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–74 CDC Wonder. Compressed Mortality File 1999-2016, released June 2017. Adenovirus.
–10 Texas (No other State had as many as ten deaths.)

Narrative Information

CDC: “Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause a range of illness. They can cause cold-like symptoms, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and pink eye (conjunctivitis). You can get an adenovirus infection at any age. People with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory or cardiac disease are more likely than others to get very sick from an adenovirus infection…” (CDC. Adenoviruses. 4-26-2018 update.)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Adenoviruses. 4-26-2018 update. Accessed 10-24-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2019 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2020. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2019, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Aug 9, 2021 2:42:40 PM

–10 CDC Wonder. Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2019 Results. Whooping Cough.

Narrative Information

“A37.0 (Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis); A37.1 (Whooping cough due to Bordetella parapertussis); A37.8 (Whooping cough due to other Bordetella species); A37.9 (Whooping cough, unspecified).”

Note: ICD-10 means International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition.

Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2019 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2020. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2019, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Aug 12, 2021 1:48:14 PM

Note: ICD-10 means International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition.

Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2019 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2020. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2019, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Aug 9, 2021 7:52:07 PM

–1,115 CDC Wonder search, ICD-10 code X31 exposure to excessive natural cold/hypothermia.

US death rate was 0.34 per 100,000 population. (CDC shows states only when at least 10 died.)

Death Rate
Alabama 1 Pulled from Smith Lake incoherent; died at hospital.
Alaska 17 Not noted
Arizona 38 0.52
Arkansas 10 Not noted
California 41 0.10
Colorado 33 0.57
District of Columbia ~1 Homeless man, 77, Nov 13, potentially hypothermia.
Georgia 21 0.20
Idaho >1 Pocatello near City Creek trail early April.
Illinois 58 0.46
Indiana 34 0.51
Iowa 16 Not noted
Kentucky 15 Not noted North Dakota 14 Not noted
Maryland 22 0.36 Ohio 52 0.44
Massachusetts 21 0.30 Oklahoma 15 Not noted
Michigan 70 0.70 Oregon 18 Not noted
Minnesota 42 0.74 Pennsylvania 61 0.48
Missouri 28 0.46 South Carolina 11 Not noted
Montana 12 Not noted South Dakota 1 (Mobridge, Jan 10, outside.)
Nebraska 13 Not noted Tennessee 21 0.31
Nevada 13 Not noted Texas 48 0.14
New Hampshire 10 Not noted Vermont >1 (Burlington, Feb 2.)
New Jersey 23 0.26 Virginia 21 0.25
New Mexico 38 1.81 Washington 46 0.60
New York 65 0.33 Wisconsin 46 0.79
North Carolina 24 0.23 Wyoming 12 Not noted

Sources

Associated Press. “Hypothermia believed to be cause of death in Mobridge woman.” 1-10-2019. Accessed 7-27-2021 at: https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/crime/2019/01/10/hypothermia-believed-cause-death-mobridge-woman-south-dakota/2537758002/

Burlington Free Press. “Burlington police: UVM student was intoxicated, died from sub-zero temperature exposure.” 2-5-2019. Accessed 7-27-2021 at: https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2019/02/05/police-university-vermont-student-died-freezing-cold-intoxication/2775620002/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2019 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2020. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2019, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Jul 27, 2021 5:30:49 PM

Idaho State Journal. “Coroner: Hypothermia killed man found dead at City Creek.” 6-7-2019. Accessed 7-27-2021 at: https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/coroner-hypothermia-killed-man-found-dead-at-city-creek/article_0223ef5c-bae1-5be6-ba93-9a269e5512f9.html

Washington Post/Dana Hedgpeth and Peter Hermann. “One homeless man’s death possibly tied to severe cold weather; D.C. officials fear more cold-related deaths may come this winter.” 11-15-2019. Accessed 7-27-2021 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-officials-concerned-homeless-may-die-during-severe-cold-weather/2019/11/15/351087cc-07d7-11ea-8ac0-0810ed197c7e_story.html

WIAT, CBS42 (Michael Clark). “Man dies after ending up in Smith Lake Saturday; hypothermia possible.” 1-13-2019. Accessed 7-27-2021 at: https://www.cbs42.com/news/man-dies-after-ending-up-in-smith-lake-saturday-hypothermia-possible/

–11  CBS News. “11^th child dies in viral outbreak at N.J. health care facility.” 11-16-2018.

–10  CNN. “10^th child dies from adenovirus outbreak in New Jersey.” 11-1-2018.

—  9  WLNY, CBS 2, NY. “Breaking: 9^th Child Dies of Adenovirus Outbreak…” 10-28-2018.

—  8  NJ.com. “Death toll in N.J. adenovirus outbreak rises to 8; more sickened…” 10-26-2018.

—  7  Associated Press. “Child death toll hits 7 in viral outbreak at rehab center.” 10-24-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

CDC: “Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause a range of illness. They can cause cold-like symptoms, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and pink eye (conjunctivitis). You can get an adenovirus infection at any age. People with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory or cardiac disease are more likely than others to get very sick from an adenovirus infection…” (CDC. Adenoviruses. 4-26-2018 update.)

Timeline[1]

 

Aug: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, gives Wanaque an above average rating for overall quality, and below average health inspection rating.

 

Sep 26: First child in Wanaque ventilator unit is diagnosed with a respiratory ailment.

 

Sep 30: Doracase Ephraime Dolcin, 4, gets “a fever that would rise and fall over the next few days.”[2]

 

Oct 2-3: Elizabeth Poulous, 16-year-old Wanaque resident, develops fever; admitted to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson.

 

Oct 3: Doracase Dolcin fever reaches 102° despite sponge baths and ice applied to break fever.

 

Oct 5: Doracase Dolcin is moved to St. Joseph’s Univ. Medical Center, Paterson late in the day. Mother later notes she had “repeatedly” sought such a transfer “for nearly a week.”

 

Oct 8:  Dorcase Ephraime Dolcin, 4, dies.

 

Oct 9: Wanaque notifies NJ Health Dept., after work hours, of “cluster of respiratory illnesses” after 2^nd child dies.

 

Oct 10: NJ Dept. of Health officials begin surveillance work at Wanaque.

 

Oct 11: NJ Health Department’s Communicable Disease Service, US CDC, and local health dept. begin working with Wanaque with infection control practice recommendations.

 

Oct 18: Wanaque sends letter to Kristine Deleg noting there had been an outbreak of adenovirus.

 

Oct 21: NJ Health Dept. makes 1^st inspection Wanaque visit (surprise) — 2 registered nurses.

 

Oct 22: Another child becomes sick from adenovirus.

 

Oct 22: Kristine Deleg receives Oct 18 letter informing her of the adenovirus outbreak.

 

Oct 23: Elizabeth Poulous, 16, dies.

 

Oct 23: NJ Health Dept. makes 1^st announcement concerning Wanaque — noting six children have died, 12 more infected, and that the center has been barred from taking any new patients. A Health Dept. staff member was posted at Wanaque to monitor the outbreak.

 

Oct 24: Another child [seventh] dies from adenovirus.

 

Oct 24: At a news conference outside Wanaque, Gov. Phil Murphy and the state health commissioner, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, say officials are investigating how the outbreak occurred.

 

Oct 25: Eighth child dies.

 

Oct 25: A 19^th child is confirmed sick with adenovirus after lab tests. Elnahal says Wanaque did not have room to isolate the children when they became ill, and moving them was difficult.

 

Oct 26: After lab tests, four more children are positive for Adenovirus — 23 in all.

 

Oct 26: Stories appear in press noting complaints from relatives of former patients regarding sanitary conditions and lack of adequate care.

 

Oct 27: Another child diagnosed with adenovirus, bringing total to 25.

 

Oct 27:  It is revealed that a Wanaque staff member had had Adenovirus, but had recovered.

 

Oct 28: Ninth child dies. Health Dept. states there have been no new cases since Oct 22.

 

Oct 28: Press report of previous nursing union complaint of staff and supply shortages.

 

Oct 29: Another child becomes sick.

 

Oct 29: State Dept. of Health announces it will send in a team of infection control experts and epidemiologists to Wanaque, and four other pediatric long-term care facilities.

 

Oct 30: Lab tests confirm another medically fragile child with adenovirus — total of 26 pediatric.

 

Oct 30: NJ Health Dept. releases it’s Oct 21 report on Wanaque inspection to the public.

 

Nov 1: Is announced that a 10^th medically fragile child has died.

 

Nov 2: Reported that 27 children at Wanaque had become ill during the outbreak.

 

Nov 5: Two more children at Wanaque diagnosed with Adenovirus — total now 29.

 

Nov 5: Press reports that NJ legislators have announced intention to investigate outbreak.

 

Nov 6: NJ Health Dept. confirms 30^th Adenovirus illness at Wanaque. — total now 30.

 

Nov 9: NJ Health Dept. makes 2^nd unannounced Wanaque inspection after news report that Wanaque workers had stated that Wanaque delayed sending children to hospitals “because they did not want to lose Medicaid funding if a pediatric bed went empty.”

 

Nov 16: 11^th child dies from Adenovirus at Wanaque.

 

Nov 23: State officials allow hospitalized children who have recovered to return to Wanaque, stating they cannot be reinfected with the same virus strain.

 

Dec 11: Adenovirus at Wanaque deemed over, though Center still prevented admitting patients to children’s unit where the virus spread.

 

Dec 17: State Dept. of Health releases report on a previous inspection of Wanaque. The report notes numerous problems.

 

Chronological Reporting

 

Oct 23: “The New Jersey Department of Health was working on Tuesday [Oct 23] to contain a severe viral outbreak at a pediatric center that has left six children dead and 12 others infected…. Children at the Wanaque Center, in northern New Jersey, are pediatric long-term care residents, with some reliant on ventilators and tracheal tubes.

 

“It was not clear when the children died, and though the department declined to release their ages, it said that the 18 people stricken with the virus ranged from a toddler to a young adult and that most were under 18.

 

“The health department said it was conducting an investigation at the center, which has been cited in the past for health code violations, and had a two out of five star rating on health inspections from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services.” (NYT/Nick Corasaniti. “Adenovirus Outbreak Leaves 6 Children Dead at N.J. Pediatric Center.” 10-23-2018.)

 

Oct 24: “Trenton, N.J. — Another child has died following a severe viral outbreak at a New Jersey rehabilitation center for “medically fragile children,” bringing the death toll to seven, the facility said Wednesday. There have been 18 cases overall of adenovirus at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of New York, the state Health Department said. The 227-bed, for-profit facility cares for children and elderly residents.

 

“The agency had said Tuesday that six children had died this month. But the center said it learned Tuesday night that another child had died.

 

“The strain afflicting the children is usually associated with acute respiratory illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which on its website instructs health workers to report unusual clusters to state or local health departments….

 

“The CDC is providing technical assistance to the state. In the past 10 years, cases of severe illness and death from the type of infection found at the facility have been reported in the United States, though it’s unclear how many deaths there have been.

 

“The center’s website says it helps educate “medically fragile children.” The facility was instructed not to admit new patients until the outbreak ends, and the Health Department said the number of new cases appears to be decreasing.” (Associated Press. “Child death toll hits 7 in viral outbreak at rehab center.” 10-24-2018.)

 

Oct 25: “An eighth child has died in the deadly viral outbreak that has already claimed the lives of seven at a pediatric long-term healthcare facility in New Jersey, state officials confirmed on Friday [Oct 26]…. Meanwhile, health department officials said more children were infected in the outbreak than originally thought, based on new lab results. There are now 23 confirmed cases of adenovirus in pediatric residents at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. When the outbreak was first reported, the number of cases stood at 18.

 

“‘Oct. 22 was the last date in which an individual got sick. The last child became ill before Oct. 22, which remains the most recent date of illness onset,’ said health department spokeswoman Donna Leusner…. Officials said the outbreak remains under active investigation and it is possible that lab tests will confirm additional cases.

 

“Adenovirus is typically a mild illness that mimics flu- and cold-like symptoms. But experts say it can pose far more serious complications to some people, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

 

“The state said it will be launching an effort next week aimed at highlighting the need for infection control measures at other facilities in the state that treat immunocompromised children….

 

“The state said it first became aware of the outbreak at the Wanaque Center on Oct. 9. It became public earlier this week, after NJ Advance Media received an anonymous tip that there had been a number of deaths at the facility. However, neither the state Health Department nor the facility would confirm those fatalities until Tuesday [Oct 23].

 

“A state Department of Health Communicable Disease Service staff member is currently on site at the facility and monitoring the outbreak, officials said. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is assisting with lab testing and expertise, state officials said.

 

“The facility in northern Passaic County is a 227-bed nursing home, rehabilitation center and a pediatrics center, which offers short- and long-term care.

 

“Licensed for 92 pediatric beds, the facility has agreed to cease new admissions for the duration of the outbreak, said state officials. They added the Wanaque Center has also established a 24/7 hotline for families affected, and is also offering professional grief counseling to anyone impacted….” (Kent and Sherman. “Death toll in N.J. adenovirus outbreak rises to 8; more sickened than first thought.” NJ.com. 10-26-2018.)

 

Oct 26: “Haskell, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Four more cases have been confirmed in an outbreak of adenovirus at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, bringing the total number of infections to 23. The New Jersey Department of Health said eight children who died are among the confirmed cases of the virus. The latest child death was announced Friday night [26^th ].

 

“Relatives of former patients are coming forward to raise concern about the general conditions inside the facility. Pictures some of the women say they took inside the center in September paint a grim picture. ‘The mood in there is just very down and dirty, said one woman who did not want to be identified. ‘There’s stains on the wall you just can’t tell if they’re blood or fecal matter.’ The pair said they felt compelled to speak out for others who live there. ‘There are people in there that can’t talk and who is looking out for them?’ said one of the women. ‘We would go to visit, and we would go on different days at different times so [they] couldn’t set it up to look good.’ The daughter and mother would often visit a close family friend housed there for care. ‘That place is so filthy and so vile, and you walk in, the smell is just so…we were in tears when we would leave there because we were going home, and he was stuck.’ The New Jersey Department of Health confirms the smell, saying during an August inspection there was a strong unpleasant odor. The center was cited for not following proper infection control.

 

“The couple also showed photos they say showed the level of disregard to conditions. ‘Sitting in the dining room with them one day when playing bingo, and there’s oatmeal on table that’s crusted and growing mold, or the bed broken held together with scotch tape,’ she said. They say when they complained they were told the facility was understaffed. ‘We went to visit him and he didn’t have a blanket because they didn’t have blankets,“ she said. “We went to grab a bed spread off the bed next to him and there was a huge dried urine stain on the bed.’

 

“After the viral outbreak in the pediatric unit, the state found minor hand washing deficiencies. The mother says she called the Department of Health after she got her friend out of there earlier in October. She hopes bringing these conditions to light sparks compassion and intervention.

 

“In a statement to CBS2 on Friday night, the center said these claims run counter to its long-standing good reputation and that it is rated in the top 10 percent of all nursing facilities nationwide.” (WLNY CBS 2, New York. “Exclusive: Women Document Filthy Conditions at New Jersey Nursing Facility Amid Virus Outbreak.” 10-26-2018.)

 

Oct 28: “Haskell, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — The New Jersey Department of Health announced Sunday morning that a ninth child has died as a result of an outbreak of adenovirus at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. The health department said the child was one of the 25 previously confirmed cases of the virus. ‘This is a tragic situation, and our thoughts are with the families who are grieving right now,” Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal said in a press release. “We are working every day to ensure all infection control protocols are continuously followed and closely monitoring the situation at the facility.’

 

“Despite the state’s assurances that they’re trying to limit exposure, CBS2’s Meg Baker spoke exclusively to a patient who described the grisly conditions he says he encountered at the Wanaque center. Eugene Dorio says he went through eight weeks of hell while living at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. ‘There’s just no compassion, ya know?’ the 66-year-old diabetic said. ‘It was really dirty, they didn’t really take care of me,’ he said. ‘It was like I had to wait for another shift to come in another two hours to change me, and this went on daily.’

 

“Dorio says he visited the pediatric unit, where the medically fragile children lived, about once a week. He says they always seemed to be sick. The former patient added the center would sometimes smell of urine or feces, something the staff would blame on patients’ bodily functions. ‘Well that’s your job,’ Dorio says. ‘Clean it up and get rid of the smell.’

 

“Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has pushed back against the former patient’s claims, citing its record of being ranked in the top ten percent of nursing facilities in the U.S….” (WLNY, CBS 2, NY. “Breaking: 9^th Child Dies of Adenovirus Outbreak at N.J. Rehab Center.” 10-28-2018.)

 

Oct 28: “Nine children have been reported dead at a New Jersey nursing home in the last week, at least eight from viruses that cause respiratory illness, the state health department said. The ninth victim, described as ‘medically fragile with respiratory illness’ by the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, died late Saturday night at a hospital, the state health department said in a statement. It is awaiting laboratory confirmation of adenoviruses in a child who died Friday [Oct 26].

 

“The viruses are known to persist on unclean surfaces and medical instruments, and may not be eliminated by common disinfectants, but they rarely cause severe illness in healthy people. Those with weakened immune systems, though, have a higher risk for severe disease and may remain infectious long after they recover, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. They are common in places with large groups of children, such as child-care settings, schools and summer camps.

 

“There have been 25 confirmed pediatric adenovirus cases at Wanaque, including the eight child deaths. The confirmed cases became ill between September 26 and October 22. A staff member also became ill but has recovered, the health department said….

 

“The timing of the deaths is not clear. The health department was notified of respiratory illness at the center on October 9. Wanaque sent parents of children at the facility letters about the infection on October 19, according to the health department….

 

“The children’s ages are not being released to protect patient privacy, said Nicole Kirgan, a health department spokeswoman. They ranged in age “from a toddler through young adults, but most are under 18.”

 

“The outbreak, caused by adenovirus type 7, “is affecting medically fragile children with severely compromised immune systems. The strain has been particularly associated with disease in communal living arrangements and can be more severe,” according to the health department.

 

“In a statement, the facility said it “promptly notified all appropriate government agencies when the virus was initially identified.” “The Wanaque Center continues to fully cooperate with these agencies and has sought out their medical guidance with respect to the virus,” the facility said. “As a result, facility staff have diligently implemented all available infection control and prevention measures in order to protect the health and safety of the Wanaque Center’s residents.”

 

“Nurses at the facility previously had reported a shortage of nursing staff and supplies, according to a statement from the union that represents the nursing staff. The Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) said the shortages may have led to “poor infection control practices.” The union said it represents the 70 nurses that work at Wanaque.

 

“In a review by the government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Wanaque was awarded an above-average ranking in overall quality but was given a below-average health inspection rating. Based on an inspection conducted in August, CMS reported that “it was determined that the facility failed to provide a clean and homelike physical environment for their residents.”

 

“”Most of the time, adenoviruses produce influenza-like illness with cough and runny nose and feeling crummy, but you get better,” Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, previously told CNN. “But they can also cause conjunctivitis and, particularly in children, diarrhea.” In rare cases among people with weakened immune systems, the viruses may cause pneumonia or inflammation of the brain and the tissues around it. In extremely unusual cases, an adenovirus infection can result in death.

 

“Most adenovirus infections are mild, with symptoms usually lasting about 10 days, according to the CDC. And for most patients, only home remedies and over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms are needed. The viruses, unlike the flu, are not seasonal and can cause illness throughout the year. And while a vaccine exists, it’s available only to military recruits.

 

“The viruses…tend to be spread by coughing and sneezing, direct contact with an infected person, or touching objects and surfaces, such as door handles and light switches, where the viruses can live and remain infectious for days or weeks. The viruses can “stay stable at room temperature for weeks” on unclean surfaces, according to Dr. Alex Valsamakis, director of Clinical Virology and Molecular Microbiology and a professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She described this family of viruses as “environmentally hardy.” “Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face,” she previously told CNN. “That’s kind of the easiest way to prevent inadvertently transporting something from your fingers into your nose or mouth.”

 

“The infections “usually occur sporadically — here a case, there a case — so outbreaks are pretty rare,” Schaffner said. From 2003 through 2016, the two most commonly reported adenovirus types in the US were types 2 and 3, though four additional types — 1, 4, 7 and 14 — also caused illness, according to a 2017 report from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease of the CDC. These six types accounted for 85.5% of 1,497 laboratory-confirmed specimens reported during the time period. This small number of cases is believed to be an under-representation of the actual number, since most people who become sick do not go to a doctor, or their doctors do not test for this virus. And the viruses are still difficult to diagnose since they’re not typically included in a panel of tests used to identify specific viruses, according to Schaffner. He said this is changing, and for that reason, he believes the number of cases will rise.

 

“Still, Schaffner doesn’t think people need to be worried about adenoviruses. ‘They cause principally a whole bunch of minor troublesome infections spread by children, often from children to adults,’ he said. ‘But they’re not nearly as serious as influenza.’” (CNN. “9^th child dies after virus outbreak at New Jersey facility.” 10-28-2018.)

 

Oct 29: “….The death on Sunday at Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, New Jersey, was reported over the weekend by the New Jersey Department of Health. ‘These children were all largely ventilator dependant and immuno-compromised,’ said NJDOH spokeswoman Donna Leusner….The strain of adenovirus is associated with communal living arrangements….” (Reuters. “Ninth child died in deadly viral outbreak in New Jersey.” 10-29-2018.)

 

Oct 30: “Laboratory tests have confirmed another medically fragile child with adenovirus as part of an ongoing outbreak investigation at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. To date, a total of 26 confirmed pediatric cases have been associated with this outbreak. In addition, a staff member at the facility — who has since recovered — also became ill as part of the outbreak….October 22 remains the most recent date of illness onset. To date, the individuals associated with the outbreak became ill between Sept. 26 and Oct. 22. The affected children in the facility’s pediatric ventilator unit had severely compromised immune systems — including respiratory problems — before the outbreak began…. A Department of Health team of infection control experts and epidemiologists will visit University Hospital and four pediatric long-term care facilities — including Wanaque — in November to conduct training and assessments of infection control procedures, Commissioner Elnahal announced today.” (State of NJ Dept. of Health. “Total of 26 adenovirus cases at Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.” 10-30-2018.)

 

Oct 30: “The New Jersey Department of Health today released the final report from the October 21, 2018 unannounced inspection of the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. There are no new cases or additional deaths to report today. The Department had previously reported on preliminary findings of the visit, however the full extent of the survey needed to be assessed by inspection staff.

 

“According to Centers Medicare & Medicaid Services standards, the facility had deficiencies that did not indicate substandard care was delivered. “Now that the report is finalized, certain findings raise questions about whether these general long-term care standards are optimal for this vulnerable population of medically fragile children,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “I will be engaging in collaborative discussions with CMS to assess how we can better align standards for theses pediatric long-term care facilities” As of November 28, 2019, CMS will implement new long-term care regulations that will require long-term care facilities to have an on-site infection preventionist responsible for the facility’s infection prevention control program….” (State of New Jersey Department of Health. “Department of Health Releases Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation Inspection Report” (News Release). 10-30-2018.)

