Sandy. Their story…
Lester Kaplan, 73
Friday, November 2
Found by fire rescue workers after his wife was unable to reach him four days after the storm. She was out of town attending nursing school and he had chosen to stay in his home and ride out the storm despite a mandatory evacuation order. He was found lying on the floor of his living room, hypothermic and near death in an unheated and flooded house. He died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Their story…
Mary Lou Viswat, 85
Tuesday, October 30
Middlesex, NJ
The former borough councilwoman died after falling down the cellar stairs in the dark. Her son, who lives next door with his family, found her the next morning after he hadn’t heard from her. Her story…
Eva-Maria Wilson, 79
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Berkeley Heights, NJ
Died after she fell down the stairs at her home due to lack of light. Despite there being no electricity or heat in her home for 10 days, she had been volunteering in the emergency room of a local hospital to help others affected by the storm. Her story…
Thomas Frey, 44
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Union Township, NJ
The community leader sustained severe head trauma while operating a chain saw to cut trees after the storm. His story…
Fletcher Fish, 77
Monday, October 29, 2012
Hawthorne, NJ
Killed when two trees simultaneously crashed into his house. His wife, who was with him in the upstairs room, was not seriously injured. His story…
Robert Walsh, 65
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Edison Township, NJ
The retired firefighter died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator running in his garage. His story…
Joseph Godleski, 69
Monday, October 29, 2012
South Hackensack, NJ
Drowned in the Hackensack River, which overflowed its banks. He had driven into the flood waters and drowned when he got out and tried to walk to dry land. He left his cane behind in the car. His story…
Mark “The Barber” Caramanna, 54
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Ortley Beach, NJ
His family’s home destroyed by the hurricane on Monday, Mark was only allowed to visit his barber shop on Saturday to survey the damage. Upon seeing that his business was also destroyed, he had a massive heart attack and died on the spot. His story…
Benjamin Harris, 83
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Hawthorne, NJ
Fell down a flight of stairs at his home after the electricity went out. His story…
Kimberly Smrkovsky, 25
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
While helping her parents clean their home after the storm, Kimberly had an asthma attack and went into cardiac arrest. Mold is suspected as the cause of the attack. Her story…
Rafael Reyes, 55
Thursday, November 1, 2012
New Brunswick, NJ
Died in his kitchen from carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities found a generator running in his basement. His story…
Vernie Mathison, 61
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
West Orange, NJ
His oxygen machine stopped working after the electricity went out. The authorities said the cause of death was respiratory failure.
Ernest Williams, 65
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Newark, NJ
Found in his home, where the electricity had gone out. The police said the cause of death was an asthma attack.
Maureen Caporino, 65
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Jersey City, NJ
Found dead in her apartment. Her oxygen machine no longer worked after the power went out. She had turned to bottled oxygen, which the police said either ran out or proved insufficient. Her story…
Alice Redzilow, 86
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Bayonne, NJ
Fell in her home while the power was out. The authorities said the cause of death was blunt impact injury. Her story…
Amadeo Guiterrez, 41
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
East Brunswick, NJ
The landscaper died while trimming a tree in the backyard of a residence that had partially fallen during the storm. A section of the tree broke loose and struck him. His story…
Lawrence E. Priddy Jr. 57 and Margaret Priddy, 78
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Middlesex, NJ
Mother and son died in a fire in their home. Lawrence was pronounced dead on the scene and Margaret died from her injuries later. The authorities said the fire might have been started by a candle. Their story…
Erwin Bockhorn, 72
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Despite efforts by his ex-wife and her fiancé to get him to leave as the storm was hitting the area, he chose not to evacuate. He drowned in his home. His story…
George Tatay, 61
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Brick, NJ
Found dead in his flooded house. The authorities said he drowned.
Celestine Kreitzer, 94
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Forked River, NJ
Found dead in her home, due to hypothermia.
Leonard Thompson, 71
Unknown
Stafford, NJ
Found dead in his home, due to hypothermia. He had ignored the mandatory evacuation, and had even refused to leave with police who came to his home before the storm on Monday, October 29.
