NY 22-Year-Old Was Killed Days After Graduation—Now His Name Is Giving Others A Second Chance NY 22-Year-Old Was Killed Days After Graduation—Now His Name Is Giving Others A Second Chance
NY 22-Year-Old Was Killed Days After Graduation—Now His Name Is Giving Others A Second Chance Just weeks ago, Simon Brault was celebrating a milestone: graduating from Hudson Valley Community College with a degree in Electrical Construction and Maintenance. Now, his family is preparing to lay him to rest—while launching a scholarship in his name that will help other young adults in need. Simon, 20, died after being stabbed on a Clifton Park street Saturday, May 31, in what investigators allege was a senseless attack involving two teens, as Daily Voice previously reported.  Both suspects have since been arrested. Investigators did not publicly speculate on a possible motiv…
Sudden Death Of Religious Educator’s Brother Sparks Grief in Tight-Knit Westchester Parish Sudden Death Of Religious Educator’s Brother Sparks Grief in Tight-Knit Westchester Parish
Sudden Death Of Religious Educator’s Brother Sparks Grief in Tight-Knit Westchester Parish A tight-knit parish in Westchester County is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Ian Richards, a graduate student, poet, and artist remembered for his gentleness, creativity, and deep empathy.  Richards, the younger brother of Kevin Richards, Director of Religious Education at St. Theresa’s Parish in Briarcliff Manor, died unexpectedly in a swimming accident in Maryland on Saturday, June 21, according to a newly launched GoFundMe organized on behalf of his grieving family.   The fundraiser, which had raised more than $14,000 as of Wednesday, June 25, aims to help hi…
Pastor's Daughter, 21, Killed In NY Jet Ski Accident Remembered As 'Caring, Talented' Pastor's Daughter, 21, Killed In NY Jet Ski Accident Remembered As 'Caring, Talented'
Pastor's Daughter, 21, Killed In NY Jet Ski Accident Remembered As 'Caring, Talented' Tributes are pouring in for a young woman who died following a jet ski crash on Great Sacandaga Lake in Fulton County. Grace Clark, 21, was killed when the jet ski she was operating collided with a pontoon boat just north of the Broadalbin Boat Launch on Monday evening, June 23, according to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Clark’s passenger, a 29-year-old man from Schoharie County, survived the impact and remains hospitalized at Albany Medical Center. Nobody on the pontoon boat was injured. A preliminary investigation found that the boat was traveling at about 20 miles per hour, while …
Man Killed In Wrong-Way I-87 Crash Was Well-Loved Educator From Westchester With Big Heart Man Killed In Wrong-Way I-87 Crash Was Well-Loved Educator From Westchester With Big Heart
Man Killed In Wrong-Way I-87 Crash Was Well-Loved Educator From Westchester With Big Heart A 33-year-old man who was killed in a tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 87 in Rockland County over the weekend was a cherished educator who hailed from Westchester and had big career aspirations.  Brian Tortora, a native of Yonkers who was living in New York City, was killed on Saturday, June 21, in a wrong-way wreck involving two tractor-trailers on Interstate 87 in Clarkstown, as Daily Voice previously reported.  Tortora was driving a 2024 Subaru WRX north in the southbound lanes around 3 a.m. when he struck two tractor-trailers near Exit 12, according to New York State Polic…
(Update) MIT Scientist Expecting 1st Child ID'd As Victim In Plane Crash (Update) MIT Scientist Expecting 1st Child ID'd As Victim In Plane Crash
(Update) MIT Scientist Expecting 1st Child ID'd As Victim In Plane Crash The family of a man killed in a single-engine plane crash in Massachusetts over the weekend said he was a talented scientist and musician who had been eagerly awaiting the birth of his child in October. Geoffrey Andrews, 30, of Melrose, was aboard a Mooney M20 plane on Thursday, June 19, when it crashed on Sam Fonzo Drive just short of Beverly Regional Airport, authorities said. Another person on the aircraft suffered critical injuries, but authorities have not released an update on their condition. Update: The Passenger Who Initially Survived The Crash Has Died A GoFundMe for Andrews pa…
Lynn Hamilton, ‘Sanford And Son,’ ‘The Waltons’ Actress, Dies At 95 Lynn Hamilton, ‘Sanford And Son,’ ‘The Waltons’ Actress, Dies At 95
Lynn Hamilton, ‘Sanford And Son,’ ‘The Waltons’ Actress, Dies At 95 Lynn Hamilton, best known for her roles on The Waltons and Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 95. Hamilton passed away in Chicago of natural causes, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Calvin Carson (@calvincarson67) She was surrounded by grandchildren, loved ones, and caregivers, he said. Born Alzenia “Lynn” Hamilton-Jenkins, the legendary actress leaves behind a five-decade legacy in film, television, theater, and modeling.  She was widely recognize…