 

Nov 1: “A 10th child has died following an outbreak of adenovirus at a New Jersey rehabilitation facility, state health officials said….‘To date, the individuals associated with the outbreak became ill between Sept. 26 and Oct. 29,’ it said. ‘The affected children had severely compromised immune systems — including respiratory problems — before the outbreak began.’…. The outbreak appears to be confined to the facility’s respiratory unit…‘It can be difficult to impossible to know how the virus got to the facility, what its source was, or what its specific mechanism of spread is from person to person,’ Elnahal [NJ Health Commissioner] said. “But we are working with the CDC on this ongoing outbreak investigation.”….” (CNN, Michael Nedelman. “10^th child dies from adenovirus outbreak in New Jersey.” 11-1-2018.)

 

Nov 2: “The parents of a 4-year-old girl who they say died in a viral outbreak that has killed nine other severely debilitated children at a long-term care center in Wanaque are calling for the facility to be shut down because they say their daughter was neglected. In an interview at their home in East Orange on Thursday night, the couple said their daughter, Dorcase Ephraime Dolcin, was one of the first children to die during an outbreak of adenovirus at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation that is now in its sixth week. ‘It is negligence because they don’t take full responsibility for what happened over there,’ said Ocroimy Dolcin, the girl’s father. ‘They’re just satisfied to make money, not to take care of the sick people.’….

 

“Dorcase was so debilitated when she was born in September 2014 that she spent the first three months of her life in the neo-natal intensive care unit. She was brought home, but her parents soon discovered that she needed more care than they could provide. Dorcase required a ventilator to breathe and a tube in her stomach to be fed. She never spoke a word, but her mother said Dorcase was responsive to voices and would always laugh whenever someone called her name. She first stayed at a pediatric long-term care facility in Voorhees, a 90-minute drive from her parents’ home, where four children have been sickened in a separate adenovirus outbreak that was reported this week. Dorcase was moved to the Wanaque Center in June 2016, a few months before her second birthday. It was a welcome relief for her parents, who could now visit her more often. Auguste said she went to the center almost every other day. If her husband was away with the car, she would make the 23-mile trip in a taxi. ‘They would charge me a lot of money, but I didn’t care,’ she said. ‘That’s my baby.’

 

“But Auguste, a nurse’s aide at an Essex County geriatric facility, said the care at Wanaque was delinquent at times. Auguste said she once found Dorcase wearing two diapers, which she says indicates that the staff was trying to conceal her daughter’s waste rather than change her diaper. Auguste said Dorcase was hospitalized at least one other time for respiratory problems.

 

“The Wanaque center has been cited for deficiencies over the last four years, including instances of poor patient care and unsanitary practices that can lead to the spread of infection.

 

“Despite her concerns, Auguste said she had few other options for Dorcase. There are only three other long-term care facilities that serve children in New Jersey….

 

“…on Friday Oct. 5, Auguste said she received a phone call from the center telling her that Dorcase had a 101-degree fever and was being given Motrin and Tylenol to try to bring it down. Later that day, Auguste was told that Dorcase’s condition had worsened. She was taken to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson. By that Sunday, Dorcase’s vital signs were plummeting. None of the treatments were helping, Auguste said. “I asked her doctor if there was hope,” Auguste said. “He said, ‘No. She is going to go.'” Dorcase died at St. Joseph’s the next day, Oct. 8. Auguste did not realize that other children were sick until she started seeing parents she knew at St. Joseph’s. She believes her daughter was one of the first to die from the outbreak.

 

“Elnahal [NJ Health Commissioner] has said it would be impossible to shut down the Wanaque center because of the lack of pediatric facilities in the state and the difficulty of moving many debilitated patients around at the same time….” (USA Today/ Scot Fallon. “Adenovirus victim’s parents: Shut down pediatric care center where 10 children died.” 11-2-2018.)

 

Nov 2: “HealthDay News…. The health department said that at least 27 children at the center have become ill, CNN reported.” (MPR, [Monthly Prescribing Reference]. “More Child Deaths Linked to Adenovirus Outbreak at NJ Facility.” 11-2-2018.)

 

Nov 5: “Two more children in New Jersey were diagnosed Monday [Nov 5] with adenovirus in separate outbreaks at pediatric long-term care centers in Passaic and Camden counties, state health officials said, bringing the total statewide to 34….State health officials confirmed a 29th case Monday among children at the Wanaque center…

 

“Meanwhile, a fifth child was confirmed to have adenovirus at the Voorhees Pediatric Facility, where the state’s second outbreak of viral illness was disclosed last week. The Voorhees outbreak has been attributed to a milder type of adenovirus than the type that swept through the Wanaque center. Three of the four children previously diagnosed at Voorhees have already recovered, the center said. None has died. Lab tests of four children who became ill at the Voorhees center last month confirmed they had adenovirus type 3, not type 7, which is known to be more dangerous and has been associated with the Wanaque deaths. Those tests were conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Confirmation by the CDC of the exact type of adenovirus in the most recent case will take a few more days, the state Health Department said….The first Voorhees children became ill between Oct. 20 and 29. Further testing may identify additional children with the virus, the Health Department said….

 

“The latest child to become ill at Wanaque developed symptoms on Nov. 5. The incubation period for adenovirus can be as long as two weeks. The Wanaque center is not admitting new patients until the outbreak is over. An outbreak is considered over when two full incubation periods have passed; in this case that would be Dec. 3, if no new cases are confirmed.

 

“A team of infection control experts from the Health Department visited both centers last week, as part of a deployment to educate staff members and to assess the facilities’ ability to limit the spread of disease. The team is also expected to visit two long-term care facilities operated by Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River and Mountainside, as well as the neonatal intensive care unit at University Hospital in Newark.

 

“State health officials and the Camden County Health Department have been working with the Voorhees facility “to provide infection control recommendations and identify other possible illnesses since the facility notified the department of a case of adenovirus in a resident on October 26,” Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the state health commissioner, said in a statement.

 

“The outbreak in Voorhees may have been less severe because the facility was able to separate the children into three groups — sick, well and exposed — and care for them in different areas. The staff implemented infection control measures such as cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces, and reinforcing appropriate hand-washing techniques.

 

“The Voorhees facility, which is associated with Weisman Children’s Hospital in Marlton, is licensed for 119 pediatric long-term care beds. The Wanaque center is licensed to care for 92 children.” (Washburn, Lindy. “Adenovirus outbreak: Two more children infected in outbreaks in Wanaque and Voorhees.” North Jersey Record, 11-5-2018.)

 

Nov 6: “Haskell, NJ (Passaic County) — New Jersey health officials say they’ve confirmed another case of adenovirus in an outbreak at a health facility that left ten people dead. The Health Department said in a statement Monday [Nov 5] the new diagnosis brings the total number of adenovirus cases at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation to 30… The most recent date of illness onset was on Nov. 5….”(Edwards, Jay. “Officials identify 30^th case of adenovirus at New Jersey health facility.” WRNJradio.com, 11-6-2018.)

 

Nov 6: “As new infections continue to be diagnosed at two long-term care facilities, legislators to investigate origin of the infections and what state can do to help in such crises. State lawmakers plan to hold a hearing early next month on the recent disease outbreaks at several New Jersey hospital operations dedicated to children’s care, including the Passaic County facility where a virus has killed ten youngsters with serious healthcare needs. Senate health committee chairman Joseph Vitale said yesterday he wants to gather input from hospital leaders, infection experts and New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal about the origin of these infections and what state officials can do to reduce the impact of these crises….

 

“As of Monday, 30 individuals have been infected by a serious strain of adenovirus at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Passaic County, including ten patients who have died. A less serious strain of adenovirus sickened five patients with complex health needs at the Voorhees Pediatric Facility, in Camden County, but none have died.

 

“In addition, bacteria discovered in the neonatal intensive care unit of Newark’s University Hospital have caused symptoms in three medically fragile infants there, and may be linked to the death of a fourth baby. These pathogens would likely cause mild cold-like symptoms in healthy individuals….

 

“Elnahal [NJ Health Commissioner] said last week that he is now talking to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about its new infection-control protocols, which are set to be phased in next year, and how the state can better protect these kinds of seriously ill patients, many of which depend on ventilators to breathe and feeding tubes for nutrition. The commissioner said the existing blanket regulatory standards for long-term care facilities “may be missing the unique needs and risks these patients face,” adding that the goal of his team is to “see if there is something we can learn from and move forward.” While the state could advance stricter regulations on its own, Elnahal said that could result in confusion and inconsistent enforcement. “At this juncture, it is more prudent to explore possibilities with stakeholders at all regulatory levels,” he said.

 

“But Vitale — who praised Elnahal’s effort to keep him informed on the outbreaks — said waiting on the federal government could take too long. ‘That’s like molasses,’ the senator (D-Middlesex) said, adding, ‘I wonder if there are other responses or steps we can take’ here in the Garden State. He hopes to hold a hearing on December 3, one of only a handful of days all legislators are scheduled to be in Trenton before the year’s end.

 

“The New Jersey Hospital Association, which represents acute-care and long-term facilities like the pediatric hospitals, also has a role in addressing these outbreaks, explained vice-president of communications Kerry McKean Kelly. The organization partners with the DOH to host a biannual conference on infection protocols, which play a big role in its ongoing quality-improvement efforts; it also stresses the importance of risk-assessment and careful surveillance of any infections that do occur. Similar efforts have helped facilities drive down the rates of sepsis, a blood infection that can attack patients in hospital settings. ‘It’s very much a team-based approach, led by an infection prevention specialist but with buy-in from staff all across the facility — not just caregivers but housekeeping and other staff members,’ McKean Kelly said. While this essential training is routine, the NJHA also holds specialized training when needed, she added, like the two-day session on personal protective equipment — gloves, gowns and masks — the organization hosted in October….” (Stainton, Lilo H. “NJ Lawmakers to Delve into Deadly Disease Outbreaks at Pediatric Facilities.” NJSpotlight.com, 11-6-2018.)

 

Nov 7: “A woman whose teenage son was sickened in the adenovirus outbreak that has killed 10 children at a long-term care center in Wanaque sued the facility’s owners and management Wednesday, alleging that unsanitary practices allowed the virus to spread. The lawsuit is believed to be the first filed in connection with the outbreak, which began in late September at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. In the lawsuit, Paula Costigan says her son, William DelGrosso, contracted the virus because staff members at the center were “careless and reckless” in providing patient care and controlling the spread of infection…. William, 15, developed a fever on Oct. 11, two days after the center notified the state Health Department of the outbreak, according to the lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in Superior Court in Paterson. His condition worsened and he was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center on Oct. 18 “in critical and life-threatening condition,” the suit says. He remains in the hospital’s intensive-care unit, said Paul da Costa, Costigan’s lawyer. William has suffered from a seizure disorder since he was a young child. When he was 10, a severe seizure caused him to go into cardiac arrest, da Costa said. Ever since then, William has needed a ventilator to breathe. He has lived at the Wanaque center since March 2015, da Costa said. ‘Like almost all the other kids there, he was very susceptible to these types of viruses,’ da Costa said in an interview Wednesday evening. ‘He deserved a level of care and treatment so that he wouldn’t be sickened from this virus.’

 

“The lawsuit cites inspection reports filed between 2015 and last month that show several deficiencies at the center that could lead to the spread of infection, such as poor hand-washing practices among staff members. An inspection in May 2017 documented instances in which nurses did not properly clean syringes used to give patients medicine orally. It also cited a nurse for not sanitizing medication trays between sessions with patients, and it said an inspector had observed that tubing from an oxygen tank that enters a patient’s nose was left exposed while the patient was away. The state health commissioner, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, has called the findings “low-level” and said many have been corrected….

 

“The lawsuit also criticizes the Wanaque center’s management for not informing Costigan of the outbreak until she received a letter on Oct. 22 — almost two weeks after the center informed the Health Department.

 

“Da Costa said Costigan does not want to send her son back to the Wanaque center but has few options, since only three other facilities in New Jersey provide long-term care for juveniles.” (Fallon, Scot. “Mother of sickened teen sues Wanaque center where 10 have died in adenovirus outbreak.” North Jersey Record, 11-7-2018, updated 11-8-2018.)

 

Nov 8: “As a deadly virus started sweeping through a New Jersey pediatric-care facility in late September… health care workers repeatedly asked why the sickest of their young patients were not being transferred out to hospitals. Two employees of the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, speaking on the condition of anonymity over fears of losing their jobs, claimed that senior administrators delayed sending kids to the hospital — even as many started dying.

 

“The reason? They said senior staff at the for-profit facility have long been consumed by the need to keep the 92 beds in the pediatric unit full, to keep Medicaid funds flowing. At the same time, they claimed the facility was chronically understaffed to save money. ‘You would be surprised how slow they were to send these kids out, even after the deaths, even after the media knew. They are still delaying,’ said one employee.

 

“In fact, as child after child developed what appeared to be a stubborn respiratory infection and spiking fevers as high as 104 degrees, symptoms were merely ‘masked,’ not treated, the workers said. The pediatric workers said staff turned up the air conditioning on full blast in their rooms to bring down their fevers. In addition, they kept giving the children the same medications, even though they had not been effective for days….

 

“The Wanaque Center and other pediatric nursing facilities receive $519.46 per patient per day, and the money stops as soon as the patient is transferred to a hospital, according to the state Medicaid office.

 

“A spokesman for the Wanaque Center declined to comment. Eugene Ehrenfeld of New York, a co-owner for Continuum Healthcare, which operates the Wanaque Center, also declined to comment and hung up on a reporter. Continuum Healthcare operates seven other health care facilities in New Jersey and others outside the state, according to state records….

 

“One employee said there may have been other reasons Wanaque did not want to send children to the hospital for emergency care. ‘I think they were concerned about the Health Department being aware. They were concerned about the school that’s in the facility reporting them to the Department of Health,’ the pediatric worker said….

 

“Jacqueline Donker of Kinnelon, the aunt of one of the children at Wanaque who was hospitalized with adenovirus, said she had noticed the facility declined after the new owners, Continuum Healthcare, took over in 2014, with the pediatric unit becoming more run down and the nursing staff cut significantly. ‘The owners that took over … let this happen,’ Donker said….

 

“…Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal said his office does not have the legal authority to investigate the medical decisions made by physicians or other Wanaque personnel to keep a child at the facility instead of sending them to the hospital.

 

(NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (Susan K. Livio and Spencer Kent). “Death stalked the Wanaque center. Sill, they delayed sending kids to the hospital, workers allege.” 11-8-2018.)

 

Nov 10: “The kids started getting sick on an unseasonably warm day in late September. Yet it would not be until Oct. 9 — and after the death of two children — when the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation notified the state Health Department of a viral outbreak inside the long-term care facility in northern New Jersey. And then another 12 days before state inspectors walked in the door….

 

“…an examination of how the outbreak unfolded and spread rapidly has raised questions over why state health officials waited two weeks before deploying a team to see for themselves how Wanaque was managing the crisis. The state’s response will be part of what the state Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee will examine when it holds a hearing on Dec. 3 to discuss the outbreak, said Sen. Joseph Vitale, the committee chairman said. ‘We will ask as many questions as we are able to, but this will be one of them,’ said Vitale, D-Middlesex. ‘We want to know when it was reported, how the department responded and how the facility responded,’ Vitale said, adding he wanted to be cautious ‘until we know all of the facts.’ ‘No doubt we are all concerned about this, and as a layperson, I say something is amiss here,’ he said.

 

“Wanaque notified the state and local health departments about the outbreak after business hours on Oct. 9., according to Health Department spokeswoman Donna Leusner. ‘The state immediately counseled the facility on infection control protocols, to be implemented immediately,’ Leusner said.

 

“The next day, the department’s Communicable Disease Service — along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local health department began working with Wanaque to recommend infection control practices, she said.

 

“The state dispatched two registered nurses from its Health Facilities, Survey and Field Operations office on Oct. 21 and conducted a surprise inspection. A state inspection specialist has remained on site.

 

“The state conducted a second surprise inspection on Friday [Nov 9] after a report by NJ Advance Media citing workers at the Wanaque Center who alleged that administrators delayed sending critically ill kids to the hospital because they did want to lose Medicaid funding if a pediatric bed went empty.

 

“The decision to wait two weeks before sending in state health employees was based on the science of allowing one incubation period to elapse to see whether Wanaque’s handling of the outbreak was working, Leusner said…. ‘It would have been impossible to determine that an on-site presence could have been useful before an incubation period’s worth of time,’ health department spokeswoman Dawn Thomas said. “It should be understood that while on-site inspections, infection control consultations and the daily monitoring that are in place now are useful for information-gathering and determining possible enforcement, they do not have direct impact on containing the spread of the virus or preventing harm to patients,’ Thomas said. ‘Containing the virus ultimately depends on facility management and clinical staff following these protocols under all circumstances, for every patient, and Department of Health is taking every action it can to hold the facility accountable for this,’ she added….‘The Commissioner believes that DOH staff responded appropriately at each time point, given the information we had,’ she said.

 

“Wanaque Center’s for-profit owner, Continuum Healthcare, which has repeatedly refused comment, did not return calls on Friday….

 

“Why these died…remains puzzling to some. ‘These kids were really fragile and severe adenovirus certainly can be fatal,’ observed David Cennimo, an epidemiologist at University Hospital in Newark and a professor of medicine at Rutgers University Medical School. ‘It’s a bad respiratory illness and you can end up on a ventilator. But these kids were already on a ventilator and I wonder why they couldn’t support them through this.’….‘I don’t understand it. It’s a medical care facility. These kids are monitored. I can’t explain it,’ he said….Cennimo said there was a high likelihood that the only way it would have moved from one bed-bound patient to another was by someone who was caring for the kids. ‘I would be concerned that whoever was caring for the kids was the contact vector between them,’ Cennimo said.

 

“Vitale, the health committee chairman, said the he hopes to find out whether the outbreak spiraled because of human error or systemic weaknesses. Maybe it’s both. he said. ‘These children are medical fragile and depend on other people for their survival,’ Vitale added. ‘It shouldn’t have happened to this degree. One child gets sick and maybe two, but this many?’” (NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (Ted Sherman and Susan K. Livio). “Why did the state wait so long to react to deadly outbreak that killed 10 kids?” 11-10-2018.)

 

Nov 12: “Two more children at a Wanaque medical facility were diagnosed over the weekend with adenovirus… The two children bring the total number of pediatric cases at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation to 33….

 

“The Health Department won’t divulge how many sickened children are still at the Wanaque center and how many have been taken to hospitals. But the two new cases confirm that the virus is still spreading among residents of the facility’s ventilator unit. No new cases were reported Monday [Nov 12]….

 

“Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the state health commissioner, has been reluctant to move recovering residents to other facilities, fearing they could spread the virus. Complicating things further, there are only four pediatric nursing homes in New Jersey. Wanaque and another facility in Voorhees have adenovirus outbreaks, and the other two are at capacity with significant waiting lists.

 

“An outbreak is considered to be over when two consecutive two-week incubation periods have passed. If no new cases are identified, the outbreak will be deemed over in the second full week of December.

 

“Meanwhile, health officials reported that another child was sickened with a milder form of adenovirus at the long-term care facility in Voorhees, in Camden County. That brings the total number of cases to eight at that facility. No one has died there.” (North Jersey Record. “Outbreak continues in Wanaque: 2 more children sickened with adenovirus that has killed 10.” 11-12-2018.)

 

Nov 12: “Lab testing over the weekend confirmed four more children are infected in the viral outbreak at a pediatric nursing home in Passaic County, bringing the total number of patients affected to 34, the state Health Department confirmed Monday [Nov 12]….The…most recent [case] was Friday, Nov. 9….” (NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. “Deadly viral outbreak continues to rage inside Wanaque as 4 more kids are infected.” 11-12-2018.)

 

Nov 14: “State officials on Wednesday [Nov 14] ordered all admissions to cease at a Wanaque nursing home where a virus outbreak has killed 10 children, saying that failures of infection control pose an “imminent and serious risk of harm” to its residents. The Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation received the worst rating possible — ‘immediate jeopardy’ — from state inspectors after three visits over the last week. That rating can result in termination from participation in Medicaid and Medicare programs if deficiencies are not corrected. The two government programs provide the bulk of nursing home funding.

 

“There are currently 43 children in the first-floor ventilator unit where the virus has spread, 19 children in the second-floor pediatric unit who are unaffected, and 125 adult patients at the facility, the department said.

 

“An initial inspection on Oct. 21 found that four of the six employees observed had washed their hands inadequately when caring for patients. Subsequent inspections on Nov. 9, 11 and 13 found ‘evidence of continuing non-compliance’ that ‘is presently ongoing,’ Gene Rosenblum, the director of the Health Department’s office of program compliance, wrote in a letter to the center’s administrator on Wednesday. ‘The surveyors identified egregious deficient practices in infection prevention and control which pose an immediate jeopardy … to residents,’ Rosenblum wrote….

 

“Despite the presence at the center of a communicable disease specialist from the state Health Department since Oct. 10, additional cases continue to be identified. Two residents were diagnosed as recently as Monday….

 

“Closing the facility is impractical, the health commissioner [Dr. Shereef Elnahal] has said, because of the risks of moving the ventilator-dependent children and the real possibility that they would spread the infection elsewhere.

 

“New Jersey has only four long-term care facilities that are equipped to care for such children. The two largest — Wanaque and the Voorhees Pediatric Facility — are both battling adenovirus outbreaks. (Eight children have been sickened but none has died in the outbreak in Voorhees, which involves a milder strain of the virus.) The two others — branches of Children’s Specialized Hospital, a part of RWJBarnabas Health, in Mountainside and Toms River — have long waiting lists, Elnahal said….

 

“A spokesman for the facility’s owners, Eugene Ehrenfeld and Daniel Bruckstein of Continuum Healthcare LLC, said he was not able to comment immediately.

 

“The state demanded that the Wanaque center hire two consultants — a ‘certified infection control practitioner’ and a physician specializing in infectious diseases — by noon on Friday. Both must be on-site 40 hours a week and cover all shifts and weekends, the order said. The physician must be completely independent of the Wanaque center, with no ties to its principals, managers or employees or their relatives. Both must begin work on Monday. Further sanctions, including fines, suspension ‘and/or license revocation,’ may be applied if the facility does not comply, Rosenblum said in his letter to Rowena Bautista, the center’s administrator.

 

“The facility also must demonstrate that it can separate residents in the ventilator unit who do not have symptoms from those who have the virus, the department said. The outbreak has been confined to the ventilator unit so far.

 

“Once the consultants are retained, admissions to the adult and regular pediatric unit can resume. But no children can be admitted to the respiratory unit until the center has grouped the patients appropriately to control the infection and the Health Department gives its approval.

 

“Approval must also be requested from the Health Department before a child who has been hospitalized with adenovirus is readmitted to the Wanaque center, the letter  said….

 

“Wednesday’s order to cease admissions can be lifted only by the state….” (North Jersey Record. “Adenovirus outbreak: Health Department orders admissions at Wanaque center to cease.” 11-14-2018.)