Gracie Dunston, 59
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Trenton, NJ
Died in her home of carbon monoxide poisoning. Their electricity had gone out, so they were using a gas generator for power. The fumes, which were detected inside the home at more than three times the danger level, also sickened four children and three adults, who all survived. Her story…
Walter Schoepfer, 93
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Ventnor, NJ
Fell on the steps outside his home and struck his head Tuesday, October 30. He was taken to the hospital and died a week later. His story…
Bernice Sapp, 65
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Atlantic City, NJ
While being evacuated from her apartment to a shelter on the mainland a day before the storm, she went into cardiac arrest on the evacuation bus and died.
Unidentified man, 93
Unknown
Summit, NJ
Died in a fall at his home. He was found at the bottom of the stairs, and there was no electricity.
Unidentified man, 43
Unknown
Asbury, NJ
Died when a tree fell on him.
Unidentified man
Unknown
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Found in dead in his destroyed home during a door-to-door search.
Unidentified man, 61
Unknown
Long Branch, NJ
Died of hypothermia. He was found wrapped in blankets, and there was no electricity in the home.
Unidentified man, 79
Unknown
Lambertville, NJ
Found dead in his home, where there was no electricity. The authorities said he fell and struck his head.
Unidentified man, 58
Unknown
Hamilton, NJ
Fell in the parking lot of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital when he lost his balance as a result of a strong gust of wind.
Unidentified man, 55
Unknown
Edison, NJ
Died in his home of carbon monoxide poisoning. The authorities said he was operating a generator in an enclosed space.
Pennsylvania
Matthew Stahl, 8
Monday, October 29, 2012
Montrose, PA
When his father went to retrieve groceries from a neighbor, Matthew ran to check on the calves when he was killed by a tree knocked over by wind gusts. His story… | Donate to his memorial fund
Alice Hynes, 81
Monday, October 29, 2012
Upper Turkeyfoot, PA
The passenger in a car being driven by her daughter, Abigail, they lost control while driving on a slushy road and crashed into a small farm pond. Her daughter was unhurt and was able to free herself. She tried to free her mother, who was trapped underwater, but was unable. Her story…
Robert D. Mills, Jr., 17
Monday, October 29, 2012
Wind Gap, PA
Riding his new ATV during the storm, Robbie died after striking a fallen tree, throwing him from the vehicle. His story…
Lammert Hubertus Gerrit Roodhof, 66
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Albrightsville, PA
Died in his garage from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a portable generator. His granddaughter Ember was found with him. She was flatlined and brought back, and now has to learn how to walk and talk again. Ember’s mother and her grandmother, Lammert’s wife, found the two in the garage with the door closed. They almost died trying to resuscitate their loved ones. Their story…
Luther Fritzinger, 93
Unknown
Upper Macungie Township, PA
Found dead in his garage on Thursday, November 1. His cause of death is hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to the cold following power outages as a result of the storm.
Richard “Dick” Whitehead, 86
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Spring Township, PA
Died of carbon monoxide poisoning. His 86-year-old wife Pauline was also poisoned, but survived. They were found by their 15-year-old great-grandson. Their story…
Florence Pugliese, 90
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Upper Merion, PA
Died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the first-floor living room of her apartment from an emergency generator located in the garage below. Two other family members were evacuated safely from the home. They had been sleeping on the third floor, farther away from the garage.
Jerome J. Tyson, 38
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Lynn Township, PA
He was struck in the head by a falling tree while trying to cut it down following the storm. His story…
Theresa Schlitzer, 86
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
South Whitehall Township, PA
Died of hypothermia in her yard after prolonged exposure to the storm. Her story…
Tammy Kerosetz, 48
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Lower Macungie Township, PA
Overcome by exhaust fumes from a portable gas generator running inside her garage, she died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Her story…
Thomas Unger, 67
Friday, November 2, 2012
Lehigh Township, PA
Clearing debris from his property, he died when he was run over by a tractor. His story…
Ann Bush
Unknown
Honesdale, PA
Became distraught after a tree fell on her home and committed suicide.
Anita Giovinco, 88
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Beach Lake, PA
A lack of light from a power outage caused her to fall while walking down a flight of steps.