Billionaire Fred Smith, FedEx Founder, Dies Billionaire Fred Smith, FedEx Founder, Dies
Billionaire Fred Smith, FedEx Founder, Dies Billionaire entrepreneur Fred Smith, who founded the FedEx Corporation and turned the multinational delivery service into the world's largest transportation company as its chairman, has died. The Yale University graduate and Marine Corps veteran was 80 years old. Known as an innovator, Smith revolutionized parcel delivery with next-day air service. He once said, "I love that phrase, 'If you don't like change, you're going to hate extinction.' You've got to change." "Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company," FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam said…
Food Network Star Anne Burrell Dies At 55: 'A Remarkable Person And Culinary Talent' Food Network Star Anne Burrell Dies At 55: 'A Remarkable Person And Culinary Talent'
Food Network Star Anne Burrell Dies At 55: 'A Remarkable Person And Culinary Talent' The culinary world is reeling from the sudden loss of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, the fiery Food Network favorite known for her bold flavors, big hair, and even bigger personality. Burrell, a New York native from Madison County, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, June 17, at the age of 55, according to a statement from the Food Network. Medics found her unresponsive in her Brooklyn home Tuesday morning and pronounced her dead at the scene, TMZ reports. The New York City Medical Examiner’s office will determine an official cause of death. Best known to millions as the animated, no-nonsens…
'Heartbeat Of Our Community': County Employee, Father Of 3 From Westchester Dies Suddenly 'Heartbeat Of Our Community': County Employee, Father Of 3 From Westchester Dies Suddenly
'Heartbeat Of Our Community': County Employee, Father Of 3 From Westchester Dies Suddenly The Westchester community is mourning the sudden loss of a beloved husband, father of three, and longtime community leader who died suddenly after a fall.   Bipin Divakaran, a dedicated realtor and county employee from Elmsford, died at Westchester Medical Center, according to the Westchester Malayalee Association, which announced his death in a GoFundMe fundraiser on Sunday, June 15.  Known not just for his professional work, but for his unwavering dedication to his community, Bipin served for years as Treasurer and an Executive Committee member of the association. Friends s…
Lifelong NYer Leonard Lauder, Among World's Richest People, Dies Lifelong NYer Leonard Lauder, Among World's Richest People, Dies
Lifelong NYer Leonard Lauder, Among World's Richest People, Dies Leonard Lauder, the billionaire businessman who helped turn his family’s cosmetics company into a global beauty empire, has died. The 92-year-old Lauder's death came on Saturday, June 14, at his home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, according to a statement from the Estée Lauder Companies, the business his parents founded and he helped transform into a multibillion-dollar giant. The Bronx-born executive formally joined the company in 1958.  Over the next six decades, he shaped the company’s identity, launched best-selling brands including Clinique and Aramis, spearheaded internati…
Ex-Chief Of FD In HV Dies After 9/11-Related Cancer Fight: 'Lived, Breathed Fire Service' Ex-Chief Of FD In HV Dies After 9/11-Related Cancer Fight: 'Lived, Breathed Fire Service'
Ex-Chief Of FD In HV Dies After 9/11-Related Cancer Fight: 'Lived, Breathed Fire Service' A Hudson Valley fire department is mourning the loss of one of its own who died after a long and courageous battle with 9/11-related cancer.  Former Tappan Fire Department Chief Fredrick Simms Jr. died on Thursday morning, June 12 at home surrounded by his family, the department said in a statement.  Simms, known as “Freddie” to friends and fellow firefighters, was a lifelong firefighter. He joined the Tappan Fire Department in March 1998 and rose through the ranks, serving as Chief of Department from 2014 to 2016.  His passion for service extended beyond Rockland …
MTV Icon Ananda Lewis Dies After Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle At 52 MTV Icon Ananda Lewis Dies After Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle At 52
MTV Icon Ananda Lewis Dies After Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle At 52 Ananda Lewis, a fixture on MTV in the 90s, has died after a battle with breast cancer, family members announced Wednesday, June 11 on Facebook. She was 52.  A Howard University graduate, Lewis got her big break when she auditioned for an on-screen job hosting "Teen Summit" on BET in DC, where she discussed serious issues impacting young adults. Among the highlights of her early career was a 1996 interview with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton about her book. Lewis went on to be a video jockey with MTV, where she hosted and "VJed" multiple shows, including "Total Request Live," which wa…