 

Nov 16: “Health officials say an 11th patient has died amid an outbreak of a respiratory virus at a care facility in New Jersey. The state health department on Friday confirmed that the ‘severely ill child’ at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation had the adenovirus infection. The youth died Thursday night in a hospital, but further details about the child were not disclosed.  The department says the child was among 34 pediatric cases that have been associated with the outbreak. Officials say the affected children became ill between Sept. 26 and Nov. 12….” (CBS News. “11^th child dies in viral outbreak at N.J. health care facility.” 11-16-2018.)

 

Nov 23: “State health officials have begun allowing medically fragile children to return to the long-term care facility in Wanaque where they were sickened in an adenovirus outbreak that has been blamed for 11 deaths since early October. Three children had been returned, with their families’ permission, to the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation as of Friday afternoon [Nov 23] after recovering at area hospitals, said Dawn Thomas, a state Health Department spokeswoman.

 

“…a lawyer representing the families of six victims, two of whom have died, said his clients whose children survived the outbreak do not want them to return to Wanaque, fearing that they could get sick again.

 

“Thomas [Dept. of Health spokesperson] said the strain of adenovirus that infected nearly three dozen children at the Wanaque center is no longer a threat to those who have recovered at hospitals. ‘It is also not possible to be reinfected with the same virus, once recovered, so the risk to readmitted children who were positive for adenovirus is minimal,’ Thomas said.

 

“Of the 34 sickened children, 11 have died and seven were still hospitalized as of Friday afternoon….

 

“All of the children who were readmitted beginning Nov. 20 were placed in appropriate areas to ensure that any further outbreak is controlled, Thomas said. There has not been a new confirmed case since the separation of sick and well children was completed on Nov. 17, Thomas said….

 

“The parents of Dorcase Dolcin, 4, and Elizabeth Poulos, 16, who died as a result of the outbreak, are among six families who have retained [Paul] da Costa to sue the facility, he said.

 

“A spokeswoman for former U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, who was hired last week to represent the Wanaque center, said she was unable to comment Friday afternoon….” (North Jersey Record. “Adenovirus outbreak: Children return to Wanaque facility where 11 have died.” 11-26-2018.)

 

Dec 3: “State lawmakers wanted to know whether the owners of a Wanaque nursing home where 11 children have died as the result of a virus outbreak notified the state quickly enough about the increasing number of sick children. But they didn’t get to ask the owners of the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, who declined to attend a hearing that the state Senate Health Committee held Monday to investigate the outbreak. That led state Sen. Richard Codey to suggest that the Senate subpoena them if they refuse in the future. The Senate should subpoena the owners to “drag their butts in here and explain to the public what happened,” Codey, an Essex County Democrat, said at the start of the three-hour hearing….

 

“The parents of five of the children affected appeared at the hearing with their attorney, but neither of the owners of the facility — Eugene Ehrenfeld and David Bruckstein — attended, nor did their representative, former U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman….

 

“The president of a union that represents 70 nurses at the Wanaque center told legislators the facility was short-staffed and had failed to prepare adequately for such an outbreak. “When nurses are assigned too many patients, their ability to respond to patient needs and quality care decreases,” said Debbie White, president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union. But Vitale and Codey took issue with her. “Staff ratios matter,” Vitale said, “but not to follow [infection] protocol? There is no excuse.” He described an inspection report by the state Health Department that detailed multiple occasions when a caregiver should have washed her hands but didn’t.

 

“Sherry McGhie testified on behalf of 1199SEIU, a union that represents 130 employees at the Wanaque center, including certified nursing assistants and workers in the laundry, housekeeping and dietary departments. When state inspectors arrived at the facility in the past, “it was not a typical day,” she said. The center would use a code — “Extension 100” — that meant “the state is here; it’s showtime,” said McGhie, who worked at the center for 27 years and left in September. The nursing home industry tries to hide problems from the public, she said….” (North Jersey Record. “Virus outbreak: Families of Wanaque children attend hearing, but not center’s owners.” 12-3-2018.)

 

Dec 11: “The virus outbreak at a Wanaque nursing home where 36 children were infected and 11 died has come to an end 11 weeks after it began, but state health officials are still barring new admissions to the children’s unit where the illness spread. Four weeks, or two full incubation cycles, have passed since the most recent patient at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation came down with the symptoms of adenovirus…For public health experts, that’s the standard for declaring an outbreak over.

 

“However, “given the unusual situation at Wanaque, we remain particularly vigilant,” said Donna Leusner, a health department spokeswoman. The Wanaque center is the only long-term care facility in the state to care for both pediatric and adult patients. Infection control lapses — in hand-washing, for example — led Health Department inspectors to cite it after a spot visit in October as presenting “a serious and imminent risk of harm” to its residents.

 

“The Health Department continues to bar all new admissions to the center’s pediatric unit, which has 92 beds, 66 of them for patients who breathe with the aid of ventilators. Re-admissions — following a brief hospital stay, for example — are allowed in the general pediatric unit but must be approved on a case-by-case basis for the ventilator unit, Leusner said. ‘Out of an abundance of caution, we are continuing to work with the facility to ensure they have infection control procedures in place,” she said. “There is always a risk of the introduction of a new respiratory outbreak in this facility because it’s flu season.’

 

“Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal has said that the center must have the room to separate patients when an outbreak arises, which would mean that it cannot return to full capacity in the children’s unit. He also required the facility to separate the children in the ventilator unit to prevent the spread of the disease. They were grouped in red, yellow and green zones, depending upon whether they had been diagnosed with adenovirus, showed symptoms but were awaiting laboratory confirmation, or had shown no symptoms. Staff members, supplies and equipment were also “cohorted” in this way, to avoid cross-contamination. After the cohorting was completed on Nov. 17, no children developed adenovirus symptoms.

 

“Laboratory testing ordered by the infectious-disease specialists at the center, however, turned up two previously unrecognized cases of adenovirus. That was reflected in the higher case county — 36 children and one staff member — posted by the Health Department on Monday [Dec 10]….

 

“It’s not known how long a patient remains contagious, or “sheds,” the virus, although the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it can be weeks or longer. The virus can remain in tonsils, adenoids and intestines without causing an infection.

 

“The Wanaque center patients who have recovered from the virus, including the recently identified resident and those who were hospitalized and have returned, have been grouped together to avoid any chance that they would spread the virus, the Health Department said.

 

“Meanwhile, a separate outbreak of a milder strain of adenovirus at the Voorhees Pediatric Facility in Camden County continues to spread. It has infected 17 patients so far, the most recent of whom developed symptoms on Monday. The Voorhees facility voluntarily agreed to curtail admissions until the outbreak is over, which would be Jan. 7 if no new cases develop.” (North Jersey Record (Lindy Washburn). “Adenovirus outbreak in Wanaque is over, but state oversight remains.” 12-11-2018.)

 

Dec 17: State Dept. of Health releases report on a previous inspection of Wanaque. The report notes numerous problems. (North Jersey Record/Lindy Washburn. “Wanaque virus outbreak report: dirty conditions, empty rooms and urine-soaked diapers.” 10-18-2018.)

 

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Child death toll hits 7 in viral outbreak at rehab center.” 10-24-2018. Accessed 1024-2018 at: https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/national/another-child-dead-following-viral-outbreak-at-rehab-center/1546401649

 

CBS News. “11^th child dies in viral outbreak at N.J. health care facility.” 11-16-2018. Accessed 11-16-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/adenovirus-outbreak-11th-child-dies-new-jersey-nj-wanaque-center/

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Adenoviruses. 4-26-2018 update. Accessed 10-24-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/index.html

 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Wanaque Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, The. Printed: 10-29-2018. Accessed 11-6-2018 at: https://nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/documents/EA_facilities/2018/CMS2567_Wanaque102118.pdf

 

CNN, Laura Ly and Susan Scutti. “9^th child dies after virus outbreak at New Jersey facility.” 10-28-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/27/health/adenovirus-outbreak-new-jersey/index.html

 

CNN, Michael Nedelman. “10^th child dies from adenovirus outbreak in New Jersey.” 11-1-2018. Accessed 11-1-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/01/health/adenovirus-outbreak-new-jersey-mother/index.html

 

Edwards, Jay. “Officials identify 30^th case of adenovirus at New Jersey health facility.” WRNJradio.com, 11-6-2018. Accessed 11-6-2018 at: http://wrnjradio.com/news/2018/officials-identify-30th-case-of-adenovirus-at-new-jersey-health-facility/

 

Fallon, Scot. “Mother of sickened teen sues Wanaque center where 10 have died in adenovirus outbreak.” North Jersey Record, 11-7-2018, updated 11-8-2018. Accessed 11-8-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/11/07/adenovirus-outbreak-mother-sues-wanaque-center-where-10-children-have-died/1924519002/

 

Kent, Spencer, and Ted Sherman. “Death toll in N.J. adenovirus outbreak rises to 8; more sickened than first thought.” NJ.com. 10-26-2018. Accessed 10-26-2018 at: https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/10/death_toll_in_nj_adenovirus_outbreak_rises_to_8_mo.html

 

MPR, [Monthly Prescribing Reference]. “More Child Deaths Linked to Adenovirus Outbreak at NJ Facility.” 11-2-2018. Accessed 11-2-2018 at: https://www.empr.com/news/adenovirus-outbreak-wanaque-center-nursing-and-rehab-children-deaths/article/812126/

 

NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (Susan K. Livio). “Deadly viral outbreak continues to rage inside Wanaque as 4 more kids are infected.” 11-12-2018. Accessed 11-13-2018 at: https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/11/four_more_children_are_infected_in_outbreak_at_wan.html

 

NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (Susan K. Livio and Spencer Kent). “Death stalked the Wanaque center. Sill, they delayed sending kids to the hospital, workers allege.” 11-8-2018. Accessed 11-10-2018 at: https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/11/kids_died_while_facility_delayed_sending_them_to_h.html

 

NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (Ted Sherman and Susan K. Livio). “Why did the state wait so long to react to deadly outbreak that killed 10 kids?” 11-10-2018. Accessed 11-10-2018 at: https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/11/did_the_state_miss_the_signs_of_a_deadly_viral_out.html

 

New York Times/Nick Corasaniti. “Adenovirus Outbreak Leaves 6 Children Dead at N.J. Pediatric Center.” 10-23-2018. Accessed 10-24-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/23/nyregion/adenovirus-children-dead-viral-outbreak.html

 

North Jersey Record. “Adenovirus outbreak: A timeline of events.” 10-28-2018, updated 10-29-2018. Accessed 10-29-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/10/28/adenovirus-outbreak-timeline-events-wanaque-nj-medically-fragile/1799019002/

 

North Jersey Record (Monsy Alvarado and Scott Fallon) “Adenovirus outbreak: Children return to Wanaque facility where 11 have died.” 11-26-2018. Accessed 11-26-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/11/26/adenovirus-outbreak-children-return-wanaque-facility-where-11-died/2091093002/

 

North Jersey Record (Lindy Washburn, Scott Fallon). “Adenovirus outbreak: Health Department orders admissions at Wanaque center to cease.” 11-14-2018. Accessed 11-16-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/11/14/adenovirus-outbreak-wanaque-nj-center-ordered-hire-specialists-nj-health-department/2004996002/

 

North Jersey Record (Lindy Washburn). “Adenovirus outbreak in Wanaque is over, but state oversight remains.” 12-11-2018. Accessed 12-11-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/12/11/adenovirus-outbreak-wanaque-over-but-state-oversight-remains/2276347002/

 

North Jersey Record (Scott Fallon). “Outbreak continues in Wanaque: 2 more children sickened with adenovirus that has killed 10.” 11-12-2018. Accessed 11-12-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/11/12/adenovirus-outbreak-sickens-two-more-kids-wanaque-center/1977793002/

 

North Jersey Record (Lindy Washburn and Scott Fallon). “Virus outbreak: Families of Wanaque children attend hearing, but not center’s owners.” 12-3-2018. Accessed 12-3-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/12/03/wanaque-virus-outbreak-centers-owners-decline-appear-hearing/2140926002/

 

North Jersey Record/Lindy Washburn. “Wanaque virus outbreak report: dirty conditions, empty rooms and urine-soaked diapers.” 10-18-2018. Accessed 12-18-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/watchdog/2018/12/18/wanaque-virus-outbreak-inspection-report-describes-dirty-conditions/2339301002/

 

Reuters. “Ninth child died in deadly viral outbreak in New Jersey.” 10-29-2018. Accessed 10-29-2018 at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-jersey-health/ninth-child-dies-in-deadly-viral-outbreak-in-new-jersey-idUSKCN1N31PE

 

Stainton, Lilo H. “NJ Lawmakers to Delve into Deadly Disease Outbreaks at Pediatric Facilities.” NJSpotlight.com, 11-6-2018. Accessed 11-6-2018 at: https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/18/11/05/nj-lawmakers-to-delve-into-deadly-disease-outbreaks-at-pediatric-hospitals/

 

State of New Jersey Department of Health. “Department of Health Releases Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation Inspection Report” (News Release). 10-30-2018. Accessed 11-6-2018 at: https://nj.gov/health/news/2018/approved/20181030a.shtml

 

State of New Jersey Department of Health. “Total of 26 adenovirus cases at Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.” 10-30-2018. Accessed 10-30-2018 at: https://nj.gov/health/news/2018/approved/20181029b.shtml

 

USA Today/ Scot Fallon. “Adenovirus victim’s parents: Shut down pediatric care center where 10 children died.” 11-2-2018. Accessed 11-2-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/11/02/adenovirus-outbreak-parents-victim-wanaque-center-shut-down/1857285002/

 

Washburn, Lindy. “Adenovirus outbreak: Two more children infected in outbreaks in Wanaque and Voorhees.” North Jersey Record, 11-5-2018. Accessed 11-6-2018 at: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2018/11/05/adenovirus-outbreak-2018-5th-child-infected-voorhees-facility/1895674002/

 

WLNY CBS 2, New York. “Exclusive: Women Document Filthy Conditions at New Jersey Nursing Facility Amid Virus Outbreak.” 10-26-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/10/26/photo-condition-nursing-facility-outbreak/

 

WLNY, CBS 2, NY. “Breaking: 9^th Child Dies of Adenovirus Outbreak at N.J. Rehab Center.” 10-28-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/10/28/9th-child-dies-adenovirus-nj-center/

 

Reference

 

Kajon, Adriana E., et al. “Molecular Epidemiology and Brief History of Emerging Adenovirus 14 — Associated Respiratory Disease in the United States.” The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol. 202, Issue 1, 7-1-2010. Accessed 10-24-2018 at: https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/202/1/93/890091

 

 

 

 

[1] Idea from: North Jersey Record. “Adenovirus outbreak: A timeline of events.” 10-28-2018, updated 10-29-2018.

[2] The date is ours. The 11-8-2018 NJ Advance Media source we cite, notes this happened “four days after the first child became ill…” According to this and other sources, the first sickness was noted on Sept. 26.

–88  Camp and Woolsey fires

–85  Camp Fire (two remain unaccounted for).[1]

—  3  Woolsey Fire, Ventura Co. Cal Fire. “Woolsey Fire Incident Update, 11-17-2018,”

 

–85  Camp Fire, Butte County. CNN. “Death toll in Camp Fire revised down…” 2-8-2019.

 

Summary of Named Fatalities by Locality (74 of 85)

 

                                    Chico              (  1)

            Concow:         (  8)

Magalia:        (11)

                                                Paradise:        (54)

 

Named Fatalities by Locality

 

Chico              (  1)

1. Dise, Gordon, 66. Butte Co. officials, cited in; San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.

 

Concow:         (  8)

1. Brown, Richard C., 74. Redding Record Searchlight. “Camp Fire death toll…” 11-22-2018
2. Fernandez, Jesus P., 48. com. “Camp Fire.” 11-16-2018.
3. Garrett, Richard Jay, 58. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
4. Godbout, William, 79. Enterprise-Record, Chico, CA. “Butte Sheriff…” 2-13-2019.
5. Huff, TK, 71. Butte Co. officials, cited in; San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
6. Walker, Ellen V., 72. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018.
7. Wehe, Marie L., 78. Redding Record Searchlight. “Camp Fire death toll…” 11-22-2018
8. Young, David James, 69. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”

 

Magalia:        (11)

1. Caddy, Joanne, 75. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
2. Forsman, Jean L, 83. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018.
3. Garner, James D., 63. Butte Co. officials, cited in; San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
4. Hastings, Anna, 67. Sacramento Bee. “Names…died in the Camp Fire…” 1-10-2019.
5. Hunter, Gary Lee, 67. Butte Co. officials, cited in; San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
6. Lessard, Warren, 67. KRCR 7, Redding, CA. “Two more Camp Fire…” 1-7-2019.
7. Schmidt, Berniece, 93. SF Chronicle. “Butte County officials release names…” 2-1-2019.
8. Sedwick, John C., 82. Butte County Sheriff. “Camp Fire Update November 28, 2018.”
9. Shores, Donald E., 70. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018.
10. Shores, Kathy Lynn, 65. Sacramento Bee. “Names…died in the Camp Fire…” 1-10-2019.
11. Wiley, Carl James, 77. com. “Camp Fire.” 11-16-2018.

 

Paradise:        (54)

1. Acheson, Joyce N., 78. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
2. Ammans, Teresa, 70. Redding Record Searchlight. “Camp Fire death toll…” 11-22-2018
3. Anderson, Joyce, 78. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
4. Andrade, Rafaela H., 84. San Francisco Chronicle. “Camp Fire…list…” 12-11-2018.
5. Arrington, Carol Ann, 88. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
6. Binstock, Julian, 88. Butte County Sheriff. “Camp Fire Update November 28, 2018.”
7. Bradburd, David, 70. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
8. Brown, Cheryl Marie, 75. Sacramento Bee, “Two more Camp Fire victims…” 1-17-2019.
9. Brown, Larry Alan, 72. Enterprise-Record/Paradise Post. “A month of remembrance.”
10. Burt, Andrew, 36. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018.
11. Brown, Larry, 72. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
12. Carlson, Barbara J., 72. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018
13. Carota, Vincent, 65 KRCR 7, Redding, CA. “Two more Camp Fire…” 1-7-2019.
14. Clark, Dennis, 49. Butte Co. officials, cited in; San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
15. Digby, John Arthur, 78. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018
16. Dodge, Paula S., 70. com. “Camp Fire.” 11-16-2018.
17. Dodge, Randall P., 67. com. “Camp Fire.” 11-16-2018.
18. Downer, Andrew J., 54. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
19. Duvall, Robert J., 76. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
20. Farrell, Rose V., 99. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018.
21. Foss, Ernest Jr., 65. com. “Camp Fire.” 11-16-2018.
22. Gaal, Elizabeth, 80. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
23. Gamboa, Sally Lee, 69. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
24. Hanko, Dennis, 56 .           Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 28, 2018.”
25. Hastings, Anna Irene, 67. Enterprise-Record/Paradise Post. “A month of remembrance.”
26. Hayes, Jennifer L., 53. Butte County Sheriff. “Camp Fire Update November 28, 2018.”
27. Heffern, Christina, 40. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018.
28. Herrera, Louis “Lou,” 86. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
29. Holt, Evva, 85. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
30. Kinner, James Warner. Sacramento Bee, “Two more Camp Fire victims…” 1-17-2019.
31. Mack, Dorothy Lee, 88. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018
32. Magnusson, Sara E., 75. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
33. Malarkey, Joanne D., 90. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
34. Malarkey, John V., 89. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
35. Marbury, David W., 66. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018.
36. Morningstar, Deborah, 66. Butte County “Camp Fire Update Nov 26, 2018.”
37. Pace, Helen, 84. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
38. Porter, Joy, 72. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
39. Powers, Beverly A., 64. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
40. Quinn, Robert, 74 SF Chronicle. “Butte County officials release names…” 2-1-2019.
41. Rabetoy, Joseph, 39. Redding Record Searchlight. “Camp Fire death toll…” 11-22-2018
42. Rea, Forrest M., 89 Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-6-2018.
43. Regan, Vernice M., 95. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
44. Rios, Lolene, 56.             Redding Record Searchlight. “The Camp Fire…” 11-18-2018.
45. Rodrigues, Gerald, 74 Enterprise-Record, Chico, CA. “Butte Sheriff…” 2-13-2019.
46. Salazar, Frederick C., 66. SF Chronicle. “Camp Fire: Two more victims…” 12-20-2018
47. Santos, Sheila, 64. Butte Co. officials, cited in: San Francisco Chronicle, 12-5-2018.
48. Smith, Larry Sr., 80. SFGate. “Camp Fire: Death toll rises to 86…” 12-12-2018.[2]
49. Stewart, Russel K., 63. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
50. Taft, Victoria, 67. Butte County “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”
51. Teays, Shirlee, 90. SFGate. “Camp Fire: Death toll rises to 86…” 12-12-2018
52. Tracy, Joan Carol, 80. Redding Record Searchlight. “Camp Fire death toll…” 11-22-2018
53. Ware, Donna June, 86 Butte County Sheriff. “Camp Fire Update November 28, 2018.”
54. Wehr, Kimber, 53. Redding Record Searchlight. “Camp Fire death toll…” 11-22-2018

 

Narrative Information

 

Nov 8: “Billowing smoke and raging flames spread across California as wildfires in both northern and southern parts of the state [Camp, Hill and Woolsey Fires began Nov 8] injured people, forced evacuations and engulfed houses.

 

“The Camp Fire has scorched over 28 square miles in Butte County, which is about 90 miles north of Sacramento, according to Cal Fire. Fire officials said some structures have been destroyed in addition to injuries.

 

“In Southern California, the Hill Fire broke out Thursday afternoon [Nov 8] and grew to 8,000 to 10,000 acres while jumping a major highway. Smoke from the fire could be seen from the scene of the mass shooting at a Thousand Oaks bar that left 12 people dead.” (USA Today Network/ Ryan W. Miller. “‘Volatile,’ ‘incredibly dangerous’: Images of raging flames as California wildfires burn.” 11-8-2018.)

 

Nov 9: “As southern California grapples with yet another mass shooting, fire engulfed the northern California town of Paradise.[3] The fire, known as the Camp Fire, spread rapidly through Butte County, about 90 miles north of Sacramento.

 

“The fire began yesterday, on November 8, near Pulga, California around the Plumas National Forest. Initial firefighters found only 10 to 15 acres burning when they arrived. Yet they were experiencing wind gusts up to 50 miles an hour, creating ideal conditions for the rapid spreading of the Camp Fire….

 

“The combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm conditions in northern California exacerbated the extent to which the Camp Fire spread. California is particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to the dry conditions and the presence of Santa Ana winds. The National Weather Service issued a warning of strong Santa Ana winds, sometimes in excess of 55 miles per hour, which would fuel any fires in the lowlands of California.