Gerald Witman, 62
Monday, October 29, 2012
Pike Township, PA
Killed when a 60-foot pine tree fell onto his house. He was standing on the porch between taking the dogs outside for a walk and putting gas in the generator. His wife was inside the house, but was not injured. His story…
Connecticut
Jet Krumwiede, 21
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Milford, CT
Drowned after he was tossed from his kayak while paddling in Long Island Sound near Charles Island in the choppy waters and turbulent tides created by the approaching storm. His body wasn’t recovered by police until Monday, November 5. His story…
Olga Raymond, 90
Monday, October 29, 2012
Mansfield, CT
After the top of a pine tree snapped and fell onto her roof, two neighbors and a friend went to help her. “I’m out of here,” she told them as she stepped out her front door, flashlight in hand. They only made it a few steps before a large oak tree uprooted and fell toward on them, bringing the power line with it. Two others were injured, one seriously. Her story…
Russell Neary, 55
Monday, October 29, 2012
Easton, CT
The volunteer firefighter who died returning from a structure fire call when powerful winds sent a tree crashing down on his fire truck. His story…
Brian Bakunas, 34
Monday, October 29, 2012
Milford, CT
Last seen jumping off a pier to swim in the heavy surf, his body was found in the Long Island Sound two days later. The seas were too rough for emergency personnel to conduct a search the night he went missing.
Michael J. Pranulis, 53
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Middlebury, CT
The landscaper was up in a tree cutting it when something went wrong and he got entangled in the tree as it fell more than 40 feet to the ground. He had been helping with the cleanup effort after the storm. His story…
New Hampshire
Eugene “Rusty” Brooks, 42
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Lincoln, NH
The construction company owner died in a landslide while checking a job site. Police say he was between a dirt cellar hole filled with water and a pile of rocks when the earth gave way and buried him in mud and stone. He was washed down the equivalent of a two-to-three-story incline. His story…
Maryland
Donald Cannata Sr., 74
Monday, October 29, 2012
Pasadena, MD
The retired civil engineer who had helped design abutments for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge died after a tree weighing 20 tons fell on his house and tore through the kitchen as he stood at the sink. His story…
Mai Ai Lam-Phan, 66
Monday, October 29, 2012
Germantown, MD
Died when her car was hit by another car that skidded on standing water from the storm. Her story…
Santiago Lopez, 50
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Annapolis, MD
The contractor, part of a crew working to remove fallen trees in a waterfront community affected by the storm, was killed by a falling tree. His son was working with him and witnessed his death. His story… | Donations for his family to cover funeral costs
Unidentified man, 80s
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Near Oakland, MD
Died of a heart attack while shoveling snow.
Virginia
Keith D. Fordham, 52 and Michael T. Overton, 51
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Richmond, VA
Their car failed to navigate a left turn and hit a light pole and two trees, killing Keith, the driver, and passenger Michael. Speed was a factor in the accident, as well as rain and wet pavement. Their story…
West Virginia
Patricia Cogar, 71
Unknown
Sugar Creek, WV
Found Wednesday beneath three feet of snow on her gravel driveway. Family members had been clearing the driveway when they discovered her body. They believe she had gone outside to feed her dogs. She was last known alive on Monday, October 29.
June Jones, 88
Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Crab Orchard, WV
Died of apparent hypothermia. Her story…
Mark Riffle, 51
Unknown
Arlington, WV
When he went to his garage to refuel the generator and didn’t return, his wife, Darlene, went to check on him and found him unresponsive. He died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
John Rose Sr, 60
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Philippi, WV
A Republican candidate for the West Virginia Legislature by a falling tree branch as he checked the fences of his deer farm. It is too late to remove his name from the ballot. His story…
Nanci Hedrick, 40
Monday, October 29, 2012
Davis, WV
Died when her car slid into the path of a cement truck. Her story…
Unidentified woman, 68
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Preston County, WV
Attempting to drive herself to the hospital for a health emergency, her car got stuck in the snow and she was stranded. She died there.