Longtime Motorcycle Club Leader, Drag Racing Enthusiast Formerly From Westchester Dies Longtime Motorcycle Club Leader, Drag Racing Enthusiast Formerly From Westchester Dies
Longtime Motorcycle Club Leader, Drag Racing Enthusiast Formerly From Westchester Dies A longtime Hudson Valley resident known for his deep ties to motorcycle clubs and the drag racing world is being remembered by loved ones for his lifelong community involvement.  Robert A. “Tiny” Eglit, a resident of Poughkeepsie who also once lived in Katonah, died at the age of 76 on Sunday, June 8 at Putnam Nursing and Rehabilitation, according to his obituary.  Tiny had lived in Dutchess County since 1981 and left a lasting impression on those who knew him—both on the road and off. He retired in 1994 from Sheet Metal Workers Local 38 in Brewster. Tiny was born in the Bronx on…
Father Killed While Trying To Save Sons From Fire Was Devoted HV Dad, Heroic Lineman Father Killed While Trying To Save Sons From Fire Was Devoted HV Dad, Heroic Lineman
Father Killed While Trying To Save Sons From Fire Was Devoted HV Dad, Heroic Lineman Services have been scheduled to honor the life of a Hudson Valley father and dedicated lineman who died while trying to save his sons from a burning home.  Shane Webb Munn, age 50, of Goshen, died on Saturday, May 31, after he rushed back into his burning home on Pulaski Highway in a desperate effort to rescue his two sons, Ryan, 17, and Travis, 12.  All three died as a result of the fire, which was reported around 8:10 p.m. at 876 Pulaski Highway, as previously reported by Daily Voice.  According to New York State Police, Munn had been seen using a weed trimmer outsid…
Former Owner Of Ice Cream Cafe In Hudson Valley Dies At 63 Former Owner Of Ice Cream Cafe In Hudson Valley Dies At 63
Former Owner Of Ice Cream Cafe In Hudson Valley Dies At 63 A Hudson Valley woman who brought joy to countless families through scoops of ice cream and warm conversation has died.  Debra Ann Travis, longtime owner of Debra T’s Ice Cream Café in Poughkeepsie and a resident of Dover Plains, died at home on Friday, May 30 at the age of 63, according to her obituary.  Born in Oneonta on June 11, 1961, Debra was the daughter of the late Don J. Lifgren and Beverly Ann Manchester. She graduated from Schenevus High School and eventually made her home in Dutchess County, where she ran the popular Debra T’s Ice Cream Café at 141 Overlook Rd.  …
Former Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Served Over 6 Decades Former Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Served Over 6 Decades
Former Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Served Over 6 Decades A Westchester County fire department is mourning the loss of its former chief who served his community for more than 60 years.  Neil Francis Gollogly, a 60-year member and former chief of the Millwood Fire Department and US Navy veteran, died peacefully at home in Yorktown Heights just before sunrise on Sunday, June 1, at the age of 92, according to his obituary.  Millwood firefighters announced Gollogly's death on Tuesday, June 3. In a statement, the department said they would miss him for "his knowledge, voice of reason, kindness, and especially his infectious smile around the f…
'Profound Loss': Fire Chief, Grandfather Killed In NY Work Zone Crash 'Profound Loss': Fire Chief, Grandfather Killed In NY Work Zone Crash
'Profound Loss': Fire Chief, Grandfather Killed In NY Work Zone Crash Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the loss of a Department of Transportation employee, longtime fire chief, and beloved grandfather who was killed while overseeing a road project in upstate New York. Hoosick Falls Fire Chief Robert Bornt, 54, was struck by a vehicle while working as a highway maintenance supervisor on State Route 7 in Pittstown on Thursday, May 29, as Daily Voice previously reported. Bornt, of Hoosick Falls, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he died the next day, according to New York State Police. No arrests have been made,…
HV Crash Victim Was Loving Father, Loyal Friend: Support Pours In For Family Left Behind HV Crash Victim Was Loving Father, Loyal Friend: Support Pours In For Family Left Behind
HV Crash Victim Was Loving Father, Loyal Friend: Support Pours In For Family Left Behind Friends, family, and coworkers are rallying behind the loved ones of a devoted Rockland County father and husband who was killed in a tragic motorcycle crash earlier this week. Domingo Hasbun died in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday, May 27, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser launched to support his grieving family. The circumstances of the crash have not yet been publicly released, but the impact of Hasbun’s sudden death has reverberated across the community and within the company where he worked, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits.  "Domingo was not only known for his love of…
Longtime Kool & The Gang Member Killed In Car Crash Longtime Kool & The Gang Member Killed In Car Crash