 

“The Santa Ana winds originate inland from the Great Basin, bringing in hot and dry air. They are particularly strong in the fall but can occur at any time of the year. The sudden injection of low humidity conditions and high winds causes a dramatic increase in the likelihood of wildfire growth within lowland California. The katabatic winds[4] flow downhill due to the presence of high-pressure air masses over the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert. Air masses travel from areas of high pressure to low pressure, causing the air around the Great Basin to flow rapidly from the high-pressure area to low-pressure areas along California’s coastline. s winds flow down the mountains and to the coast, they can often channel between mountain passes, causing exceptional wind gusts….” (Forbes/Trevor Nace. “Here’s Why This California Wildfire is Spreading so Quickly.” 11-9-2018.)

 

Nov 10 (CNN): “A Northern California fire has become the most destructive in the state’s modern history, killing at least nine people and wiping out much of an entire town. A quarter of a million people have been forced from their homes statewide as the Camp Fire[5] in the north and two other major fires — Woolsey and Hill — in Southern California burned this weekend. As firefighters struggle to contain the uncontrolled wildfires, forecasters said intense winds and low humidity could fuel the blazes and make them spread even farther.

 

“Evacuees trapped in traffic abandoned their cars and ran with their children in tow as the Camp Fire quickly closed in on Northern California’s Butte County….

 

“Death toll: The fast-moving Camp Fire killed at least nine people in Northern California. Some were inside cars, and others were near or inside homes. They have not been identified.

 

“Burning and growing: The Camp Fire is the largest of the three major fires, swelling to 100,000 acres by Saturday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

 

“Trump tweets: President Donald Trump blamed the wildfires on gross mismanagement of the forests” in a tweet early Saturday. “Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!” he said.

 

“Massive Evacuations: Fire officials estimate the number of people forced from their homes statewide is more than 250,000.

 

“Containment: Firefighters are struggling to put down the flames. The Camp Fire is 20% percent contained, while the Woolsey Fire remains uncontrolled. The Hill Fire was 25% contained.

 

“Destruction: In Northern California, nearly 7,000 structures have been destroyed, including 80% to 90% of the homes in Paradise, north of Sacramento. In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, a significant number of homes were destroyed or damaged, fire officials said….

 

Camp Fire: “The Camp Fire has killed at least nine people in Paradise and destroyed 6,453 structures. The bodies of five people were found in or near a vehicle, and the other four were in or outside a home….” (CNN (Nicole Chavez) “At least 9 dead as fires spread on both ends of California.” 11-10-2018.)

 

Nov 10 (CBS/AP): “The Camp Fire

Location: Butte County

90,000 acres burned

5 percent contained

354 people reported missing

9 fatalities confirmed

1,385 people in shelters

52,000 have been evacuated…”

 

“The Pacific Gas & Electric Company said it will cooperate with any investigations stemming from the massive wildfire in Northern California. The company told state regulators Thursday that it experienced a problem on an electrical transmission line near the site of the blaze minutes before the fire broke out. The company said it later observed damage to a transmission tower on the line. Lynsey Paulo, a company spokesperson, said the information was preliminary and stressed the cause of the fire has not been determined….” (CBS/AP. “Hundreds of thousands evacuate as California wildfires turn deadly.” 11-10-2018.)

 

Nov 10: “The president of the California Professional Firefighters criticized President Trump on Saturday [Nov 10] after he threatened to withhold federal payments to the state, claiming its forest management is ‘so poor.’ The president made the comments as the state is battling multiple deadly wildfires. ‘The president’s message attacking California and threatening to withhold aid to the victims of the cataclysmic fires is ill-informed, ill-timed and demeaning to those who are suffering as well as the men and women on the front lines,’ CPF President Brian Rice said in a statement.

 

“Earlier Saturday, Mr. Trump said ‘there is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly fires in California.’ He said ‘billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!’…. Rice went on to call the president’s blame ‘dangerously wrong.’ ‘Wildfires are sparked and spread not only in forested areas but in populated areas and open fields fueled by parched vegetation, high winds, low humidity and geography,’ Rice said. He added, ‘Moreover, nearly 60 percent of California forests are under federal management, and another two-thirds under private control. It is the federal government that has chosen to divert resources away from forest management, not California.’….” (CBS News. “Firefighter union president rips Trump for ‘demeaning’ comments about California wildfires.” 11-12-2018.)

 

Nov 11: “The most destructive wildfire in California history leveled nearly the entire city of Paradise as firefighters battled massive fires on both sides of the state. At least 23 people were killed by the so-called Camp Fire in Butte County, authorities said. Most of the buildings in Paradise are in ruin and its business district is destroyed.

 

“Only a day after the Camp Fire began, the blaze had destroyed more than 6,700 structures, almost all of them homes. Authorities said there were 110 people still missing. ‘We are doing everything we possibly can to identify those remains and make contact with the next of kin so we can return the remains to the family,” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Saturday evening.’

 

“The Camp Fire is just one of three major wildfires that firefighters are battling across the state. The 70,000-acre Woolsey Fire tore through Malibu mansions and working-class suburban homes in Southern California’s hills and canyons. In less than two days, the Woolsey Fire and the Hill Fire, which is also burning in Southern California, prompted evacuation orders for more than 250,000 people.

 

“Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea says his department has reports of 110 people still missing from the fire, but says he’s hopeful that more of those missing people will be located…. Honea said Saturday that 23 people have died in the fire near Paradise, about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco…. Honea said 14 bodies were recovered Saturday, bringing the death toll to 23. The fire north of Sacramento has destroyed more 6,700 structures and driven more than 52,000 people from their homes….

 

“Brian K. Rice, the president of the California Professional Firefighters, criticized President Trump on Saturday after he threatened to withhold federal payments to the state, claiming its forest management is ‘so poor.’ The president made the comments as the state is battling multiple deadly wildfires. ‘The president’s message attacking California and threatening to withhold aid to the victims of the cataclysmic fires is ill-informed, ill-timed and demeaning to those who are suffering as well as the men and women on the front lines,’ Brian K. Rice said in a statement….He added, ‘Moreover, nearly 60 percent of California forests are under federal management, and another two-thirds under private control. It is the federal government that has chosen to divert resources away from forest management, not California.’

 

“3 major firs by the numbers

 

“Firefighters are battling three major wildfires in California. Here’s a breakdown by the numbers as of Saturday evening, according to Cal Fire and local officials.

 

The Camp Fire

Location: Butte County

105,000 acres burned

20 percent contained

23 fatalities confirmed, 3 firefighters injured

115 people missing

6,453 residences destroyed, including 260 commercial

 

Woolsey Fire

Location: Ventura County

83,000 acres burned

200,000 residents under mandatory evacuation

Zero percent contained

 

Hill Fire

Location: Ventura County

4,531 acres burned

25 percent contained

 

“…Authorities in Northern California have ordered residents to leave four small communities southeast of a town leveled by a deadly wildfire. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday issued an evacuation order for the communities of Berry Creek, Bush Creek, Mountain House, and Bloomer Hill. National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Hoon says the area will see winds of up to 30 miles per hour with ridges seeing gusts of up to 50 mph starting Saturday night [Nov 10].

 

“…Two people have been found dead in the fire zone of a Southern California blaze, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Chief John Benedict said. He gave no details on the deaths and said Saturday that sheriff’s detectives are investigating….” (CBS/AP. “Death toll jumps to 23 as California battles wildfires.” 11-11-2018.)

 

Nov 15: “Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea says seven additional bodies were found. 3 in Magalia, 3 from Paradise and 1 from Concow. This brings the death toll to 63.” (KEZI 9 ABC News, Springfield, OR. “Camp Fire: 146,000 Acres, Death Toll 71.” 11-16-2018 update.)

 

Nov 16: “Butte County Sheriff/Coroner Kory Honea says Thursday night there have been 71 fatalities so far due to the Camp Fire. Seven more sets of remains were discovered Friday in Paradise, and one more in Magalia. The remains of all eight were discovered inside structures.” (KEZI 9, Springfield, OR. “Camp Fire: 146,000 Acres, Death Toll 71.” 11-16-2018 update.)

 

Nov 16: Ventura County Hill Fire reported 100% contained. (Cal Fire. “Incident Information. Hill Fire.” 11-16-2018.

 

Nov 17:           Camp Fire     (Butte County)

Size:                                        148,000 acres

Containment:                          55%

Expected Full Containment:  11-30-2018

Civilian Fatalities:                  71

Structures Threatened:           15,500

Single Residences Destroyed:   9,700

Single Residences Damaged:      219

Multiple Residences Destroyed: 144

Commercial Destroyed:              336

Commercial Damaged:                  64

 

“Situation Summary:  Overnight firefighters continued to battle moderate fire behavior due to critically dry fuels and gusty canyon winds. Direct and indirect control lines continue to be implemented and secured with back-firing operations as conditions allow. Throughout the day firefighters will work to strengthen containment lines while also preparing for projected increased winds and a Red Flag Warning this weekend. Work continues in the interior areas of the fire area extinguishing hot spots and removing the many hazards that still exist.” (Cal Fire. “Camp Fire Incident Update. 11-17-2018, 7 a.m.”)

 

Nov 17:           Woolsey Fire                         (Ventura and Los Angeles counties)

Size:                                        98,262 acres

Containment:                          82%

Expected Full Containment:  November 22, 2018

Civilian Fatalities:                      3

Structures Destroyed:             836

Structures Damaged:              242

 

“Situation Summary: For today, onshore flow will continue across the incident with peak gusts between 15 and 20 MPH in the afternoon hours. Afternoon temperatures will be a couple degrees cooler and minimum relative humidity a bit higher. Resources will continue to mop up and patrol. Fire suppression repair teams are actively engaged working around the fire perimeter and affected areas. Crews remain diligent in providing public service to residents as they return to their homes. Structures destroyed and damaged have been validated by damage assessment teams. Currently 70% of the burn assessment is complete.” (Cal Fire. “Woolsey Fire Incident Update, 11-17-2018, 7 a.m.”)

 

Nov 17: “The death toll from the Camp Fire in Northern California has increased to 71 while 1,011 people are unaccounted for, the Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Friday. He cautioned the list is “dynamic” and will fluctuate. The blaze is now 50 percent contained after consuming more than 145,000 acres.” (CBS/AP. “More than 1,000 people unaccounted for in California wildfires.” 11-17-2018.)

 

Nov 18:           Camp Fire                 Butte Co. (Cal Fire. “Camp Fire Incident Update, 11-18-2018.”)

Civilian Fatalities:      76

 

Nov 20: “….Crews still battling the monster Camp Fire that decimated Paradise and surrounding communities this month were bracing for a change in the weather Tuesday afternoon, as th skies at last promised to open up….By Tuesday night the fire had charred 152,250 acres. It stood at 75 percent containment, according to Cal Fire, and at least 17,148 buildings, 12,637 of them homes, were lost in the blaze….Crews continued to comb the area for human remains, to match with DNA collected from relatives. To date they’ve located 81 remains, though that number is expected to rise. Butte County officials have tentatively identified 64 of the victims, and publicly identified six.

 

“By Tuesday evening, 870 people were still considered missing. That was an increase of 171 people since the day before — due to investigators catching up on voicemail messages left by worried family and friends — though the figure was far below the high of more than 1,200 missing over the weekend. Officials were still crossing people off the list as evacuated residents were found staying in shelters or with family, and others confirmed deceased….” (San Francisco Chronicle (Trisha Thadani and Megan Cassidy). “Their houses were spared by Camp Fire, but ‘lucky’ ones debate whether to stay.” 11-20-2018.)

 

Nov 20: Wal-Mart in Chico, posts signs asked Camp Fire evacuees staying in “an unofficial and unorganized shanty town’ to move to an official shelter. (Sacramento Bee. “‘Wallywood’ fire camp begins to disband after Walmart asks evacuees to leave.” 11-20-2018.)

 

Nov 21 :           Camp Fire                 Containment: 80%

Civilian Fatalities: 81

 

Nov 22:           Camp Fire                 Containment 95%

Civilian Fatalities: 84

 

Nov 25: “Paradise, Calif. (KGO) — Cal Fire says the Camp Fire is now 100 percent contained as of Sunday morning. It was announces Saturday that another body was found in the wildfire aftermath, bringing the death toll to 85. At 155m336 acres, the Camp Fire is the most destructive in California history. It has burned down 13,954 residences, 514 commercial buildings, and 4,265 other buildings. The fire is also the deadliest in state history. (ABC 7 News, San Francisco. “Camp Fire: 100 percent containment reached in Butte County.” 11-25-2018.)

 

Nov 26: “The updated numbers and statistics from today, related to the Camp Fire, are as follows:

 

“The number of unaccounted for individuals currently stands at 203.

 

“The number of accounted for individuals currently stands at 2,689.

 

“Zero human remains were located today. The fatality count to date stands at 88.

 

“Of the 88 fatalities, 54 have been tentatively identified.

 

“The remains of the following individuals have been positively identified and next of kin has been notified:

 

Joyce Acheson, age 78, from Paradise

Carol Arrington, age 88, from Paradise

David Bradburd, age 70, from Paradise

Larry Brown, age 72, from Paradise

Joanne Caddy, age 75, from Magalia

Elizabeth Gaal, age 80, from Paradise

Richard Jay Garrett, age 58, from Concow

Evva Hold, age 85, from Paradise

Sara Magnuson, age 75, from Paradise

Joanne Malarkey, age 90, from Paradise

John Malarkey, age 89, from Paradise

Deborah Morningstar, age 66, from Paradise

Vernice Regan, age 95, from Paradise

Russel Stewart, age 63, from Paradise

Victoria Taft, age 67, from Paradise

David Young, age 69, from Concow
(Butte County Sheriff. “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.”)

 

Dec 19: David Marbury, 66, of Paradise and Frederick Salazar, 76, of Paradise, were identified as Camp Fire victims. (Sacramento Bee (Vincent Moleski). “Names of those who have died in the Camp Fire: 64 of 86 now ID’s from deadliest fire.” 1-10-2019.)

 

Dec 21: “PG&E has already been convicted in criminal court for a recent deadly tragedy. Could the utility soon find itself as the defendant in a dozen more cases, charged with breaking state laws? In the wake of massive utility-caused Northern California wildfires, a handful of district attorneys in flame-scarred counties are pondering whether to charge the utility company in criminal court for misconduct. Cal Fire, the state’s fire protection agency, sent investigative reports to seven counties this summer saying it believes PG&E likely violated state public resources and health and safety laws in 12 blazes. Cal Fire spokesman Scott McLean said it is up to local prosecutors in Sonoma, Napa, Yuba, Nevada, Lake, Humboldt and Butte counties to make independent decisions on whether to use the fire agency’s investigative conclusions to file criminal charges. ‘We saw cause, and we gave it to the DAs to figure out,’ McLean said. ‘Whether they are going to prosecute, that is up to them.’” The decisions on whether to charge Pacific Gas and Electric Co. could have a major impact on the company. The utility currently is subject to court-ordered federal monitoring stemming from a criminal conviction for the 2010 San Bruno gas-line explosion that killed eight….

 

“Butte District Attorney Mike Ramsey recently worked a deal with PG&E. He agreed not to file criminal charges for a small wildfire last year near Paradise. In exchange, PG&E pledged $1.5 million to pay for four new fire safety inspectors, and to allow those inspectors to look at PG&E’s power lines. If the inspectors find a fire safety hazard, PG&E agrees to correct it within 24 hours.

 

“Payouts vs. punishment. Civil lawsuits are more popular because they typically lead to much higher fines than criminal charges, and have a lower legal bar of proof. In many cases, criminal liability for starting a fire is just a misdemeanor and the fines are small, often $1,000 per incident. Civil litigation attorney Gary Danko, part of a legal team representing several hundred Camp Fire victims, said a criminal fine is like “a gnat on the backside of an elephant” compared to multimillion dollar civil payouts. After the 2010 natural gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people in San Bruno, PG&E was fined $1.6 billion by state regulators. When the company was found guilty of six felony counts for violating federal pipeline safety laws, it was fined $3 million — the maximum allowed by law….” (Sacramento Bee. “PG&E broke laws in 12 NorCal wildfires, Cal Fire found. Prosecutors many not file charges.” 12-21-2018.)

 

Jan 7, 2019: Butte County Sheriff’s Office releases names of two people killed in the Camp Fire: “…Vincent Carota, 65, of Paradise and Warren Lessard, 68, of Magalia…” (Sacramento Bee (Vincent Moleski). “Names of those who have died in the Camp Fire: 64 of 86 now ID’s from deadliest fire.” 1-10-2019.)

 

Jan 8, 2019: “The USA led the world in catastrophes last year. Racking up an overall damage cost of $16.5 billion, the devastating and deadly Camp Fire that ravaged California in November was the world’s costliest natural disaster in 2018. The data come from a report issued Tuesday by Munich Re, a reinsurance firm.

 

“In second and third place last year were Hurricanes Michael ($16 billion) and Florence ($14 billion). Florence dumped heavy rain across the Carolinas in September, and Michael tore into the Florida Panhandle in October….

 

“The disastrous Camp Fire, California’s deadliest on record with 86 fatalities, stood out for its ferocity: “Such massive wildfires appear to be occurring more frequently as a result of climate change,” said Munich Re’s Torsten Jeworrek. “Action is urgently needed on building codes and land use to help prevent losses.” Thousands of homes and cars were gutted by fire; the town of Paradise was almost entirely destroyed.

 

“Ernst Rauch, Munich Re’s head of climate and geosciences, said, “Our data shows that the losses from wildfires in California have risen dramatically in recent years. At the same time, we have experienced a significant increase in hot, dry summers, which has been a major factor in the formation of wildfires. Many scientists see a link between these developments and advancing climate change.”

 

Jan 10: “The Butte County Sheriff’s Office released the names of two people Thursday [Jan 10] who died in November’s deadly Camp Fire, which killed 86 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Kathy Shores, 65, of Magalia and Anna Hastings, 67, of Magalia were identified as having been killed in the wildfire…The number of people unaccounted for in the fire remains at three, according to the sheriff’s office.” (Sacramento Bee (Vincent Moleski). “Names of those who have died in the Camp Fire: 64 of 86 now ID’s from deadliest fire.” 1-10-2019.)

 

Jan 11: “San Francisco — Less than four weeks ago, California’s then Governor-elect Gavin Newsom decided to add a concert to his inaugural lineup, with the aim of raising money for victims of the devastating wildfires that swept California in 2018. The almost spur-of-the-moment event ended up collecting $5 million. The California Rises concert filled a packed Sacramento sports arena Sunday and featured rappers, rock bands and a duo from the town of Paradise itself, Cold Weather Sons, whose song “One of These Days” about the destruction of their hometown went viral in December. Attendees paid $25 for tickets, with the money going to the California Fire Foundation, a Sacramento-based non-profit that supports firefighters and fire victims. The concert almost tripled the annual revenue of the tiny non-profit, which has just three paid staffers….

 

“Since November, the foundation has given out $2.6 million in gift cards to victims of the Camp, Woolsey, Hill and other wildfires. It also funds scholarships to the children of firefighters who died in the line of duty and maintains a memorial to fallen firefighters in the state capitol….” (USA Today/Elizabeth Weise. “After California fires ‘of biblical proportions,’ governor raises $5 million for victims.” 1-11-2019.)

 

Jan 13: “The chief executive of Pacific Gas and Electric, California’s largest electric utility, has resigned as the company faces potential bankruptcy and possible criminal charges after last year’s deadly Camp Fire, the company said Sunday. Geisha Williams had been chief executive of Pacific Gas and Electric Co., or PG&E, since March 2017, when she became the first Latina chief executive of a Fortune 500 company. John Simon, the utility’s executive vice president and general counsel, will serve as interim chief executive while PG&E searches for a permanent leader, the company said….

 

“PG&E faces a lawsuit brought by more than three dozen plaintiffs alleging the fire was started by faulty steel rings atop a transmission tower, which brought dangerous live wires crashing down. The company acknowledged in a court filing in November that it had detected a problem on a transmission line 15 minutes before the first report of the Camp Fire….

 

“PG&E said Sunday that Williams, 57, had also resigned from the company’s board of directors, as well as from the board of its holding company, PG&E Corp….” (NBC News (Alex Johnson). “Head of California electric utility quits amid fallout from deadly wildfires.” 1-13-2019.)

 

Jan 14: “Overwhelmed by billions of dollars in claims from the Camp Fire and the 2017 wildfires of Northern California, PG&E said Monday it plans to file for bankruptcy, but insisted it will not go out of business. The embattled utility gave 15-day notice of its intent to file for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code, as required by a state law enacted last fall t deal with utility fire liabilities. The company made the announcement less than 12 hours after announcing the resignation of its CEO, Geisha Williams. ‘We believe a court-supervised process under Chapter 11 will best enable PG&E to resolve its potential liabilities in an orderly, fair and expeditious fashion,’ said interim CEO John R. Simon in a prepared statement. He pledged to ‘continue providing our customers with safe service and investing in our systems and infrastructure.’ Simon had been the utility’s general counsel. In a filing with the Securities Commission, the company said total liabilities from the 2017 and 2018 wildfires ‘could exceed $30 billion,’ easily outstripping PG&E’s liability insurance coverage and the $1.5 billion in cash it has on hand. The company’s debt was downgraded to junk-bond status by Wall Street’s leading credit-rating agencies last week, putting a significant train on the company’s ability to raise new cash, said Steve Malnight, PG&E’s senior vice president of energy supply and policy….Williams, the former CEO, will collect roughly $2.4 million in severance payments, according to documents filed with the SEC….PG&E has…asked state regulators for a $1 billion rate hike, beginning in 2020, to help cover the increased costs of improving its fire safety….State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa…said PG&E’s ‘hubris and mismanagement have led to this unfortunate point,’ He called for a housecleaning on PG&E’s board of directors and added that, ‘above all, PG&E must be held to safety mandates.’

 

“In its SEC filing, PG&E said it’s facing 50 lawsuits filed by at least 2,000 Camp Fire victims — and expects ‘a significant number more’ to come . That is on top of 700 complaints filed by 3,600 victims of 2017 wildfires. The company also notes that several Northern California district attorneys are investigating potential PG&E criminal liability in some of those fires.

 

“PG&E shares fell roughly in half Monday [Jan 14] to $8.32 on the New York Stock Exchange. They were trading at nearly $50 before the company disclosed that a faulty transmission tower may have caused the Camp Fire. Cal Fire is still investigating….

 

“Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher, who represents the Camp Fire burn area, said in a statement he wants PG&E to be held responsible for what it owes fire victims, and believes the company should be broken up. ‘No Wall Street creditors should get paid until fire victims have been properly compensated,’ he said. ‘PG&E should not be allowed to come out of bankruptcy in the same fore. Strong consideration must be given to substantially reform or break up this quasi-government monopoly.’” (Sacramento Bee (Dale Kasler and Tony Bizjak). “PG&E calls bankruptcy ‘only viable option’ in California wildfire crisis.” 1-14-2019.)

 

Jan 15: “Butte County, Calif.- Butte County officially filed a lawsuit against PG&E on Tuesday to recover damages and lost taxpayer resources as a result of the Camp Fire….In the suit, the County alleges that the Camp Fire began when electrical infrastructure owned, operated and maintained by PG&E failed which caused a spark that ignited the fire. The suit also alleges that PG&E was aware of the risk associated with the high-voltage power line that possibly started the fire….” (Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Butte County Files Lawsuit Against PG&E for Camp Fire Damages.” 1-15-2019.)