North Carolina
Claudine Christian, 42 and Robin Walbridge, 63
Monday, October 29, 2012
At sea, NC
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 14 crew members of the HMS Bounty from rough waters off the coast of Cape Hatteras. Claudine was unresponsive when she was pulled from the water near where the ship went down. The ship eventually sank in about 8,000 feet of water. Robin had been the captain of the HMS Bounty for 17 years. The search for his body has been suspended. Their story…
Jody Alan Davis, 25
Monday, October 29, 2012
Dobson, NC
Killed when his car hit a downed tree. His story…
Ohio
Tina Goodwin, 56
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Near Toledo, OH
Died after losing control of her car on an ice-covered bridge. Her car went left of center and struck a pickup truck going in the opposite direction. She was not wearing her seatbelt. Her story…
Dustin Brown, 22
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Putnam County, OH
Died after hitting a van on an icy road. Both the driver and passenger of the van suffered minor injuries. Dustin’s wife Brittany is expecting a baby girl in December. His story... | Donate for his future daughter
Canada
Mike Leach, 47
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Sarnia, Ontario
The lineman was on the job fixing downed power lines from the storm when he was electrocuted. His story…
Unidentified woman, 50s
Monday, October 29, 2012
Toronto, Ontario
Found dead with head trauma near the base of a Staples store sign mounted on a pole that towered over the parking lot. The sign flew off in the storm’s strong winds. Officials are investigating whether it was properly installed and maintained. Her family is requesting that her name not be released. Her story…
Internationally
Let us not forget the devastation in the Caribbean, especially in Haiti where they haven’t yet recovered from the earthquake two years ago. 69 people died across the region with 54 in Haiti and 11 in Cuba. Again, the numbers don’t do it justice, but news of individual deaths with names identified is particularly hard in that part of the world. If anyone knows of any detailed sources, please do share them with us.
Haiti
Unidentified woman, 40s
Unknown
Camp-Perrin, Haiti
Died attempting to cross a flooding river in the Ravine du Sud. Her story…
Timothy Fraser-Smith, 63
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Lyford Cay, Bahamas
The British investment bank CEO fell from the roof of his home in an exclusive gated community, just outside the capital Nassau, as he tried to fit a shutter as protection against the advancing storm. His wife was home at the time but was unharmed. His story…
How Can I Help
If you have the means, please donate time, clothes, food, blood, money to any organization you can find that is sending support to the effected regions. And if you wish to stay up to date on the impact of Hurricane Sandy, you can follow me on Twitter for photos of the destruction, news of relief efforts and ways you can help.
Most of all, I implore you to keep your hearts and minds open to those who lost their lives and lost their everything. Please do not allow your desire for normalcy to become apathy for those who need you now. Thank you.
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Thank you so much for doing this… We must never forget that these were not just statistics, these were people, with hopes, dreams and loved ones of their own.
This goes above and beyond normal levels of human decency. Thank you again…
For all those who have died in this storm and it’s aftermath, we pray to the Lord, Lord hear our prayer!
thank you for doing this . “God Bless America”
Thanks and God Bless you, I have a college friend who lives in Whitehall, N.Y. and his family lives in Milford, NJ. I have tried to contact him, but no response and I have no idea where exactly Whitehall is and I know all of NJ was affected. Please keep up the great and much appreciated work:)
This is wonderful. This is how media should be used, to give us access to people and stories, not numbers and charts. Connect.
alot of loved ones where hurt and some where even killed let god bless every one . Many thing have been happen every since sandy came. My sister godfather lives in rockway island did anything happend over there .
Thank you for doing this. When we hear statistics, we have no idea of the reality of the storm and how dangerous it was for those who were there. This paints a picture of the reality of the mayhem that this storm really was. Trees and roads and basements and wind and water, and even generators were the worst elements in this disaster.
Thank you for taking the time to do this. You have a warm heart Whitney. We appreciate your dedication!!! We’re in this together.
Oh my…
Yesterday when I decided to dedicate a demo song to the Survivors & Fighters (instead of “victims”) of Hurricane Sandy I went in search of the names of the people we lost. I could not find anything that would help me include all of those precious souls… So, I did not put any.
I would be honored to be able to use this list with your permission and cite you for gathering their names. It is Sacred Work you have done indeed!
Hi Whitney – thank you for taking on this project. It’s a heart-breaking post, but a beautiful way to remember the individuals.