Longtime Kool & The Gang Member Killed In Car Crash The popular band Kool & The Gang is mourning the death of a beloved member. Michael Sumler was killed in a car crash in Mableton, Georgia, over Memorial Day weekend when the car he was driving collided with another vehicle just before midnight Saturday, May 24, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Known as Chicago Mike, Sumler was known for hyping the crowd "with his energy and dance moves," the band said in a statement on social media, saying as wardrobe valet, he made sure "the guys looked their best on stage every night." The 71-year-old Sumler was with the band from 2000 to 2015. Kool…
Music Legend Rick Derringer Dies Music Legend Rick Derringer Dies
Music Legend Rick Derringer Dies Classic rock legend Rick Derringer has died. Derringer, who was 77, was best known as the singer of Hang on Sloopy as a member of the McCoys, and writer of Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo and Hulk Hogan’s Real American wrestling theme. He died on Monday, May 26 in Ormond Beach, Florida, his caretaker and close friend Tony Wilson posted on social media. No cause of death was given. An Ohio native, Derringer was a versatile musician, who began playing local gigs with his uncle shortly after receiving a guitar at age 9, according to Variety. Hang on Sloopy climbed to the top of the charts in…
'Duck Dynasty' Legend Phil Robertson Dies At 79: 'Gone To Be With The Lord' 'Duck Dynasty' Legend Phil Robertson Dies At 79: 'Gone To Be With The Lord'
'Duck Dynasty' Legend Phil Robertson Dies At 79: 'Gone To Be With The Lord' Months after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has died at 79, his family confirmed. Loved ones took to social media on Sunday, May 25, to share the news of Robertson's passing with members of the famous family sharing the news and memories of their patriarch.  "My dad has gone to be with the Lord today," son Jase Robertson wrote. "He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!"  View this post on Instagram A post sh…
WWII Hero From HV Returns Home 80 Years After Pacific Crash: Here's When Services Will Be WWII Hero From HV Returns Home 80 Years After Pacific Crash: Here's When Services Will Be
WWII Hero From HV Returns Home 80 Years After Pacific Crash: Here's When Services Will Be More than eight decades after he was killed in action over the Pacific during World War II, the remains of a Dutchess County native have been brought home where they belong.  US Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, 26, was killed on March 11, 1944, when his B-24D “Liberator” bomber, Heaven Can Wait, crashed into the waters off New Guinea during a World War II bombing mission. After 80 years, Darrigan’s remains have finally been identified and returned to his hometown in Dutchess County.  On Friday, May 23, New York State Police, along with the Dutchess County Sheriff…
Husband Of Today Show Co-Host Dies Husband Of Today Show Co-Host Dies
Husband Of Today Show Co-Host Dies The husband of a popular co-host on the Today Show has died, according to NBC. Sheinelle Jones’ spouse of 17 years, Uche Ojeh, was 45. Ojeh had been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, the network said in announcing the news. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children," Today co-host Savannah Guthrie said on Friday morning, May 23. "Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life.” The two met at North…
Services Announced For HS Coach Killed In Taconic Parkway Crash In Westchester Services Announced For HS Coach Killed In Taconic Parkway Crash In Westchester
Services Announced For HS Coach Killed In Taconic Parkway Crash In Westchester Family and friends will gather next week to say goodbye to Robert “Rob” Violante, a beloved New Jersey high school coach and educator from Westchester County who was tragically killed in a fatal crash on the Taconic State Parkway in New York.  Violante, age 45, of the hamlet of Granite Springs in Somers, was driving home from work on Wednesday, May 14, when his vehicle was struck head-on by a van that crossed the median near mile marker 9.2 in New Castle, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Three men in the van were also killed. The crash remains under investigation.  Known aff…
Legendary NYPD ‘Son Of Sam’ Detective, Former Giants Farmhand Laid To Rest In NY At 93 Legendary NYPD ‘Son Of Sam’ Detective, Former Giants Farmhand Laid To Rest In NY At 93
Legendary Nypd ‘Son Of Sam’ Detective, Former Giants Farmhand Laid To Rest In NY At 93 A towering figure in New York City law enforcement — whose name became forever linked with some of the most infamous cases in the city’s history — was laid to rest this week on Long Island. Joseph Borrelli, the retired NYPD Chief of Detectives who helped crack the terrifying Son of Sam case and led some of the department’s most high-profile investigations over four decades, died Wednesday, May 7, at the age of 93 following a brief illness, according to his obituary. Borrelli, who was born in Brooklyn, began his career with the NYPD in 1959 after serving two years in the Army and spending se…