 

Jan 17: “Butte County, Calif.- California lawmakers from across the state gathered in Paradise on Thursday to assess the damage from the Camp Fire. Legislators toured the burned areas to better understand what legislative efforts are needed for recovery. They held a meeting at the Paradise Town Hall afterward to bring attention to various needs including housing, education, transportation and water quality….Lawmakers are also working toward financial solutions to help restore the burned areas. ‘I understand there’s upwards of nine billion dollars of insurance claims, its a large amount but hopefully its a doable amount,’ said Tom Lando, Interim City Administrator for Oroville.” (Action News Now, Chico. “Lawmakers Gathered in Paradise to Assess Camp Fire Damage.” 1-17-2019.)

 

Jan 18: “The Butte County Sheriff’s Office released the names of two people Thursday who died in November’s Camp Fire, which killed 86 people, destroyed almost 14,000 homes and devastated the town of Paradise. James Kinner, 84, of Paradise and Cheryl Brown, 75, of Paradise were identified by the Sheriff’s Office as having perished in the blaze. Three people still remain unaccounted for…” (Sacramento Bee (Vincent Moleski). “Two more Camp Fire victims identified by Butte County Sheriff’s Office.” 1-17-2019.)

 

Feb 8: “(CNN) — Authorities on Friday revised the death toll from last autumn’s devastating Camp Fire in Northern California…The Butte County sheriff’s office changed the number of deaths from 86 to 85, because remains previously thought to be from two people were recently identified as those of one person. Two people remain “unaccounted for,” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said….The Sacramento Police Department recently found a man who had been listed as unaccounted for after the Camp Fire, the sheriff’s office said….

(CNN (Stella Chan, Joe Sterling). “Death toll in Camp Fire revised down by one to 85.” 2-8-2019.)

Sources

 

ABC 7 News, San Francisco. “Camp Fire: 100 percent containment reached in Butte County.” 11-25-2018. Accessed 11-25-2018 at: https://abc7news.com/camp-fire-100-percent-containment-reached-in-butte-county/4759535/

 

Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Butte County Files Lawsuit Against PG&E for Camp Fire Damages.” 1-15-2019. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/Butte-County-Files-Lawsuit-Against-PGE-for-Camp-Fire-Damages-504401611.html

 

Action News Now, Chico. “Lawmakers Gathered in Paradise to Assess Camp Fire Damage.” 1-17-2019. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/Lawmakers-Gathered-in-Paradise-to-Assess-Camp-Fire-Damage-504516991.html

 

BBC News. “California wildfires: Death toll rises to 25.” 11-11-2018. Accessed 11-11-2018 at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46168107

 

Butte County Sheriff. “Camp Fire Update November 26, 2018.” Accessed 11-27-2018 at: https://www.facebook.com/bcsonews/photos/a.145283958955224/1213931568757119/?type=3&theater

 

Butte County Sheriff. “Camp Fire Update November 28, 2018.” Accessed 11-29-2018 at: https://www.buttecounty.net/sheriffcoroner/

 

Cal Fire. Camp Fire Incident Information. 11-22-2018 7:27 am update. Accessed 11-22-2018 at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2277

 

Cal Fire. “Camp Fire Incident Update. 11-17-2018, 7 a.m.” Accessed 11-17-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2277_4269.pdf

 

Cal Fire. “Camp Fire Incident Update, 11-18-2018, 7:00 a.m.” Accessed 11-18-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/admin8327985/cdf/images/incidentfile2277_4285.pdf

 

Cal Fire. “Camp Fire Incident Update, 11-21-2018, 7:00 a.m.” Accessed 11-21-2018 at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2277

 

Cal Fire. “Camp Fire Incident Information,” 11-23-2018. Accessed 11-23-2018 at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2277

 

Cal Fire. “Camp Fire Incident Information,” 11-25-2018. Accessed 11-25-2018 at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2277

 

Cal Fire. “Incident Information. Hill Fire.” 11-16-2018. Accessed 11-17-2018 at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2281

 

Cal Fire. “Woolsey Fire Incident Update, 11-17-2018, 7 a.m.” Accessed 11-17-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2282_4266.pdf

 

CBS/AP. “Death toll jumps to 23 as California battles wildfires.” 11-11-2018. Accessed 11-11-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/california-fires-camp-malibu-woolsey-evacuation-containment-evacuations-death-toll-live-updates/

 

CBS/AP. “Hundreds of thousands evacuate as California wildfires turn deadly.” 11-10-2018. Accessed 11-10-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/california-fires-camp-malibu-woolsey-golden-gate-park-latest-evacuations-2018-11-10-live-updates

 

CBS/AP. “More than 1,000 people unaccounted for in California wildfires.” 11-17-2018. Accessed 11-7-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/fires-in-california-camp-woolsey-paradise-wildfire-evacuations-death-toll-map-2018-11-17-latest/

 

CBS San Francisco. “Death Toll Rises in Butte County Fire; PG&E Transmission Line Eyed as Possible Cause.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 11-9-2018 at: https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/11/09/camp-fire-chico-paradise-butte-evacuations-ordered/

 

CNN (Nicole Chavez) “At least 9 dead as fires spread on both ends of California.” 11-10-2018. Accessed 11-10-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/10/us/california-wildfires-camp-woolsey-hill/index.html

 

CNN (Stella Chan, Joe Sterling). “Death toll in Camp Fire revised down by one to 85.” 2-8-2019. Accessed 2-8-2019 at: https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/08/us/camp-fire-deaths/index.html

 

Enterprise-Record/Paradise Post. “A month of remembrance. These are the lives that ended in California’s deadliest wildfire.” 1-8-2019, updated 1-25-2019. Accessed 1-28-2019 at: http://extras.chicoer.com/CAMPFIREREMEMBRANCES/

 

Enterprise-Record, Chico, CA. “Butte Sheriff identifies two more Camp Five victims; 12 remain unidentified.” 2-13-2019. Accessed 2-14-2019 at: https://www.chicoer.com/2019/02/13/butte-sheriff-identifies-two-more-camp-fire-victims/

 

Forbes/Trevor Nace. “Here’s Why This California Wildfire is Spreading so Quickly.” 11-9-2018. Accessed 11-11-2018 at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2018/11/09/fire-in-california-paradise-rapidly-engulfed-in-flames-from-camp-wildfire/#2e34336111b3

 

KEZI 9 ABC News, Springfield, OR. “Camp Fire: 146,000 Acres, Death Toll 71.” 11-16-2018 update. Accessed 11-17-2018 at: https://www.kezi.com/content/news/CAL-FIRE-Butte-County–500045591.html

 

KRCR 7, Redding, CA (Patrick Maravelias). “Two more Camp Fire victims identified.” 1-7-2019. Accessed 1-8-2019 at: https://krcrtv.com/news/camp-fire/grocery-store-restores-a-sense-of-normalcy-for-residents-living-in-magalia-after-camp-fire

 

NBC News (Alex Johnson). “Head of California electric utility quits amid fallout from deadly wildfires.” 1-13-2019. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/head-california-electric-utility-quits-amid-fallout-deadly-wildfires-n958241

 

NPR. “88 Dead, 203 Still Unaccounted For After Camp Fire Contained.” 11-27-2018. Accessed 11-27-2018: https://www.npr.org/2018/11/27/671074763/88-dead-203-still-unaccounted-for-after-camp-fire-contained

 

Redding Record Searchlight (Alayna Shulman). “Camp Fire death toll grows to 83 as six more victims are ID’ed.” 11-22-2018. Accessed 11-27-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/22/california-fires-camp-fire-death-toll-grows-more-victims-ided/2085303002/

 

Redding Record Searchlight (Alayna Shulman). “The Camp Fire has now killed 76 people; sixth victim ID’ed.” 11-18-2018. Accessed 11-18-2018 at: https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/11/17/camp-fire-update-missing-death-toll/2044544002/

 

Rice, Doyle. “USA had world’s 2 costliest natural disasters in 2018, and Camp Fire was the worst.” USA Today, 1-8-2019. Accessed 1-8-2019 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/01/08/natural-disasters-camp-fire-worlds-costliest-catastrophe-2018/2504865002/

 

Sacramento Bee (Vincent Moleski). “Names of those who have died in the Camp Fire: 64 of 86 now ID’s from deadliest fire.” 1-10-2019. Accessed 1-17-2019 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article224265250.html

 

Sacramento Bee (Tony Bizjak and Dale Kasler). “PG&E broke laws in 12 NorCal wildfires, Cal Fire found. Prosecutors many not file charges.” 12-21-2018. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/article223213665.html

 

Sacramento Bee (Dale Kasler and Tony Bizjak). “PG&E calls bankruptcy ‘only viable option’ in California wildfire crisis.” 1-14-2019. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article224504140.html

 

Sacramento Bee (Vincent Moleski). “Two more Camp Fire victims identified by Butte County Sheriff’s Office.” 1-17-2019. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article224718610.html

 

Sacramento Bee (Molly Sullivan, Ryan Lillis, Dale Kasler). “‘Wallywood’ fire camp begins to disband after Walmart asks evacuees to leave.” 11-20-2018. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/article221950100.html

 

San Francisco Chronicle. “Butte County officials release names of two more Camp Fire victims.” 2-1-2019. Accessed 2-2-2019 at: https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/Butte-County-officials-release-names-of-two-more-13582434.php

 

San Francisco Chronicle (Gwendolyn Wu). “Camp Fire: Death toll climbs to 79, 699 missing; more evacuations lifted.” 11-20-2018. Accessed 11-20-2018 at: https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Camp-Fire-Death-toll-climbs-to-79-699-missing-13408665.php

 

San Francisco Chronicle (Lauren Hernández). “Camp Fire: Here’s the list of victims named so far by Butte County officials.” 12-11-2018. Accessed 12-12-2018 at: https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Camp-Fire-Three-more-victims-identified-by-Butte-13446087.php?utm_campaign=sfgate&utm_source=article&utm_medium=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sfgate.com%2Fcalifornia-wildfires%2Farticle%2FCamp-Fire-Death-toll-rises-to-86-after-13458956.php

 

San Francisco Chronicle (Lauren Hernández), CA. “Camp Fire: One more victim identified by Butte County officials.” 12-6-2018. Accessed 12-7-2018 at: https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Camp-Fire-Three-more-victims-identified-by-Butte-13446087.php

 

San Francisco Chronicle, CA. “Camp Fire: Three more victims identified by Butte County officials.” 12-5-2018. Accessed 12-6-2018 at: https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Camp-Fire-Three-more-victims-identified-by-Butte-13446087.php

 

San Francisco Chronicle (Lauren Hernández), CA. “Camp Fire: Two more victims named by Butte County Sheriff’s Office.” 12-20-2018. Accessed 12-21-2018 at: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Camp-Fire-Two-more-victims-named-by-Butte-County-13482738.php

 

San Francisco Chronicle (Trisha Thadani and Megan Cassidy). “Their houses were spared by Camp Fire, but ‘lucky’ ones debate whether to stay.” 11-20-2018. Accessed 1-17-2019 at: https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Camp-Fire-Death-toll-climbs-to-79-699-missing-13408665.php

 

SFGate (Ashley McBride). “Camp Fire: Death toll rises to 86 after hospitalized man dies from burn injuries.” 12-12-2018. Accessed 12-12-2018 at: https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/Camp-Fire-Death-toll-rises-to-86-after-13458956.php

 

SFGate (Jill Tucker, Michael Cabanatuan and Ashley McBride). “Tragic but familiar narrative in Camp Fire: Most victims were older, disabled.” 12-10-2018. Accessed 12-10-2018 at: https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/Camp-Fire-victims-13450654.php

 

SFGate/Eric Ting. “Why is it called the Camp Fire? How California’s most destructive wildfire got its name.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 11-11-2018 at: https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/Why-is-it-called-Camp-Fire-name-Butte-County-destr-13380824.php

 

USA Today/Elizabeth Weise. “After California fires ‘of biblical proportions,’ governor raises $5 million for victims.” 1-11-2019. Accessed 1-18-2019 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/01/11/californias-new-governor-raises-5-million-fire-victims/2538249002/

 

USA Today (Kristin Lam). “Death toll drops to 85 at Camp Fire; 11 people remain missing.” 12-3-2018. Accessed 12-4-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/12/03/camp-fire-death-toll-california-deadliest-wildfire/2199035002/

 

USA Today (Kristin Lam). “Number of Camp Fire missing people drops to 25.” 12-2-2018. Accessed 12-3-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/12/02/camp-fire-list-missing-people-drops-25/2187707002/

 

USA Today Network (Ryan W. Miller). “‘Volatile,’ ‘incredibly dangerous’: Images of raging flames as California wildfires burn.” 11-8-2018. Accessed 11-11-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/11/08/camp-fire-hill-fire-images-destruction-california-wildfires/1936406002/

 

Washington Post. “Death toll rises to 11 as 200,000 flee the most destructive fires in California’s history.” 11-10-2018. Accessed 11-10-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/11/10/trump-blames-gross-mismanagement-wildfires-leave-trail-death-destruction-california/?utm_term=.76d95c76d5a8

 

Additional Reading

 

Enterprise-Record, Chico CA. “Butte sheriff releases log of emergency calls received on day Camp Fire started.” 12-13-2018. Accessed 12-14-2018 at: https://www.chicoer.com/2018/12/13/sheriff-releases-log-of-emergency-calls-received-on-day-camp-fire-started/

 

Enterprise-Record, Chico CA. “MAP: A representation of where residents died in Camp Fire.” 12-13-2018. Accessed 12-14-2018 at: https://www.chicoer.com/2018/12/13/map-a-representation-of-where-residents-died-in-camp-fire/

 

Los Angeles Times (Paige St. John, Joseph Serna, Rong-Gong Lin II). “Here’s how Paradise ignored warnings and became a deathtrap.” 12-30-2018. Accessed 1-4-2019 at:

https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-camp-fire-deathtrap-20181230-story.html

 

Munich RE. “Press release. Extreme storms, wildfires and droughts caused heavy nat nat losses in 2018.” 1-8-2019. Accessed 1-8-2019 at: https://www.munichre.com/en/media-relations/publications/press-releases/2019/2019-01-08-press-release/index.html

 

Sacramento Bee (Dale Kasler). “PG&E sued over Camp Fire as insurance claims hit billions.” 1-3-2019. Accessed 1-4-2019 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article223870985.html

 

 

 

 

[1] Enterprise-Record, Chico, CA. “Butte Sheriff identifies two more Camp Five victims; 12 remain unidentified.” 2-13-2019.

[2] Died from burn injuries at UC Davis Medical Center, Nov 25.

[3] Largely a retirement community with high proportion of elderly, including those with physical and/or mental disabilities. (SFGate. “Tragic but familiar narrative in Camp Fire: Most victims were older, disabled.” 12-10-2018.

[4] “Relating to or being a wind produced by the flow of cold dense air down a slope (as of a mountain or glacier) in an area subject to radiational cooling.” (Merriam-Webster)

[5] Named the “Camp Fire” in that Camp Creek Road was the location where the fire started. (SFGate/Eric Ting. “Why is it called the Camp Fire? How California’s most destructive wildfire got its name.” 10-10-2018.)

—     13  Blanchard (Twelve shooting fatalities and the suicide of the shooter).

–12-13  CNN. “12 dead in California bar shooting.” 11-8-2018.[1]

–12-13  CNN. “Gunman who killed 12 at California bar identified as Ian David Long.” 11-8-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

Nov 8: “(CNN) — A US Marines veteran opened fire at a Southern California bar late Wednesday, killing at least 12 before killing himself, and sending panicked survivors scrambling through doors and windows to escape, authorities said. Investigators believe Ian David Long, 28, used a legally purchased Glock 21 .45-caliber handgun with an extended magazine to shoot patrons, staff and a sheriff’s deputy at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, and they’re trying to figure out why he did it, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said Thursday morning….

 

“Among those killed was Ventura County sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus, who rushed in minutes after the first gunshots were reported at 11:20 p.m., Dean said. Helus had been at the department for nearly three decades and planned to retire within the next year, the sheriff said, choking back tears….

 

“The shooting broke out during the Western-style bar’s weekly line dancing and college night open to people 18 and older. People dropped to the floor and hid behind bar stools in stunned silence, witnesses said. Others jumped over chairs and broke windows to get out….

 

“About 21 others were injured, many trying to escape, the sheriff’s office said….

 

“The gunman apparently arrived at the bar Wednesday night in a car, and shot an unarmed security guard who was standing outside, Dean said. Long then stepped inside, and apparently shot other security workers and employees and opened fire farther inside the club, the sheriff said.

 

“Six off-duty law enforcement officers were in the bar when the shooting happened, Dean said. It wasn’t immediately clear what happened to them. A woman whose daughter was at the bar has said one of those officers ‘stood in front of her daughter, protecting her life with his own,’…

 

“Witnesses described a man clothed in black and wearing glasses as he walked onto the dance floor filled with people and began shooting….

 

“The bar is near several universities, including California Lutheran, which canceled Thursday’s classes in response to the shooting. Pepperdine University said it believes “multiple Pepperdine students” also were there…

 

“Deputies were at Long’s home in the Newbury Park area of Thousand Oaks on Thursday morning, seeking to serve a search warrant, Dean said. Thousand Oaks is in Ventura County, about 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

 

“Long was in the US Marine Corps from August 2008 to March 2013, Defense Department records show. He subsequently was a student at California State University, Northridge, from 2013 to 2016, the school said. Long pursued a major in athletic training but did not graduate, the university’s Carmen Ramos Chandler said.

 

“Law enforcement had several previous contacts with Long, including in April when officers were called to a disturbance at his home, the sheriff said. ‘He was somewhat irate, acting a little irrationally,’ Dean said. Mental health specialists talked to him and didn’t feel he qualified to be detained under the state’s ‘5151’ mental health detention law…

 

“One of Long’s neighbors, Tom Hansen, told KABC that he had called police in April. ‘I don’t know exactly what he was doing — it was like he was banging on the walls and shouting,’ Hansen said. ‘It concerned me, so I called the police.’….

 

“Long also had been a victim of battery at a different Thousand Oaks bar in January 2015, the sheriff said.

 

“Long posted about his service with the Marines on an online forum called ShadowSpear in March 2017. He wrote he had been an infantry machine gunner, had served in Afghanistan and was an instructor in Okinawa, Japan.

 

“Helus, the slain sheriff’s deputy, arrived at the bar 3 minutes after 911 calls came in, along with two California Highway Patrol officers, Dean said. Helus went in because gunshots still were being fired — and he was shot multiple times…A Highway Patrol officer pulled Helus out and waited for reinforcements. When more officers arrived, they found the gunman dead inside, Dean said. Helus died at a hospital, police said. He is survived by a wife and a son….” (CNN (Faith Karimi, Jason Hanna, Joe Sutton). “Gunman who killed 12 at California bar identified as Ian David Long.” 11-8-2018.)

 

Nov 9: “…. Authorities say Ian Long, 28, fired a Glock .45-caliber handgun without a word as many patrons line-danced at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks around 11 p.m. (2 a.m. ET) Wednesday. He first shot a security guard and a woman working at the counter, but authorities say there was no indication he was targeting employees….

 

“Long’s friends say he was a frequent visitor at the bar for years and that he liked going there. ‘I would make fun of him, because he would drag me there. Sometimes we’d go there to have a drink, sit and talk, listen to music,’ said a woman who’s been friends with Long for five years and does not want her name made public.

 

“Authorities have identified a Facebook post believed to have been made by the shooter around the time of the attack, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the ongoing investigation.

 

“In it, the writer says: ‘I hope people call me insane… (laughing emojis)…wouldn’t that just be a big ball of irony? Yeah.. I’m insane, but the only thing you people do after these shootings is ‘hopes and prayers’.. or ‘keep you in my thoughts’… every time… and wonder why these keep happening…”….” (CNN (Nicole Chavez). “Thousand Oaks gunman went from Marine vet to mass shooter. Investigators want to know why.” 11-9-2018.

 

Nov 10: “Los Angeles — The ex-Marine who gunned down 12 people during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday night was apparently posting to social media either during or right before he carried out the attacks, law enforcement officials said. A decade before he stormed a popular Thousand Oaks bar armed with a handgun this week, Ian David Long’s propensity for rage was well known to some of his teachers.

 

“Evie Cluke, a former assistant track & field coach at Newbury Park High School, said the teenage Long was a volatile presence in the locker room and on the school’s grounds, prone to spasms of anger that often led to physical confrontations. Long sometimes traded punches with rival athletes at track meets, said Cluke, who also once witnessed him assault another female coach at the school. At the end of Long’s sophomore year, she said, he gathered classmates around his new pickup truck and showed off what appeared to be a handgun. ‘One of the students came running back and said he was showing them that he had a gun,’ Cluke recalled. Standing about 40 yards away, Cluke said, she could see Long holding a small, black object against his chest that resembled a pistol. By the time she alerted a supervisor, Long had driven off, she said. Confronted later, Long denied having a weapon and none of the students who had been near his truck would talk about it, she said. When Long explained why he was joining the Marines after graduation, Cluke only became more unnerved. She recalled him telling her: ‘I want to go and fight for my country and kill for my country.’ ‘A statement like that sticks in your brain when you know a kid has issues that need to be addressed,’ Cluke said….”
(Tribune News Service. “Social media, former teachers reveal alarming mind-set of ex-Marine who gunned down 12 people during a mass shooting.” Record Herald, Waynesboro, PA. 11-10-2018.)

 

Victims[2]

 

1. Sean Adler, 48.
2. Cody Coffman, 22.
3. Blake Dingman, 21.
4. Jake Dunham, 21.
5. Ron Helus, 54 (Ventura County )
6. Alaina Housley (Pepperdine University student)
7. David Long, 28 (the shooter)
8. Daniel Manrique, 33.
9. Justin Meek, 23 (California Lutheran University recent graduate).
10. Meza, Mark.
11. Kristina Morisette (worked at the bar as a cashier).
12. Telemachus Orfanos, 27 (had also been at Las Vegas concert shooting).
13. Noel Sparks, 21.

 

Sources

 

ABC 7 News, Chicago (Marc Brown and Jory Rand). “Thousand Oaks shooting: 13 killed at Borderline Bar & Grill, including gunman, Ian David Long.” 11-9-2018. Accessed 11-9-2018 at: https://abc7.com/thousand-oaks-mass-shooting-13-dead-including-gunman/4644573/

 

ABC News (Kayna Whitworth, Karma Allen, Justin Doom, Emily Shapiro). “Thousand Oaks shooting: 12 dead including officer, suspect identified.” 11-9-2018.