We lost a neighbor here in Montauk, NY, too – you may want to add her to the list. She was swept to sea by the surge while walking her dog in Montauk.
http://easthampton.patch.com/articles/police-release-name-of-woman-found-on-beach
Tonia, I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. Edith is already on my list, under Long Island. Please let me know if the information is accurate.
the name of the man from New Brunswick, NJ is Rafael Reyes
http://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2012/11/new_brunswick_resident_dead_of.html
He was my grandfather’s cousin but I never met him, may he rest in peace.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.
Re: The Canadian woman hit by the sign.
The sign was NOT properly maintained, and the City of Toronto had told the store multiple times that they needed to fix the sign.
Due to the lack of contact, looking for information about my family living in South Amboy NJ Aniela and Yolanda Lenty.
As anyone knows anything please contact me.
Jaroslaw, I am so sorry to hear that you’ve been having trouble reaching them. Please do let me know if you’ve still not been able to get in touch and I will find someone who can help.
There are important conversations happening about this list — and about the nature of the hurricane victims’ deaths — in the Reddit and Metafilter communities.
Bless you for doing this, for putting faces and stories where there are only statistics. Emergency officials NEED to get word out there about HOW people die in these storms because unless you have been through such an experience it is hard to understand what can happen, and knowing how people get killed in these things can help people stay safer in the future. Such as all the people listed who were found drowned in their basements….how did this happen? A storm surge was expected….why were they in their basements instead of their attics? What on earth made them go into their basements knowing they would likely be flooded? I don’t understand. My prayers for all those in mourning and for all those struggling to recover.
No words can express the love and pain that you took upon yourself to write these biographies. Thank you.
My heart goes out to all the victims and their families. I was in the storm, but came thru unscathed. I wanted try and compile some statistics so that next time I was in that situation I’d know the most important things to be aware of and be extra mindful of them. Storm Surge/Flooding/water being number one cause, falling trees being the next.
Click my name to be taken to the google spreadsheet (which anyone can update)
What you have done,Is Amazing To Honor The Loss Of Life for each family.Im Sure it gave you a very heavy heart,and im Gratefull you did this,And That these people will Be Remember the right way.And It will Help also for future storms,I Hope You Continue to get Positive Respones,And Not Negative.It Amazes Me,HOw Rude some ppls can BE.And The reason they Can Be Is Because It Didnt Touch Them Personaly!My Heart Goes Out To All The Families For Their LOss,And Know you Are All In My Families Thoughts And Prayers,And ALWAYS Will Be.Heaven Has alot Of GREAT ANGELS NOW-With My Mom.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Thank you for compiling all these. It must have been a tough task, emotionally. Thanks also for the links allowing donations to Sandy victims whose families are in financial need.
I have lived on this island all my life and losing these neighbors feels like losing family. Thank you so much for these tributes. It meant the world to me to find this site and know they will n0t be forgotten.
Whitney…I am in awe of you for doing this story. To take the time to research and honor each and every person who lost a life in the recent storm, so that they would not just be some statistic on the news was extremely gracious of you. Surely their mourning families will appreciate the kindness in your heart for doing this, so that the rest of us can take a heartfelt moment to know who they were and acknowledge each of their memories. Tragic for sure.
Debbie Nigro
You are amazing. I cannot imagine the pain of those who survived the loss of their loved ones, but my heart aches for each name there. Thank you for compiling this.
I am in tears balling my eyes out as I read all of these people that have lost their lives. I knew about the two boys and as I looked at their photo I lost myself in so much emotion as I have a grandbaby that is two and I can’t even imagine what those little boys were going through as they got swept away from their mommy and lost their lives. My heart goes out to the mommy of these boys and their family. They are with God now. God Bless their souls. My heart goes out to all of the families that have lost loved ones to this aweful hurricane. God Bless you all. Love Jude
My country is hit by tragedies like this often. I know how deaths seems to blur when the toll rises. Thank you for the heart and soul you have put into sharing this. Every story of each victim is meant to be shared to inspire lives. I am glad I read this.
Bless you for taking the time and effort to do this. The donation links are an especially good idea, since many of the victims left behind families.
I deeply appreciate your efforts in putting this together. The tragic events have impacted so many, but outside the circle of devastation, most have no idea. Thank you for giving me some added perspective.