3 Young Men Killed In Fiery NY Crash On Mother's Day 'Had Such Bright Futures' 3 Young Men Killed In Fiery NY Crash On Mother's Day 'Had Such Bright Futures'
3 Young Men Killed In Fiery NY Crash On Mother's Day 'Had Such Bright Futures' They were best friends. They were beloved sons. And they were only 20 years old. The Long Island community is reeling after a devastating Mother’s Day weekend crash claimed the lives of three former classmates: Vincent Cavaliere, Gino Vicale, and Nicholas Rivera. The trio, all 2022 graduates of Plainedge High School, were remembered this week as vibrant young men full of promise. Their sudden deaths in a fiery car crash early Sunday morning, May 11, left loved ones and neighbors shattered, as Daily Voice reported. Fox 5 reporter Briella Tomassetti, whose younger brother was close friends w…
Former Mayor Of City In Westchester Dies: Was Devoted Leader, Judge, Family Man Former Mayor Of City In Westchester Dies: Was Devoted Leader, Judge, Family Man
Former Mayor Of City In Westchester Dies: Was Devoted Leader, Judge, Family Man A city in Westchester is mourning the passing of former Mayor Vincent R. Rippa, who led his community through a key period of revitalization in the late 1970s and dedicated more than five decades to public service, law, and his community.  Rippa, a former New Rochelle mayor who was 87, died on Saturday, May 10, surrounded by loved ones, according to his obituary.  Rippa served as Mayor of New Rochelle from 1976 to 1979, after earlier terms as a Westchester County Legislator. He was later appointed a City Court Judge and maintained a private law practice for more than 50 years. Kno…
Hardcore Wrestling Icon Sabu, ECW Star And WWE Alum, Dies Weeks After Final Match At 60 Hardcore Wrestling Icon Sabu, ECW Star And WWE Alum, Dies Weeks After Final Match At 60
Hardcore Wrestling Icon Sabu, ECW Star And WWE Alum, Dies Weeks After Final Match At 60 Hardcore wrestling legend Terry Brunk — more commonly known as Sabu — has died, according to reports. The Staten Island native, who made his name in ECW before being inducted into the Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame, was 60.  No cause of death has been confirmed.  Sabu was among the most popular hardcore wrestlers in the business and had a brief run with WWE in the mid-2000s.  News of his death comes weeks after his victory over GCW star and former WWE wrestler Joey Janela on April 18. Sabu was trained by his uncle, "The Sheik" and was a mainstay in the business for decades, …
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies David Souter, a Republican-appointed Supreme Court justice who became known for siding with its liberal wing in nearly two decades as a justice, has died. He was age 85. The court announced he died "peacefully" on Thursday, May 8, at his home in Concord, New Hampshire. No cause of death was given. The Harvard University graduate and Melrose, Massachusetts native joined the high court in 1990 after being nominated by former President George H.W. Bush. Souter served on the Supreme Court until 2009, when he retired at age 69. He had served as New Hampshire's attorney general and was a …
Deadly Taconic Crash Victim Was Caring Father, Friend Who Loved Cars Deadly Taconic Crash Victim Was Caring Father, Friend Who Loved Cars
Deadly Taconic Crash Victim Was Caring Father, Friend Who Loved Cars A Dutchess County man who died in a tragic head-on crash on the Taconic State Parkway is being remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted, joyful soul who had a lifelong love of cars.  Robert Clark Jr., age 70, was killed around 9:36 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, in the town of Clinton, when his 1994 Ford Mustang was struck head-on by a vehicle that crossed over the median on the Taconic State Parkway, as Daily Voice previously reported.  The other driver, 19-year-old Jhonny L. Polanco of Bloomingburg, was also killed in the crash. Police said Polanco’s 2006 Toyota Corolla was traveling …
Maryland Woman Dies Hero Saving Boy From Train Months After Losing Mom, Stepfather Maryland Woman Dies Hero Saving Boy From Train Months After Losing Mom, Stepfather
Maryland Woman Dies Hero Saving Boy From Train Months After Losing Mom, Stepfather Just months after losing her mother and step-father, a 20-year-old Maryland woman has died in what her family says what was an act of heroism. Summer Giffin, of Sandy Hook, was trying to save a boy from being hit by a train Tuesday night, May 6 but was hit herself, her family tells Daily Voice. The tragic accident, which left one other person dead, happened around 8:18 p.m., when emergency crews were called to the CSX rail bridge near the Maryland-West Virginia border, just outside Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, as previously reported by Daily Voice. As of press time, more th…