 

CNN (Lauren Said-Moorhouse, Rob Picheta, Veronica Rocha, Meg Wagner). “12 dead in California bar shooting.” 11-8-2018. Accessed 11-8-2018 at https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/california-shooting-intl/index.html

 

CNN (Faith Karimi, Jason Hanna, Joe Sutton). “Gunman who killed 12 at California bar identified as Ian David Long.” 11-8-2018. Accessed 11-8-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/08/us/thousands-oaks-california-bar-shooting/index.html

 

CNN (Nicole Chavez). “Thousand Oaks gunman went from Marine vet to mass shooter. Investigators want to know why.” 11-9-2018. Accessed 11-9-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/09/us/thousand-oaks-shooting/index.html

 

Tribune News Service. “Social media, former teachers reveal alarming mind-set of ex-Marine who gunned down 12 people during a mass shooting.” Record Herald, Waynesboro, PA. 11-10-2018. Accessed 11-10-2018 at: http://www.therecordherald.com/zz/news/20181110/what-thousand-oaks-gunman-said-in-online-posts

 

USA Today/Dalvin Brown). “‘Fact is I had to reason to do it’: Thousand Oaks gunman posted to Instagram during massacre.” 11-10-2018. Accessed 11-11-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/10/thousand-oaks-shooting-gunman-posted-instagram-during-bar-massacre/1958013002/

[1] Twelve people killed by shooter, who then shot and killed himself. (USA Today/Dalvin Brown). “‘Fact is I had to reason to do it’: Thousand Oaks gunman posted to Instagram during massacre.” 11-10-2018.)

[2] ABC 7 News, Chicago. “Thousand Oaks shooting: 13 killed at Borderline Bar & Grill, including gunman, Ias David Long.” 11-9-2018.

–20  New York Times. “20 Dead in Limousine Crash in Upstate New York.” 10-7-2018.

–20  NYT. “Limo Crash Kills 20 in Upstate New York; Nation’s Deadliest Accident in 9 Years.”

–20  Times Union (Goodwin), Albany NY. “20 killed in Schoharie limousine crash.” 10-7-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

Oct 8: “The driver of a supersized limousine involved in a crash that killed 20 people outside an upstate New York country store wasn’t properly licensed,[1] and the limo failed a state safety inspection just last month and shouldn’t have been on the road, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

 

“The state ordered the owner, Prestige Limousine, to shut down while an investigation continues into the cause of Saturday’s wreck in Schoharie. Federal records show the company has undergone five inspections and had four vehicles pulled from service in the last two years. ‘In my opinion, the owner of this company had no business putting a failed vehicle on the road,’ Cuomo said… ‘Prestige has a lot of questions to answer.’

 

“State police said investigators were reviewing text messages and social media posts from victims who were active moments before the deadly crash. Police seized four vehicles from the company including the one involved in the crash, and said the owner of the company would face criminal prosecution if they are at fault….

 

“….the tragedy…happened as a group of friends and family were on their way to a 30th birthday celebration…

 

“…authorities had yet to say how fast the limo was going,[2] whether its occupants wore seat belts or what caused the vehicle to run a stop sign.

 

“Investigators were conducting autopsies, including on the driver, to see if drugs or alcohol were factors, and the National Transportation Safety Board was also looking into whether the limo had any mechanical problems.

 

“But officials already saw some red flags, Cuomo said: The driver didn’t have the necessary commercial license, the limo had been cut apart and lengthened in a way Cuomo said violated federal law, and the vehicle failed a state inspection that examined such things as the chassis, suspension and brakes.

 

“The wreck killed two pedestrians and all 18 people in the limousine, including four sisters who were headed with friends and relatives to a brewery for a party for one of the sisters. A vigil was planned Monday night in Amsterdam, where some victims lived….

 

“The limousine, built from a 2001 Ford Excursion, ran a stop sign at an T-shaped intersection at the bottom of a hill and slammed into an unoccupied SUV at the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, a popular stop for autumn leaf-peepers.

 

“The crash appeared to be the deadliest land-vehicle accident in the U.S. since a bus full of Texas nursing home patients fleeing 2005′s Hurricane Rita caught fire, killing 23. Saturday’s wreck was the nation’s deadliest transportation accident of any kind since a 2009 plane crash near Buffalo, New York, killed 50 people.

 

“Limousines built in factories are required to meet stringent safety regulations. But luxury cars that have been converted to limos like the one in Saturday’s crash often lack certain safety components, such as side-impact airbags, reinforced rollover protection bars and accessible emergency exits.

 

“There are few federal regulations governing limos that have been modified after leaving the factory. Regulations often vary by state and even local governments.

 

“Ford said it has never made its own stretch version of the Excursion SUV. The automaker has a program that certifies companies that modify vehicles to Ford specifications, but it was unclear whether the limo in Saturday’s crash was altered by one of those companies.

 

“There were 12 wrecks — and a dozen crash deaths — involving large limos from 2012 to 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration….” (CBS/AP. “Limo in New York crash ‘not supposed to be on the road,’ governor says.” 10-8-2018.)

 

Oct 8: “….The limo company has been identified as Prestige Limousine Chauffeur Service in Gansevoort, New York, according to an official with knowledge of the investigation. US Department of Transportation records show Prestige Limousine Chauffeur Service has two drivers and three vehicles. Its vehicles were inspected five times in the last two years, and the company has had four vehicles taken out of service….

 

“Cuomo said officials are working on “a cease-and-desist order to stop Prestige Limousine from operating until the investigation is concluded.”….

 

“It’s not clear whether the driver was speeding, whether the brakes were working, or whether the passengers were wearing seat belts, said Chris Fiore of the New York State Police. In limousines, rear passengers are not required to wear seat belts, Goelz said[3]….” (CNN. “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-8-2018.)

 

Oct 8: “The deadliest transportation disaster in the U.S. since 2009 killed 20 people on Saturday when a limousine drove through an intersection, and rammed into an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot of the Apple Barrel Country Store in Schoharie. The limo victims were young adults celebrating a 30th birthday party, including four sisters, three of their husbands, a husband’s brother and other friends….” (Times Union {Mallory Moench}, Albany, NY. “Schoharie limo victims: What we know.” 10-8-2018.)

 

Oct 8: “Schoharie, New York — Twenty people were killed in a “horrific” limousine crash in upstate New York in what investigators are calling one of the “most deadly” transportation accidents in years. Eighteen of the victims were in a 2001 Ford Excursion limousine, which crashed into a parked 2015 Toyota Highlander in the parking lot of the Apple Barrel Country Store in Schoharie, N.Y. Two of the victims were pedestrians, according to New York State Police….” (ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018.)

 

Oct 8: “Latham, N.Y. (News10) – he New York State Police and National Transportation Safety Board are working side by side as they continue to investigate the fatal limousine crash in Schoharie. New York State Police announced on Monday [Oct 8] they recovered the airbag control module from the limousine involved in Saturday’s fatal crash. It acts like the vehicle’s black box and will provide critical information, including how fast the limo was traveling at the time of impact.

 

“NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said they found extensive damage to the front left side of the 2001 Ford Excursion. Currently, there are no apparent skid marks at the intersection of Route 30 and Route 30A. ‘If an entire engine block is moved and basically crushed back past the driver’s seat, that would indicate there was a lot of force and energy involved in that crash,’ he said.

 

“NYSP Major Robert Patnaude said the driver did not have the appropriate license to operate the limo and the limo company, Prestige Limo, has been under scrutiny by the New York State Department of Transportation in the past. He went on to say the limo should never have been on the road after failing several inspections. But Lee Kindlon, the attorney representing Prestige Limo, said otherwise. ‘We know the vehicle had been inspected and passed a series of state inspections, and it was safe to be on the road,’ Kindlon said. State police said they seized the remaining three vehicles from Prestige Limo and will be examining each one….

 

“It was…announced the 17 passengers were in the limo as a last resort. ‘I believe that they had tried to hire a different vehicle, but it cancelled for some reason so the subject in charge of this excursion scrambled and found this company to satisfy their needs for the day,’[4] Major Patnaude said….” (News 10 ABC (Samantha DiMascio), Albany, NY. “NYSP, NTSB release updates on fatal Schoharie limo crash.” 10-8-2018.)

 

Oct 8: “The driver in the deadly upstate limo crash was busted twice on drug charges during the past eight years — including once during a traffic stop, according to reports published at the time. Scott Lisinicchia, then 48, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana and an equipment violation when he was stopped while driving in Saratoga Springs on Nov. 22, 2013, The Saratogian reported the following day. Lisinicchia was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in Saratoga Springs on July 2, 2010, according to the Saratogian….” (New York Post, Bruce Golding. “Driver in deadly limo crash reportedly had prior drug busts.” 10-8-2018.)

 

Oct 8: “Traveling by stretch limo may seem like the height of prudence for people going out to party, but it has hidden pitfalls…. many stretch limousines might be considered a kind of automotive zombie: They are former cars or sport utility vehicles that have been transformed after they leave the factory, and exist in a regulatory limbo. They usually do not have to meet arduous federal safety requirements, and they face a haphazard inspection system that varies from state to state. ‘Without sufficient safety standards in place, it is nothing but a fine line between a stretch limousine and a hearse,’ Thomas Spota, the former Suffolk County district attorney, said in 2016. Moreover, ordinarily cautious people who buckle up in their own cars may be less likely to do so in for-hire vehicles….

 

“The stretch limo was a 2001 Ford Excursion that could seat nine people when it left the factory. Nearly two decades later, it held 18 — many of them seated along the sides. Ordinary cars are strictly regulated by the federal government, and most meet safety standards of the insurance industry. Not so for stretch limos.

 

“What is a stretch limo? There’s no official definition, but in the real world, it’s this: a regular car or S.U.V. that has been cut in half, separating the front and rear. The body is extended on the top, bottom and sides. Additional seating is added, often along the sides….

 

“The passengers in the Schoharie crash did not appear to have been wearing seatbelts, according to Matt Deffer, chief of the Esperance Fire Department, which responded to the scene. Unbelted riders not only put themselves at risk but can become a flying hazard to the belted passengers, said Raul Arbelaez, an engineer with the institute. Their bodies can be hurled through a vehicle’s interior at terrible speeds. Slightly more than 38,000 people died in crashes last year, and about half were unbelted.

 

“Does design change safety? By federal law, vehicle interiors are designed, in part, as cages that deflect the forces of a crash away from the passengers. The modifications to create a stretch limo eliminate some of those protections. In making the vehicle longer, side rollover pillars and airbags are removed or become useless. Chief Deffer said the Ford Excursion in Schoharie had extensive damage ‘on both sides, to the front, and the interior.’….

 

“How about avoiding crashes? Keeping control of such large vehicles is a challenge for the driver. Fatalities from S.U.V. rollovers led to a regulation that required the addition of electronic stability control. But that’s not really going to help a stretch limo. ‘When you modify a vehicle this much, the algorithms for electronic stability control would not work because you’ve changed the length and mass,’ Mr. Arbelaez said. Brakes and tires are typically designed around the size of the vehicle, and increasing the mass changes the vehicle dynamics, he said….

 

“A Long Island grand jury issued a report in 2016 that said stretch limousines were underregulated. The report followed a collision between a stretch limousine and a pickup truck that killed for people who were traveling on a tour of wineries on the North Fork of Long Island. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, called for more regulation after those deaths….

 

“Mr. Arbelaez said that as awful as the crash on Saturday was, it was unlikely to stimulate new research. Highway safety specialists, he said, tend to focus on changes that can save large numbers of lives, and stretch limousines are just a tiny portion of road traffic. ‘I think there is little or no effort going into limo-type crashes,’ Mr. Arbelaez said.” (New York Times. “The Hidden Dangers of Riding in a Stretch Limousine.” 10-8-2018.)

 

Oct 9: “Schoharie, New York (CNN)…. At least one victim seemed worried about the condition of the limo, according to text messages shared with the New York Times….

 

“US Department of Transportation records show Prestige Limousine Chauffeur Service has two drivers and three vehicles. Its vehicles were inspected five times in the last two years, and the company has had four vehicles taken out of service….

 

“State Police Maj. Robert Patnaude said authorities have located the limo company owner, Shahed Hussain, who is currently in Pakistan….

 

“TSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said the limo was configured for 19 seats. Some seats had lap-shoulder belts, but it wasn’t immediately clear whether all the seats were equipped with seat belts and whether anyone had them on, Sumwalt said. In New York, limo rear passengers are not required to wear seat belts, according by Sumwalt. He said some seats remained anchored to the floor during the crash….” (CNN. “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-9-2018 update.)

 

Oct 9: “Schoharie – The safety of intersection Route 30 South and Route 30A in Schoharie has been called into question following Saturday’s deadly limousine crash that left 20 dead. According to residents, the intersection has long been problematic in the Schoharie County town about 35 miles outside Albany…. Route 30 South runs downhill until it meets Route 30A near the Apple Barrel Country Store, the scene of Saturday’s deadly accident, the worst in the U.S. in nearly a decade….

 

“Efforts to fix the troubled intersection have been made in the past, according to Schoharie Town Supervisor Alan Tavenner. ‘There were some modifications 10 or 12 years ago to make it more direct, a T. It was a Y intersection before,’ Tavenner said. Modifications were done by the State Department of Transportation since they are state roads. ‘There were problems with tractor trailers losing their brakes on that hill,’ Tavenner said. As a result, about four years ago, tractor trailers were banned from using that route and detoured elsewhere….State officials said in the 10 years since the intersection was reconstructed, there have been four accidents.

 

“In 2013, to address the concerns of Apple Barrel’s owner that trucks were losing control on the downhill slope, the state restricted the area to vehicles of 18 tons or less, state officials say. Two years later, in January 2015, the weight restriction was lowered to five tons. And by the end of the 2015, trucks were banned altogether….” (Democrat & Chronicle, Albany Bureau (Chad Arnold and Thomas Zambito). “Safety of intersection called into question following deadly limousine crash.” 10-9-2018.)

 

Oct 9: “A couple says they were in the vehicle involved in the Schoharie crash exactly one year before Saturday’s accident that claimed 20 lives. Andrew LaRose and his wife say their experience with Prestige Limousine was a nightmare from start to finish.

 

“It’s hard to track down this company and the owners. NewsChannel 13 found multiple addresses associated with different business names all under the same owner. So the first question I asked this couple was how did you find them? They said at the time the company was known as Saratoga Luxury Limousine. A website — which is now down — showed pristine vehicles. However, when the limo pulled up on their wedding day, it was a very different scenario. In a photo from that day — October 6, 2017, you can see Scott Lisinicchia. He’s the man who has been identified as the driver in the Schoharie crash.

 

“LaRose says Lisinicchia was over an hour late arriving to pick up the wedding party. He says they had made arrangements to have both the excursion limo as well as a regular stretch to carry additional guests, but only the excursion showed up. He said the first impression of the vehicle was that it was old. There was visible rust and duct tape painted white to blend in. He also said the air conditioning was not working and the vehicle made noises when accelerating that caused them to be concerned.

 

“He said things got worse as the day went on, with Lisinicchia repeatedly leaving them stranded — waiting for 45 minutes after the church service and again late to arrive to shuttle guests back to a nearby hotel.

 

“In addition to all of that, LaRose says the driving itself was erratic. ‘When he came back to the reception, I noticed there were empty beer cans in the back. I noticed that he had a second passenger sitting shotgun right net to him and I asked him, ‘Who is this?’ and he started getting pretty upset with me and you know one thing led to another and vulgarity was used y him and it was my wedding day, so I took a step back, waited a few days and contacted the manager and he could have cared less,’ explained LaRose.

 

“He says they complained to management. Emails were exchanged between LaRose and the owners. His sister also got involved. Eventually, the limo company reimbursed them half of what they had paid. However, LaRose says they had been promised a full refund.

 

“They wanted to share their story in hopes of helping the case against the company because they feel they should never be allowed to operate again….They did post two honest and negative reviews about the company. However, since there have been so many names, different addresses, websites and Facebook pages shut down, it’s hard to track the company reviews.” (WNYT News Channel 13, Albany. “Couple: 2017 wedding with limo company from Schoharie crash was ‘nightmare’.” 10-9-2018.)

 

Oct 9: “An upstate man said he and his wife rented the same limo and driver involved in a crash that killed 20 people in Schoharie, NY and claims the vehicle “shoulda been in the scrap yard.” Andrew LaRose told Albany’s WNYT-TV that limo was rusty and held together by duct tape when driver Scott Lisinicchia showed up for his wedding one year ago. ‘Air conditioner was broken, there was duct tape that was painted white, rocker panels were painted, it looked like it had been through a chop shop,’ LaRose told the network. The couple also said Lisinicchia was late picking them up from the reception and drove erratically with another passenger in the front. ‘I noticed there were empty beer cans in the back. I noticed that he had a second passenger sitting shotgun right next to him,’ he said. ‘Then I asked him ‘who was this’ and he got pretty upset with me.’

 

“While driving, Lisinicchia missed an exit and went in reverse right on the highway, La Rose added. He made numerous complaints to the company, he said, and eventually was reimbursed for half the cost….” (New York Post. “Man who rented limo in deadly crash says it should’ve been ‘in the scrap yard.’” 10-9-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “Two days before a limousine crashed in Schoharie, killing 20 people, Prestige Limo had apparently listed the vehicle for sale on Craigslist. Prestige Limo listed a modified 2001 Ford Excursion limousine for sale for $9,000. The contact number for the advertisement matches the number for several other companies owned by Shahed Hussain, the company’s owner. The listing, which did not have a photo, described the vehicle as being in excellent condition with 180,000 miles and being ‘DOT ready.’ The company owned a single 2001 Ford Excursion, according to inspection records. State records indicate the vehicle had failed multiple inspections, something the company’s attorney has disputed….” (Times Union, Albany. “Prestige Limo tried to sell vehicle days before fatal crash.” 10-10-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “New details are emerging about the driving record of the man operating the SUV limousine that crashed in Schoharie killing 20 people. The Times Union is reporting the driver, Scott Lisinicchia, was pulled over back in August.  According to a police report obtained by the Times Union the 53-year-old was stopped by a New York State Trooper in Saratoga Springs after transporting 11 people in the same limo in the crash. The TU said the report indicates that Nauman Hussain, who operates the limousine company Prestige Limo, was made aware that day back in August that Lisinicchia was not licensed to drive a large passenger vehicle. It said the Trooper told Lisinicchia he could not drive the limo until he got a proper permit. He was also ticketed.

 

“According to our media partners at The Post-Star, Lisinicchia was ticketed for using a cell phone while driving in Glens Falls in 2015 and never paid the fine from the ticket. The failure to pay the $125 fine could have resulted in his license being suspended. But the Post Star reports that it’s unclear from the records whether not paying it was reported to the State Department of Motor Vehicles or a suspension was sought.

 

“In Saratoga Springs, police records also show Lisinicchia was issued three traffic tickets between 2010 and 2015. They were for failure to signal a turn, having an obstructed view while driving and failure to wear a seatbelt…” (WNYT 13, Albany NY. “New details emerge about driver of limo in Schoharie crash.” 10-10-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “Schoharie, N.Y. (News10) – New York State Police said the company that owned the limousine involved in the fatal Schoharie crash had recently failed an inspection and was not road worthy. Two driver vehicle examination reports were sent to NEWS10 ABC by an anonymous, concerned citizen. The reports show that safety warnings were sent to Prestige Limousine twice. The most recent warning was sent one month before the crash. The first report was taken in March 2018 where a 2001 Ford stretch limo matching the year, make and model of the vehicle was cited by the Department of Transportation for several violations, including a hydraulic brake line that was dangling and making contact with an axel. It was also cited for an inoperable emergency exit window and emergency side door. By New York State law, the company had 15 days to fix the problems, but it’s unclear if they did.

 

“Months later, on September 4 – almost one month before the fatal crash – a second inspection showed problems still existed with the emergency exits as well as the brake system. NEWS10 went to Prestige Limousine’s office on Tuesday, but no one answered. The company’s attorney said the vehicle had passed inspections and their focus was on the driver, Scott Lisinicchia, who did not have the required license to drive the stretch limo….” (News 10 ABC (Anya Tucker), Albany NY. “Investigation continues into limo company involved in Schoharie crash.” 10-9-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “Federal safety records obtained by NBC News show that the limousine involved in an upstate New York crash that killed 20 had been cited this year for numerous violations, including having ‘brakes out of service.’…. The ‘brakes out of service’ citation, issued after a March 21 inspection, indicated that 20 percent or more of the roughly 5-ton vehicle’s stopping power was compromised. The records also indicate that brake lines were constricted or obstructed. This could apply to lines running to the rear brakes, which have to be extended when a constructor cuts a vehicle and then adds length to convert it into a limousine….

 

“Following a Sept. 4 inspection for a vehicle with the Excursion’s license plate, “TOGALUX1,” citations included malfunctioning anti-lock braking system warning lights, operating the SUV without making at least some of the corrections mandated by the previous inspection report, operating the limo without proof that it’s had proper inspection, having out-of-compliance state registration or plates, and operating a vehicle in excess of a manufacturer’s designed seating capacity.

 

“Limo constructor Figueroa[5] said firms that use vehicles as old as the 2001 Excursion are considered to be “third-tier guys” in smaller cities.

 

“Prestige also had at least one other vehicle with inspection red flags, including brake system concerns and worn tires, federal records show. They indicate 22 violations this year for the company’s 3-vehicle fleet….” (NBC News (Tom Winter and Dennis Romero). “Limousine in deadly New York crash that killed 20 was cited for ‘brakes out of service.’” 10-9-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “The wife of the limo driver involved in the deadly crash in upstate New York said she feels her husband is being improperly blamed for the tragedy….Kim Lisinicchia told CBS News’ DeMarco Morgan her husband, Scott, had been working part-time for Prestige Limousine for more than a year. According to Kim, Scott was in “excellent health” and an “excellent driver.” “For over 20-plus years, he drove a tractor-trailer….

 

“According to Kim, he’s complained about Prestige’s vehicles before. “He did complain. There were a few times where he told me, like I overheard him say, ‘I’m not going to drive this, like this, you need to give me another car,'” Kim said….

 

“The limo company’s attorney said the vehicle was deemed road ready after it failed an inspection in September, but the New York State Department of Transportation told us in a statement that is “categorically false.” “The owner was warned not to operate the vehicle” and “the vehicle was placed out of service.”” (CBS News. “Limo driver’s wife says husband had complained about company’s cars.” 10-10-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “Colonie – A son of the owner of the limousine that crashed in Schoharie, killing 20 people on Saturday, was taken into custody on Wednesday. State Police said they stopped Nauman Hussain while he drove on Interstate 787. His attorney, Lee Kindlon said State Police were preparing to book his client at Troop G headquarters, and were likely to face multiple counts of criminally negligent homicide, he said.

 

“On Monday afternoon [Oct 8], Prestige Limo owner Shahed Hussain’s son, Nauman Hussain, who has operated the limo company, met with State Police investigators for several hours. Nauman Hussain was accompanied at the interview by his attorney, Lee Kindlon of Albany. The elder Hussain is out of the country.

 

“The Wilton-based company owned the 2001 Ford Excursion that crashed in the intersection of routes 30 and 30A shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday….