Have not been able to contact my grand daughter Brittney Alexander nineteen from Toms River New Jersey since the storm, she called me just before it started she lives with her mother and brother and step father I don’t think they left their home.Praying she is okay.
Incredible accounts of the tragically overlooked victims of this storm. Thank you for all your time and effort to give a name and story to all those cited as mere statistics by the media. One question I have never seen addressed by anyone is how many homeless, transient or dispossessed people were killed in the storm and remain uncounted (unless their bodies were found) and unaccounted for because they had no one to report or discover their deaths? I have heard stories (urban legends?) of populations of people living in the New York subway tunnels and other underground infrastructure. What became of them?
Thank You so much for your time in doing this.
I am touched by, but not surprised by, your humanity and your sensitivity. I am certain that giving voice to the stories of those who perished as a result of Sandy, will be comforting to their families. Thank you.
Neil
Whitney,
We would love to offer our services to the victims of this storm. Memori.al writes a beautifully written and formatted obituary and publishes to the web and across social.
We would love to set up all obituaries for free.
Please DM us @memorialobits or email.
Warm Regards,
Mike Davis
Founder
Memori.al
Thank you for taking the time to share the stories of these brothers and sisters who transitioned during Hurricane Sandy. It is so easy to dismiss them as just numbers and statistics. You have put names and faces to those statistics. I read every one, and felt the pain in my heart as I prayed for them all. May they pray for us to awaken and become one.
Please consider listing Pao Chu Hsieh:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/nyregion/for-elderly-power-loss-carries-extra-peril.html
Absolutely. Thank you. She is now included.
How incredibly sad to read about the tragic way people died. I kept thinking many of these deaths could have been prevented. Each Katrina, Irene or Sandy hopefully will teach us valuable surviving skills. When the weathermen say its gonna be bad, believe them. May all these souls rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to the friends and relatives. Thank you for gathering these stories so that the individuals are remembered… :(
This was an amazing piece of work that you put together. How beautiful for all those that were lost and their loved ones to have this kind of memorial. Numbers are cold, these people had names and lives. I applaud and thank you.
THANKS for honoring the lost lives. The 11 in Cuba where in Santiago de Cuba, an eastern province,the town I was born. The city is totally devastated and off course not much aid is allowed to go as ALL is control by the government.
Your honoring our human family is very beautiful, what youve done is riviting, thank you.
Nov. 8 was the anniversary of my plane crash I was the sole survivor and I remember the feelings. We together we can do what we can not do alone. Sticking together!
You are to be commended for your thoughtfulness. This list of people, who were only represented by numbers brings to light that we lost people of all ages. races. backgrounds and lifestyles. It tells of people who survived the storm, only to be taken by a falling tree, the cold, stress, panic and poor health. It teaches people what not to do in future storms, including minimizing the approaching dangers and force of the storm by comparing it to others, and refusing to evacuate when ordered to do so,
Your work on this, no doubt, was physically and emotionally exhausting for you. And you, yourself have become a number amongst a very large group of people who I’m sure will only be recognized as just that. A member of a large group of people who individually decided to pick up and do what needed to be done where the usual disaster agencies and government. including FEMA, once again failed. Someday we all may become aware of the names and faces of the hundreds of volunteers who went out to help, despite the hazards, the knee deep water, cold forceful winds, freezing temperatures and even a blizzard. Yet, it would take the work of yet more volunteers to compile the list and photos of all of you who are true heroes in this tragedy. Each and every one of you. Thank you one and all for all you have done.
My thoughts cannot be expressed any better than those who have written before me, so I’ll just say … Thank you!
For folks so far away, it’s really hard to connect with what has happened. Praying for peace and restoration for all the survivors and for courage to rebuild. Thank you Whitney for putting this together.
It’s sad that the news has put this on the back burner. Almost seems like it was getting attention during the elections because it made the candidates look good for seeming to care.
I am probably wrong, but it would be nice if this was getting more attention right now.
I can’t thank you enough for writing this. Marie and Walter Colborne were my Aunt and Uncle. People need to fully grasp this horrific storm and how it has effected our lives forever. The people who lost their lives to this storm need their stories told. They will never be forgotten.
Helena Ferran
Helena, my deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your aunt and uncle were very much in love. May they be a blessing to you.