 

“The owner of the limo company, Shahed ‘Malik’ Hussain, was a longtime informant for the FBI. He is out of the country but his lawyer says he will return if authorities ask….” (Times Union, Albany. “Son of owner in limo crash taken into custody.” 10-10-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “Cobleskill….Hussain was released Wednesday night after his arraignment in Cobleskill Town Court after making bail, which had been set at $50,000 cash and $150,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty.

 

“Hussain knowingly allowed the limo to be driven when it “should not have been on the road,” State Police Superintendent George Beach told reporters earlier in the day. “The sole responsibility for that motor vehicle being on the road on Saturday belongs to Nauman Hussain,” Beach said. He said the 2001 Ford Excursion limousine failed an inspection in September and, as a result, had no business being used when it crashed at the intersection of routes 30 and 30A. Beach said Hussain was also aware the driver that he hired to drive the limousine, Scott T. Lisinicchia, 53, of Lake George was not properly licensed for that assignment.

 

“Just weeks before the crash, Lisinicchia received a notice of violation for driving without a proper license to drive the same limo. The notice was issued by a trooper who pulled him over in Saratoga Springs after he had dropped off 11 passengers. The trooper’s notice directed that the Excursion be taken out of service immediately. It was served on Nauman Hussain as the operator of the Wilton company….

 

“Hussain, of Cohoes, was charged with one count of criminally negligent homicide, a felony that carries 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison. He was arraigned in Cobleskill shortly before 7 p.m….

 

“Three state troopers and three Cobelskill police officers stood on either side of the courtroom. Hussain’s attorney, Lee Kindlon, said the higher than normal number of officers were there because he and Hussain had received repeated threats. The arraignment was moved from Schoharie because the Schoharie town justice was unavailable.

 

“Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery asked Justice Dawn Fiorillo to set bail at the higher-than-normal amounts for a non-violent felony. Mallery said there were concerns that Hussain might flee and asked the judge to require him to surrender any U.S. or Pakistani passports. Mallery said Hussain was arrested Wednesday morning after he left his home with a car full of belongings.

 

“Kindlon told reporters that Hussain was not fleeing the area but had left after receiving the threats. Kindlon said in court that Hussain does not have dual citizenship in Pakistan or a Pakistani passport.

 

“Hussain did not say anything to reporters as he left court. Hussain paid bail through a bail bondsman and is scheduled to appear again in the court on Tuesday, Oct. 23….

 

“Kindlon [Hussain lawyer] shifted blame to the state Department of Transportation, saying the road where the crash took place was problematic….” (Times Union, Albany NY. “Limo owner’s son released on bail after arraignment on homicide charge.” 10-10-2018.)

 

Oct 10: “….this is a story of failure — terrible, inexcusable failure that led to unimaginable sorrow. Who failed?

 

“A company, Prestige Limo, that employed a driver without a proper license. That ignored violations and put a limo that had failed a recent inspection on the road. That appears to have treated its passengers, its precious cargo, without the care and respect they deserved.

 

“Who failed?

 

“A state that also didn’t do enough to protect that precious cargo. That didn’t force that unsafe limo off the road or Prestige out of business. That too often gives shoddy transportation companies a slap on the wrist. That has tough regulations without teeth to enforce them. Consider that just last month, the state Department of Transportation cited Prestige for numerous violations on the Excursion SUV and noted violations from a prior inspection that had never been corrected. Despite the limo having been driven 1,300 miles between the inspections, its license plates apparently weren’t confiscated. That’s a failure.

 

“On Wednesday, police arrested Nauman Hussain, the son of Prestige owner Shahed Hussain, who is out of the country, and charged him with criminally negligent homicide. Police said the son knew the limo belonged parked in a garage. ‘The sole responsibility for that vehicle being on the road on Saturday rests with Nauman Hussain,’ said George Beach, the superintendent of State Police.

 

“Lee Kindlon, the attorney for the Hussains, said authorities were jumping the gun and hadn’t had the time for an investigation thorough enough to warrant the arrest. He urged investigators and the public to avoid a rush to judgment and to wait before unfairly casting blame. Kindlon isn’t wrong. We don’t yet know exactly how the accident happened at the intersection of routes 30 and 30A, or why the limo was out of control when it slammed into parked car and an embankment, killing the 17 passengers, the driver and two pedestrians.

 

“Accidents happen. Tragedies happen. Sometimes neither can be prevented.

 

“But we already know enough to understand that the Schoharie crash wasn’t some random tragedy beyond the limits of human control. We know that the trip should not have happened. The deaths should have been prevented, could have been prevented. If not for failure.

 

“Kindlon pointed the blame at the dangerous road conditions on Route 30A. The state, he claimed, knew the road and the intersection were deadly and didn’t address the problem. He urged grieving families to consider lawsuits.

 

“Maybe Kindlon is right about that, too. Maybe the condition of the road will prove to be yet another failure to add to the list. It could even be that this tragedy, the nation’s deadliest road accident since 23 were killed when a bus exploded near Dallas 13 years ago, will prove to be the perfect storm of failure….” (Times Union (Chris Churchill), Albany. “Failure made the Schoharie crash possible.” 10-10-2018.)

 

Alphabetical Listing of Victims

 

1. Cavosie, Rachael K., 30, of Waterford.[6]
2. Coons, Matthew W., 27, of Johnstown.[7]
3. Cushing, Patrick (Pat) Kevin, 31, of Amsterdam and Albany.[8] (boyfriend of Amanda Halse).[9]
4. Bursese, Savannah D., 24, of Johnstown.[10] Have also seen Savannah DeVonne.[11]
5. Dyson, Mary E., 33, of Watertown[12] (sister of Abby Jackson, Allison King, and Amy Steenburg).
6. Dyson, Robert J., 34, of Watertown.[13]
7. Halse, Amanda, 26[14] (girlfriend of Pat Cushing).[15]
8. Hough, Brian, 46, of Moravia,[16] Asst. Prof. of Geology, SUNY Oswego (in parking lot).[17]
9. Jackson, Abigail (Abby) J., 34 of Amsterdam (sister of Mary Dyson, Allison King, Amy Steenburg).[18]
10. Jackson, Adam G., 34[19] (husband of Abby Jackson).[20]
11. King, Allison, 31, of Ballston Spa[21] (sister of Mary Dyson, Abby Jackson, and Amy Steenburg).
12. Lisinicchia, Scott T., 53, of Lake George (driver of limo).[22]
13. McGowan, Erin R. (Vertucci), 34[23] (wife of Shane McGowan; married June 2018).[24]
14. McGowan, Shane, 30, of Amsterdam (husband of Erin R. Vertucci).[25]
15. Riverburg, Amanda, 29, of Albany.[26] (Also noted as being from Colonie.)[27]
16. Schnurr, James, 70, of Kerhonkson[28] (father-in-law of Dr. Hough), in parking lot.[29]
17. Steenburg, Amy L., 29, Amsterdam[30] (sister of Mary Dyson, Abby Jackson, & Allison King).[31]
18. Steenburg, Axel, 29, of Amsterdam (husband of Amy).[32]
19. Steenburg, Richard (Rich), 34, of Johnstown[33] (brother of Axel Steenburg).
20. Ukaj, Michael C., 34, of Johnstown.[34]

 

Sources

 

ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://6abc.com/limo-crash-victims-remembering-those-killed-in-schoharie-ny/4440836/

 

CBS News. “Limo driver’s wife says husband had complained about company’s cars.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/limo-crash-schoharie-new-york-driver-scott-lisinicchia-wife-says-husband-worried-about-prestige-cars/

 

CBS/AP. “Limo in New York crash ‘not supposed to be on the road,’ governor says.” 10-8-2018.

Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/limo-crash-schoharie-ny-ford-excursion-limousine-fatal-accident-failed-inspection-2018-10-08/

 

CNN (Holly Yan, Mark Morales and Polo Sandoval). “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/08/us/new-york-limo-crash/index.html

 

Democrat & Chronicle, Albany Bureau (Chad Arnold and Thomas Zambito). “Safety of intersection called into question following deadly limousine crash.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2018/10/09/intersection-where-limo-crash-too-dangerous/1569062002/

 

Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Claire Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash, Driver Lacked Proper License.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: http://gothamist.com/2018/10/09/upstate_limo_crash_ny.php#photo-1

 

NBC News (Tom Winter and Dennis Romero). “Limousine in deadly New York crash that killed 20 was cited for ‘brakes out of service.’” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/limousine-deadly-new-york-crash-killed-20-was-cited-brakes-n918341

 

New York Post, Bruce Golding. “Driver in deadly limo crash reportedly had prior drug busts.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/08/driver-in-deadly-limo-crash-reportedly-had-prior-drug-busts/

 

New York Post, Bruce Golding. “Limo in fatal crash reportedly listed for sale on Craigslist days before deadly wreck.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/09/limo-in-fatal-crash-reportedly-listed-for-sale-on-craigslist-days-before-deadly-wreck/

 

New York Post (Joe Tacopino). “Man who rented limo in deadly crash says it should’ve been ‘in the scrap yard.’” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/09/man-who-rented-limo-in-deadly-crash-says-it-shouldve-been-in-the-scrap-yard/

 

New York Post, Julia Marsh. “Two more victims in deadly limo crash identified.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/08/two-more-victims-in-deadly-limo-crash-identified/

 

New York Times. “20 Dead in Limousine Crash in Upstate New York.” 10-7-2018. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/nyregion/wedding-limo-crash-schoharie-ny.html

 

New York Times,  “Limo Crash Kills 20 in Upstate New York; Nation’s Deadliest Accident in 9 Years.” 10-7-2018. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/nyregion/wedding-limo-crash-schoharie-ny.html

 

New York Times (Jim Dwyer). “The Hidden Dangers of Riding in a Stretch Limousine.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/08/nyregion/stretch-limo-dangers-safety.html?module=inline

 

News 10 ABC (Anya Tucker), Albany NY. “Investigation continues into limo company involved in Schoharie crash.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/investigation-continues-into-limo-company-involved-in-schoharie-crash/1510589363

 

News 10 ABC (Samantha DiMascio), Albany NY. “NYSP, NTSB release updates on fatal Schoharie limo crash.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/nysp-ntsb-release-updates-on-fatal-schoharie-limo-crash/1508766593

 

Obittree.com. “Obituary for Patrick Kevin Cushing.” Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://obittree.com/obituary/us/new-york/amsterdam/riley-mortuary-inc/patrick-cushing/3626680/

 

The Saratogian. “Police + Courts: Nov. 21, 2013.” 11-23-2013. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.saratogian.com/news/police-courts-nov/article_0eb082e7-e0a7-523c-937c-c2ae407bc38f.html

 

Times Union (Chris Churchill and Larry Rulison), Albany, NY. “As a community mourns, limo owner’s story emerges.” 10-14-2018. Accessed 10-15-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/As-a-community-mourns-limo-owner-s-story-emerges-13305191.php

 

Times Union (Mike Goodwin), Albany NY. “20 killed in Schoharie limousine crash.” 10-7-2018. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/20-killed-in-Schoharie-limousine-crash-13288015.php

 

Times Union (Chris Churchill), Albany, NY. “Failure made the Schoharie crash possible.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Churchill-Failure-made-the-Schoharie-crash-13297680.php

 

Times Union (Robert Gavin and Steve Hughes), Albany NY. “Limo owner’s son released on bail after arraignment on homicide charge.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Breaking-Son-of-owner-in-limo-crash-taken-into-13296054.php

 

Times Union (Mallory Moench and Emily Masters). Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Schoharie-Limo-Crash-Victims-What-We-Know-13290063.php

 

Times Union (Steve Hughes), Albany NY. “Prestige Limo tried to sell vehicle days before fatal crash.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Prestige-Limo-tried-to-sell-vehicle-involved-in-13293364.php#photo-16303586

 

Times Union (Mallory Moench), Albany, NY. “Schoharie limo victims: What we know.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Schoharie-Limo-Crash-Victims-What-We-Know-13290063.php#photo-16295985

 

Times Union (Robert Gavin), Albany NY. “Son of owner in limo crash taken into custody.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Breaking-Son-of-owner-in-limo-crash-taken-into-13296054.php

 

WNYT News Channel 13, Albany NY. “Couple: 2017 wedding with limo company from Schoharie crash was ‘nightmare’.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://wnyt.com/news/couple-remembers-wedding-with-company-involved-in-schoharie-crash/5102006/

 

WNYT News Channel 13, Albany NY. “New details emerge about driver of limo in Schoharie crash.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://wnyt.com/news/new-details-emerge-about-driver-of-limo-in-schoharie-crash/5102306/

 

 

 

[1] Cuomo cited as stating that “The driver needed what what’s called a CDL, a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement. The driver did not have that proper license.”  (CNN {Holly Yan} “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-8-2018.)

[2] According to Gothamist, Oct 9, The limo was “Traveling nearly 60 mph…” (Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Claire Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash, Driver Lacked Proper License.” 10-9-2018.)

[3] Peter Goelz, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board.

[4] “…the friends had booked a party bus, but when it broke down en route to picking them up, the company–Prestige Limousine–sent a reportedly dilapidated limousine in its place.” (Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Claire Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash, Driver Lacked Proper License.” 10-9-2018.)

[5] Frank Figueroa, president of Pinnacle Limousine Manufacturing of City of Industry, CA, which did not work on the Prestige limo involved in the crash.

[6] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[7] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[8] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Times Union notes he was from Halfmoon. An obituary using his whole name notes he was born and grew up in Amsterdam and “was employed with the New York State Senate in Albany, NY, at the time of his death.” (Obittree.com. “Obituary for Patrick Kevin Cushing.” Accessed 10-9-2018.)

[9] Worker for state Senate’s Technology Services unit; from Amsterdam, NY. (ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018.) Another source writes he lived with Amanda Halse in Troy. (Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims…” 10-9-2018.)

[10] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[11] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[12] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[13] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Survived by son, 3-years-old.

[14] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[15] Waitress at Shaker Point in Watervliet, Albany County. (ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018.)

[16] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Notes that he and his father-in-law, James Schnurr, were in Schoharie for a wedding on Saturday.

[17] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[18] A teacher with Amsterdam School District. Mother of daughters, 4, and 16-months. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[19] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[20] Was a Deputy Commissioner at Montgomery County Board of Elections. Father of daughters, 4, and 16-months. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[21] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[22] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Survived by his wife.

[23] Of Amsterdam. Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[24] Administrative assistant, St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam. (ABC 6 News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[25] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[26] New York Post (Julia Marsh). “Two more victims in deadly limo crash identified.” 10-8-2018. Worked at Albany-based Living Resources, an organization that offers programs and services to people with disabilities. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[27] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[28] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[29] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[30] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Notes Amy and Axel were married in June 2018.

[31] Was celebrating her 30^th birthday. Was a nurse in Amsterdam where she and her husband, whom she married June 2018, lived. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[32] Times Union, Albany, NY (Moench and Masters). “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Worked at GlobalFoundries, as did his brother, Rich.

[33] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Worked at GlobalFoundries.

[34] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Notes the Marine Corps veteran who served a tour in Iraq, “died on his 34^th birthday.”

–55-57 Blanchard tally from State and local breakouts below.[1]

—      53  Wikipedia. “Hurricane Florence.” 10-17-2018. (30 direct and 23 indirect)[2]

—      51  Reuters (Gabriella Borter). “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018.

—      50  News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence…” 10-2-2018.

–39  NC

—  9  SC

—  2  VA

—     49  Clark. “The difficulty of Counting The Death Toll…Florence.” New Yorker, 9-27-2018.[3]

—     48  Assoc. Press. “Florence death toll increases; 1,500 still in NC shelters.” 9-27-2018.

—   >44  CNN. “At least 44 people have died since Hurricane Florence…” 9-22-2018.

—     43  WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick County man killed in tree-cutting accident.” 9-21-2018.

—     42  Weather Channel. “Florence’s Devastation: Death Toll Rises to 42…” 9-20-2018.

—   >37  CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of [NC].” 9-19-2018 update.

—     36  Charlotte Observer, NC. “Florence death toll rises to 36…” 9-19-2018 update.

—     35  CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of [NC].” 9-18-2018.

—     32  Weather Channel. “Florence’s Devastation: More Evacuations as Rivers…” 9-17-2018.

—     31  BBC US & Canada. “Florence death toll rises to 31 as flooding continues.” 9-17-2018.

—   >24  CBS/AP. “Florence wrecking havoc in North and South Carolina…” 9-17-2018.

—     18  Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths…6 killed in [SC].” 9-16-2018.

—     17  ABC7 Chicago. “Hurricane Florence updates: 17 dead…11 in NC…” 9-16-2018.

—     15  WP. “Florence: At least 15 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018.

—     14  NYT. “Hurricane Florence…Storm ‘Has Never Been More Dangerous’.” 9-16-2018.

 

Summary of State Breakout from Below

 

North Carolina          (42-44)

South Carolina          (     10)

Virginia                      (       3)

 

Total                             55-57

 

Breakout of Hurricane Florence and Aftermath Related Deaths

 

North Carolina          (42-44)[4]

–42-44  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below (includes death of evacuee in shelter).[5]

—     42  NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. Storm-Related Fatalities as of 11-16-2018.

—     41  NC Department of Health and Human Services.[6]

—     39  NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Statistics. 10-1-2018.

—     37  Associated Press. “Hurricane Florence Death Toll Increases…” 9-27-2018.

—     36  NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-24-2018.

—     36  News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s…” 9-25-2018.

—     33  NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-22-2018.

—     32  News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. Citing Sep 21 release by NC Gov. Roy Cooper.[7]

—     31  NC Dept. of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-20-2018.

—     27  CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Car. …” 9-18-2018.

—     27  North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”

—     26  NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 26.”

—     25  ABC 11, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence…32 dead, including 25…in [NC].” 9-17-2018.

—     25  NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 25.”

—     24  BBC US & Canada. “Florence death toll rises to 31 as flooding continues.” 9-17-2018.

—     19  Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…officials say,” 9-17-2018.

—     18  WFAE 90.7, Charlotte, NC. “Latest Florence Death Toll in the Carolinas.” 9-17-2018.

—     11  ABC7 Chicago. “Hurricane Florence…17 dead, including 11 in NC…” 9-16-2018.

Breakout of North Carolina Hurricane Florence-related deaths by locality:

–1  Anson County. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”

–1  Sep 17. Body of person found in vehicle after being washed off of the road.[8]

–1  Brunswick County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 9-22-2018.

–1  Sep 21. Tree-cutting accident; tree falls on male, 46.[9]

–1  Carteret Co, NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. Storm-Related Fatalities, 10-8-2018.

–1  Sep 22. Suicide[10] after home condemned due to flooding; male, 82.[11]

–1  Cleveland County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics (as of 10-8-2018).

–1  Sep 16. Male, 56, when tractor-trailer hydroplanes, overturns; Gov. Ofc.[12]

–1  Columbus County. Blanchard estimate.[13]

–2  Columbus County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”[14]

–1  Columbus County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. As of 11/16/18.

–1  Sep 12. Crash; man, 61, on moped while evacuating, notes Gov. Office.[15]

–1  Craven County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 36.” 9-24-2018.

–1  Sep 18. Fall, fractured neck; Male, 67, while cleaning up storm debris.[16]

–2  Cumberland County. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”

–2  Fayetteville, Sep 14. Fire; house caught fire after power failure.[17] Male, 86, female, 86.[18]

–8  Duplin County. Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below (State has 8, press has 9).[19]

–9  NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 10/1/2018).

–8  NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 10/8/2018).

Breakouts by locality:

–2  Kenansville area, Sep 15. Car swept away by flood water.[20]

–1  Kornegay, Sep 15. Car swept away by flood water (according to Sheriff’s Dept.)[21]

–2  Sep 17. CO poisoning. Male, 74 and female, 22, inside a home.[22]

–1  Sep 20 report. Female, 87, “after her breathing issues got worse due to lack of electricity.”[23]

–1  Sep 20 report. Male, 81, after learning of his wife’s death in house without electricity.[24]

–1  Sep 21 (found). Fall from ladder while repairing home storm damage; Male, 47.[25]

–2  Gaston County. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”

–1  Sep 15. Vehicular; “unrestrained passenger” in SUV going too fast in rain.[26]

–1  Dallas, Sep 16. Tree falls onto mobile home; boy, 3-months, killed.[27]

—   1  Guilford County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. 11-16-2018.[28]

–1  Locale not noted, Sep 22. Cause not noted; male, 46. (NC Office of Emer. Mgmt.)[29]

–1  Locale not noted, Sep 22 report from NC MEO. Fall; evacuee in hotel, male, 87.[30]

—   1  Jones County. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. As of 11-16-2018.

–2-3  Lenoir County. NC DPS notes three deaths whereas Lenoir County DEM notes 2.

–3  NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 11/16/2018).”

–2  Lenoir County Emergency Manager Samuel Kornegay, 10-20-2018.[31]

–2  Lenoir Co. North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”

–1  Kinston, Sep 13/14 Fall, man, 77, thought to have been blown down by wind.[32]

–1  Kinston, Sep 14~ Electrocution outside home; man, 78, plugging in generator in rain.[33]

—   3  New Hanover Co. Blanchard estimate, excluding unofficial Wilmington evacuee death.

–3  New Hanover Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. 10-1-2018.

–2  Wilmington, Sep 14. Tree falls on house; mother, 41, and son, 7 months.[34]

–?  Wilmington. Evacuee in Hoggard High School shelter, cause not noted.[35]

–1  Locality not noted. Infection received while cleaning up storm debris, male, 85.[36]

–2-3  Onslow County. (NC DPS notes three deaths, whereas we find reports of two in press.)

–3  Onslow Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40, as of 11-16-18”.[37]

–2  Onslow County.[38] Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.[39]

–1  Sep 17. Man, 56, found dead on his back porch, home with water damage.[40]

–1  Sep 17? Vehicular accident; car hydroplanes across yellow line hitting another car.[41]

—  4  Pender County. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

–2  Pender Co. NC DPS Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. 10-1-2018 & 11-16-2018.

–1  Hampstead, Sep 14. Heart attack; female; EMS blocked by downed trees.[42]

–1  (Victim #26), NC Hwy, 210, Sep 16. Male, 71, drives car off road into floodwater.[43]

–1  Locale not noted. Sep 14 or 15. EMS hindered from reaching victim due to flooding.[44]

–1  Locale not noted, Sep 22. Male, 69,[45] falls from roof.[46]

—  3  Robeson County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 36.” 9-24-2018.

–1  Locality not noted. Drowning; female, 51 found in submerged vehicle.[47]

–1  Locality not noted, Sep 16. Male, 83. NCEM. “Hurricane Florence Casualty Count.”[48]

–1  Locality not noted, Oct 22. Male, 69, suicide (home damaged by Florence and Matthew).[49]

—  1  Rutherford County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.

–1  Sep 18. Tree fall onto moving vehicle; woman, 46 (according to NC DPS).[50]

—  2  Sampson County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.

–1  Sep 17. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; male, 73, lost oxygen concentrator power.[51]

–1  Sep 14. Apparent heart attack; male, 62, collapsed/died trying to assist evacuee.[52]

—  2  Scotland Co. NC DPS. Hurricane Florence 2018. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40, as of 10/8/2018)”.

–1  Scotland Co. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.[53]

–1  Sep 16. Apparent drowning; male, 73, found in submerged vehicle.[54]

–1  Drowning; male 65, car submerged by flood water.[55]

–2  Union County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.

–1  Highway 218, Sep 16. Woman drives past barricades into water; son, 1, drowns.[56]

–1  Marshville, Sep 17 (Clayborn Lee Wright, 88, found). Next to car in floodwater.[57]

–1  Wayne County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” 9-19-2018.

–1  Sep 14. Fall; man, 81, fell and struck his head while packing to evacuate.[58]

 

South Carolina          (10)

–10  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below. (Ambiguity re Marlboro County death.)[59]

–10  South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Public Information. 10-18-2018.[60]

—  9  South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Public Information. 9-21-2018.

—  9  South Carolina Department of Public Safety (Public Information), 10-19-2018 email.

—  8  CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of [NC].” 9-19-2018 update.

—  8  Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Car.…” 9-19-2018.

Breakout of South Carolina Hurricane Florence and remnants-related deaths by locality:

–1  Dillon County, Sep 19. Male, 81, found in submerged vehicle, apparently swept from road.[61]

–1  Georgetown Co., Georgetown, Sep 16. Man drove truck into floodwater, overturned in ditch.[62]

–2  Horry County, Loris, Sep 14. CO poisoning; couple; power out, generator inside home.[63]

–1  Kershaw County, I-20, Sep 16. Vehicle left road, hits overpass support; weather related.[64]

–1  Lexington Co., Gilbert area, Sep 16. Woman loses control of pickup after running into standing water.[65]

–2  Marion Co., btw. Mullins and Nichols. Drownings; women in van driven into floodwater.[66]

–?  Marlboro County, McColl area, Sep 17. Drowning, man trying to cross Pea Bridge Road.[67]

–?  Sumter County, Sumter, Pocalla Swamp, Sep 12. Drowning; boy, 9, playing in water.[68]

–1  Union Co., Gaffney Hwy., Sep 14. Pickup hits fallen tree; Amber Dawn Lee, 61, 9:40 pm.[69]

–1  Upstate. Evacuee death. (SC EMD Public Information Officer, 10-18-2018)[70]

 

Virginia                      (  3)

–3  CNN. “At least 44 people have died since Hurricane Florence slammed into…, 9-22-2018.

–3  Reuters. “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018.[71]

–2  CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Car. …” 9-18-2018.

–1  Louisa County, Louisa, Sep 18. Pickup crossing road caught up in flood water; Male 59.[72]

–1  Chesterfield, south of Richmond area, Sep 17. Tornado; building collapse; male victim.[73]

–1  Circumstances not noted. Reuters. “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018.

 

Cause of Death

 

Blocked Roads and EMS Inaccessibility:                          (  2)

–1  NC, Pender Co., Hampstead, Sep 14. Heart attack; female; EMS blocked by downed trees.

–1  NC, Pender Co., Locale not noted. Sep 14 or 15. EMS hindered in reaching victim due to flooding.[74]

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning                                               (  2)

–2  NC, Duplin County, Sep 17. CO poisoning. Male, 74 and female, 22, inside a home.

–2  SC, Loris, Horry County, Sep 14. CO poisoning; couple with generator inside home.

 

Drownings                                                                             (  1)

–1  SC, Marlboro Co., McColl area, Sep 17. Drowning, man trying to cross Pea Bridge Road.

 

Electrocution                                                                         (  1)

–1  NC, Kinston, Lenoir County. Electrocution at home; man, 78, plugging in generator in rain.

 

Falls                                                                                        (  5)

–1  NC, Craven County; Sep 18. Fall, fractured neck; Male, 67, while cleaning up storm debris.

–1  NC, Duplin Co., Sep 21 (found). Fall from ladder; repairing home storm damage; Male, 47.

–1  NC, Onslow Co., Sep 17. Man, 56, found dead on his back porch, home with water damage.[75]

–1  NC, Pender County, locale not noted, Sep 22. Man falls from roof.

–1  NC, Wayne County. Fall; man, 81, fell and struck his head while packing to evacuate.

 

Fire related to Power Loss                                                   (  2)

–2  NC, Fayetteville, Sep 14. Fire; couple killed when house caught fire after power failure.

 

Heart attack while assisting an evacuee                             (  1)

–1  NC, Sampson Co. Apparent heart attack; male, 62, collapsed/died trying to assist evacuee.

 

Loss of Power for Medical Support Equipment                (  2)

–1  NC, Duplin Co., Sep 20 report. Female, 87, “after her breathing issues got worse due to lack of electricity.”

–1  NC, Sampson Co. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; male, 73, lost oxygen concentrator power.

 

Tornado                                                                                 (  1)

–1  VA, Chesterfield, south of Richmond area, Sep 17. Tornado; building collapse; male victim.

 

Tree-Cutting Accident                                                         (  1)

–1  NC, Brunswick County, Sep 21 (report). Tree-cutting accident; tree falls on male, 46.

 

Tree Falls onto homes                                                          (  3)

–1  NC, Dallas, Gaston County, Sep 16. Tree falls onto mobile home; boy, 3-months, killed.

–2  NC, Wilmington, Sep 14. Tree falls on house, killing mother, 41 and son, 7 months.

 

Vehicular — Driving into Fallen Tree                                 (  1)

–1  SC, Gaffney Hwy., Union Co., Sep 14. Pickup hits fallen tree; Amber Dawn Lee, 61, ~9:30 pm.

 

Vehicular — Driving into Floodwater:                                (15)

–1  NC, Anson County, Sep 17. Body of person found in vehicle washed off of the road.

–1  NC, Duplin County, Sep 17? Unidentified person; “vehicle swept off the road by water.”

–2  NC, Kenansville area, Duplin County, Sep 15. Car swept away by flood water.

–1  NC, Kornegay, Duplin County, Sep 15. Car swept away by flood water (Sheriff Dept.)

–1  NC, Pender County (#26), NC Hwy, 210. Male, 71, drives car off road into floodwater.

–1  NC, Scotland County, Sep 16. Apparent drowning; male, 73, found in submerged vehicle.

–1  NC, Scotland County. Drowning; male 65, car submerged by flood water.

–1  NC, Union Co., hwy. 218, Sep 17. Woman drives past barricades into water; son, 1, drowns.

–1  NC, Union County, Sep 17 (body of Clayborn Lee Wright found). Next to car in floodwater.

–1  SC, Dillon Co., Sep 19. Male, 81, found in submerged vehicle, apparently swept from road.

–1  SC, Georgetown, Georgetown Co., Sep 16. Man drove truck into floodwater, overturned in ditch.

–1  SC, Gilbert area, Lexington Co., Sep 16. Woman loses control of pickup after running into standing water.

–2  SC, Marion Co., btw. Mullins & Nichols. Drownings; women in van driven into floodwater.

–1  VA, Louisa Co., Louisa, Sep 18. Pickup crossing road caught up in flood water; Male 59.[76]

 

Vehicular — Hydroplaning into Objects                            (  2)

–1  NC, Cleveland County, Sep 16. Male, 61, when tractor-trailer hydroplanes, overturns.

–1  NC, Onslow Co. Vehicular accident; car hydroplanes across yellow line hitting another car.

 

Vehicular — Other and/or Unclear                                     (  4)

–1  NC, Columbus Co., Sep 16? Crash; man, 61, on moped while evacuating, notes Gov. Office.

–1  NC, Gaston Co., Sep 15. Vehicular; “unrestrained passenger” in SUV going too fast in rain.

–1  NC, Rutherford County. Tree fall onto moving vehicle; woman, 46 (according to NC DPS).

–1  SC, Kershaw County, I-20, Sep 16. Vehicle left road, hits overpass support; weather related.

 

Wind                                                                                      (  1)

–1  NC, Kinston, Lenoir Co. Fall, man, 77, thought to have been blown down by wind outdoors.

 

Other                                                                                      (10)

–1  NC. Beaufort County, Sep 22. Suicide after home condemned due to flooding; male, 82.

–1  NC. Cleveland County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”

–1  NC. Columbus County. NC Dept. of Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.”

–1  NC. Duplin Co., Sep 20 report. Male, 81, after learning of wife’s death in house without electricity.

–1  NC. New Hanover Co., Wilmington. Evacuee in Hoggard High School shelter, cause not noted.

–1  NC. New Hanover Co. Locale not noted. Infection from cleaning up storm debris, male, 85.

–1  NC. Robeson Co. Cause not noted. NC Dept. Public Safety. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 25.”

–1  NC. Robeson Co. Locality not noted, Oct 22. Male, 69, suicide (home damaged by Florence and Matthew).

–1  SC. “Upstate.” Evacuee death. (SC EMD Public Information Officer, 10-18-2018)

–1  VA.  Circumstances not noted. Reuters. “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018.

 

Sources

 

ABC 7 Chicago. “Hurricane Florence updates: 17 dead, including 11 in NC…” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://abc7chicago.com/weather/florence-updates-17-dead-including-11-in-nc/4244283/

 

ABC 11, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence updates: 32 dead, including 25 dead in North Carolina.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://abc11.com/4244283/

 

Associated Press (Jason Boyd). “Cooper: Death toll up to 35 after Beaufort Co. man commits suicide.” 9-24-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://wcti12.com/weather/hurricane-stories/cooper-i-40-i-95-now-open-death-toll-up-to-35-after-beaufort-co-man-commits-suicide

 

Associated Press. “Florence death toll increases; 1,500 still in NC shelters.” 9-27-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.ksl.com/article/46397562/florence-death-toll-increases-1500-still-in-nc-shelters

 

Associated Press. “Hurricane Florence Death Toll Increases as More Than 1,500 People Remain in North Carolina Shelters.” 9-27-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: http://time.com/5408771/hurricane-florence-death-toll-increases/

 

Associated Press. “South Carolina couple dies from carbon monoxide poisoning after using generator in home.” WLOS 13, Asheville, NC. 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://wlos.com/news/nation-world/south-carolina-couple-dies-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-after-using-generator-in-home

 

Associated Press. “Suicide raises Florence death toll to 41 in North Carolina.” 11-5-2018. Accessed 11-6-2018 at: https://apnews.com/e90ea0c571bc4ff683e54a8c0527fe9b

 

Associated Press. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article218592620.html

 

Associated Press/Fayetteville Observer, NC. “The Latest: Bridge closed as North Carolina river rises.” 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/20180918/latest-bridge-closed-as-north-carolina-river-rises

 

Associated Press. “The Latest: Florence claims 26th victim in NC.” WMDT.com, 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-21-2018 at: https://www.wmdt.com/i/the-latest-florence-claims-26th-victim-in-nc/

 

Associated Press. “Update: Hurricane Florence death toll now at 31 people.” WKYT, Lexington, KY. 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Hurricane-Florence-death-toll-now-at-31-people–493535601.html

 

BBC US & Canada. “Florence death toll rises to 31 as flooding continues.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45544424

 

CBS/AP. “1-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters in North Carolina.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florence-union-county-north-carolina-boy-swept-away-by-hurricane-floodwaters-2018-09-17/

 

CBS/AP. “2 mental health patients in sheriff’s van drown, deputies rescued in South Carolina.” 9-19-2018. Accessed 9-19-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-2-female-mental-health-patients-in-sheriffs-van-drown-deputies-rescued-in-south-carolina/

 

CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Carolina — live updates.” 9-18-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-weather-flooding-power-outage-death-toll-fema-latest-forecast-live/

 

CBS/AP. “Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Carolina — live updates.” 9-19-2018 update. Accessed 9-19-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-weather-flooding-power-outage-death-toll-fema-latest-forecast-live/

 

CBS/AP. “Florence wrecking havoc in North and South Carolina — Live updates.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/florence-hurricane-latest-weather-tropical-depression-flooding-power-outage-forecast-live-updates/

 

CBS/AP. “Flooding envelops South Carolina homes as Florence death toll rises.” 9-26-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-florence-aftermath-flooding-envelops-south-carolina-homes-death-toll-rises-2018-09-26/

 

Charlotte Observer, NC. “Florence death toll rises to 25, including 3 young children, Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018. Accessed  9-17-2018 at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article218527000.html

 

Charlotte Observer, NC. “Florence death toll rises to 36, including 3 young children, in Carolinas, Virginia.” 9-19-2018 update. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article218527000.html

 

Clark, Doug Bock. “The difficulty of Counting The Death Toll From Hurricane Florence.” New Yorker, 9-27-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-difficulty-of-counting-the-death-toll-from-hurricane-florence

 

CNN. “At least 44 people have died since Hurricane Florence slammed into the North Carolina coast last week.” Fox 8 News, High Point, NC, 9-22-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: https://myfox8.com/2018/09/22/at-least-44-people-have-died-since-hurricane-florence-slammed-into-the-north-carolina-coast-last-week/

 

Fink, Sheri. “Tallying the Dead: Why a Storm Death in One State Might Not Count in Another.” New York Times, 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-12-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/11/us/hurricane-florence-death-toll-carolinas.html

 

Goldsmith, Thomas.” Nearly Half of Tar Heels Killed by Hurricane Florence Were 70 or Older.” North Carolina Health News, 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2018/10/08/nearly-half-of-tar-heels-killed-by-hurricane-florence-were-70-or-older/

 

Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths, counting 3-months-old; 6 killed in South Carolina.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2018/09/16/florence-kills-four-south-carolina-death-toll-now-15/1327976002/

 

Hughes, Capt. R. K. South Carolina Department of Public Safety (Public Information Officer). 10-19-2018 email to Wayne Blanchard “RE: Hurricane Florence-Related Fatalities in South Carolina.”

 

New York Times. “Hurricane Florence Live Updates: Storm ‘Has Never Been More Dangerous’.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/16/us/hurricane-florence-path.html

 

News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence, bringing the total to 50 across 3 states.” 10-2-2018. Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article219356020.html

 

News & Observer (Aaron Moody and Brian Murphy), Raleigh, NC. “‘Don’t let your guard down,’ Cooper Says as NC Hurricane Florence deaths rise to 32.” 9-22-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218864235.html

 

News & Observer (Dan Kane), Raleigh, NC. “Florence death toll in NC rises to 33 with report of evacuee’s death.” 9-23-2018, updated 9-24-2018. Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218890795.html

 

News & Observer (Brian Murphy), Raleigh, NC. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC, including eight in tiny Duplin County.” 9-20-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218749690.html

 

News & Observer (Brian Murphy). Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims. Here are the 36 NC deaths blamed on the storm.” 9-25-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article218984940.html

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 25.” Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/florence#storm-stats-storm-related-fatalities:-25swift-water-rescues:-2,600-people-+-300-animals-(as-of-noon,-sept.-17)—state-resources-deployed

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 27.” Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/florence#storm-stats-storm-related-fatalities:-27swift-water-rescues:-2,600-people-+-500-animals-(as-of-7-a.m.,-sept.-18)—state-resources-deployed

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 31.” Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/florence#storm-stats-storm-related-fatalities:-31-(as-of-9-am,-9/20/2018)–rescued-and-evacuated:-4,743-people-+-1,019-animals-(as-of-9-am,-9/20/2018)—state-resources-deployedout-of-state-resources-deployed

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 33.” 9-22-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 36.” 9-24-2018. Accessed 9-27-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 39 (as of 10/1/2018.” Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence Storm Statistics. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 40 (as of 19/8/2018). Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics

 

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Hurricane Florence 2018. Storm Stats. “Storm-Related Fatalities: 42 (as of 11/16/2018).” Accessed 12-12-2018 at: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-florence-storm-statistics

 

Post and Courier (Andrew Knapp). Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://www.postandcourier.com/news/the-tropical-storm-florence-deaths-in-sc-and-how-they/article_9cc8e67a-bc1a-11e8-9e56-3769165b2b95.html

 

Reuters (Gabriella Borter). “Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51.” 10-2-2018. Accessed 10-12-2018 at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-storm-florence/hurricane-florence-death-toll-rises-to-51-idUSKCN1MC2JJ

 

South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Public Information. 9-21-2018. Telephone conversation 11:45 am, 9-21-2018.

 

Star News, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick Updates: Evacuee in West Brunswick shelter dies.” 9-12-2018. Accessed 10-29-2018 at: https://www.starnewsonline.com/news/20180912/brunswick-updates-evacuee-in-west-brunswick-shelter-dies

 

StarNewsOnline, Wilmington, NC. “Florence flooding taking a toll across Wilmington region.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.starnewsonline.com/news/20180917/new-hanover-county–food-centers-to-open

 

The Sumter Item. “9-year-old boy drowns at Pocalla Swamp.” 9-12-2018. Accessed 10-17-2018 at: http://theitem.com/stories/9-year-old-boy-drowns-at-pocalla-swamp,314748

 

Washington Post (Brady Dennis, Mark Berman, Emily Wax-Thibodeaux). “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with intense flooding due to Carolinas storm.” 9-15-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/15/hurricane-florence-storm-continues-to-pummel-carolinas/?utm_term=.b635d0d754cf

 

Washington Post (Katie Zezima). “Florence: At least 15 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/16/florence-several-deaths-reported-as-storm-swamps-carolinas/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ee703d11b2a8

 

Washington Post. “Florence: At least 17 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/16/florence-several-deaths-reported-as-storm-swamps-carolinas/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.b391ec309f22

 

Washington Post (Mark Berman, Allyson Chiu and Katie Zezima). “‘We’re just getting prepared for the worst’: Florence pounds flooded Carolinas as death toll rises to 32.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/09/17/florence-dumps-torrential-rain-raises-floodwaters-across-the-carolinas/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.35b4b9e2a0e3

 

WBTV, Charlotte. “Man’s body recovered in floodwaters in Union County.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.wbtv.com/2018/09/17/body-recovered-floodwaters-union-county/

 

Weather Channel (Pam Wright). “Florence’s Devastation: Death Toll Rises to 42; Towns Wait for the Flood to Arrive.” 9-20-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-09-18-florence-flooding-north-south-carolina-virginia

 

Weather Channel (Sean Breslin). “Florence’s Devastation: More Evacuations as Rivers Reach Major Flood States; Death Toll Rises.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-09-17-florence-flooding-north-south-carolina

 

WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick County man killed in tree-cutting accident; Florence’s NC death toll rises to 32.” 9-21-2018. Accessed 9-22-2018 at: http://www.wect.com/story/39150438/brunswick-county-man-killed-in-tree-cutting-accident-florences-nc-death-toll-rises-to-32

 

WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Person dies at Hoggard High shelter.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-20-2018 at: http://www.wect.com/story/39101939/person-passes-away-at-hoggard-high

 

WFAE 90.7 (NPR), Charlotte, NC. “Latest Florence Death Toll in the Carolinas.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.wfae.org/post/latest-florence-death-toll-carolinas#stream/0

 

WHSV 3, Harrisonburg, VA. “Florence death toll up at 11, including 3 killed by flooding.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: http://www.whsv.com/content/news/Mother-and-infant-killed-by-falling-tree-in-Wilmington-493320981.html

 

Wikipedia. “Hurricane Florence.” 10-17-2018. Accessed 10-17-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Florence

 

WISTV 10, Columbia, SC. “Kershaw County Coroner identifies victim reported as fifth Florence-related death.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: http://www.wistv.com/story/39099931/kershaw-county-coroner-identifies-victim-reported-as-fifth-florence-related-death

 

WISTV 10, Columbia, SC. “Lexington Co. Coroner releases identity of sixth storm-related death in SC.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: http://www.wistv.com/story/39100538/lexington-co-confirms-sixth-florence-related-death

 

WMBF News, Myrtle Beach, SC. “Man drowns after attempting to cross roadway near McColl.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/39105494/man-drowns-after-attempting-to-cross-roadway-near-mccoll

 

WNCT 9 (Dalisa Robles), Greenville, NC. “Multiple dead after Florence strikes eastern Carolina.” 9-14-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wnct.com/news/local-news/breaking-mother-child-died-after-tree-fell-on-house-during-hurricane-florence/1444676322

 

WRAL.com, Raleigh, NC. “Latest: Wake closes all hurricane shelters, ends state of emergency.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.wral.com/latest-durham-community-evacuated-after-eno-river-floods/17849119/

 

WSOC TV, Charlotte, NC. “3-month-old killed after tree topples into Gaston County mobile home, officials say.” 9-16-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/3-month-old-killed-after-tree-topple-into-gaston-county-mobile-home-officials-say/835601743

 

WWAY 3, Wilmington, NC. “First Death During Hurricane Florence Confirmed in Pender County.” 9-14-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wwaytv3.com/2018/09/14/first-death-during-hurricane-florence-confirmed-in-pender-county/

 

WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018. Accessed 9-18-2018 at: https://www.wyff4.com/article/several-florence-related-deaths-reported/23135047

 

WYFF 4, Greenville, SC. “Pickup crashes into fallen tree, causing Upstate’s first Florence-Related death.” 9-15-2018. Accessed 9-16-2018 at: https://www.wyff4.com/article/heres-how-you-can-help-the-victims-of-florence/23223221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] We include New Hanover County, NC death of evacuee in a high school shelter, which NC DPS does not include in their listing of NC deaths. We do not include, for lack of detail, the deaths of several patients who died shortly after being evacuated from ND and SC hospitals and nursing homes. See: Sheri Fink. “Tallying the Dead: Why a Storm Death in One State Might Not Count in Another.” New York Times, 10-11-2018.

[2] This includes, however, two deaths in FL which we do not include — deaths related to riptides (which happen when there is no hurricane activity off the coast).

[3] “As of Wednesday afternoon [Sep 26] government officials across North Carolina, [SC], and [VA] had established a death toll of forty-nine, though information about directly and indirectly related deaths was not yet complete.”

[4] Sent email to NC DHHS 10-15-2018 seeking assistance in removing ambiguities and providing cause of death where deaths are noted, but without indicating cause of death. No response as of 12-12-2018.

[5] Have highlighted below the cases wherein the information I reflect differs from the NC DPS Storm Stats.

[6] “A spreadsheet of Hurricane Florence-related deaths provided by North Carolina’s health department listed only one of 41 deaths from that storm as ‘indirect.’” (Fink, Sheri. “Tallying the Dead: Why a Storm Death in One State Might Not Count in Another.” New York Times, 10-11-2018.)

[7] News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “‘Don’t let your guard down,’ Cooper Says as NC Hurricane Florence deaths rise to 32.” 9-22-2018.

[8] Washington Post. “‘We’re just getting prepared for the worst’: Florence…death toll rises to 32.” 9-17-2018; WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018.

[9] WECT 6, Wilmington, NC. “Brunswick County man killed in tree-cutting accident.” 9-21-2018.

[10] Another account, quoting from NC DPS, reads “Shot self when house condemned.” (Goldsmith, Thomas.” Nearly Half of Tar Heels Killed by Hurricane Florence Were 70 or Older.” North Carolina Health News, 10-8-2018.) Goldsmith notes suicide was in Carteret Co. NC DPS Storm Statistics notes the death as a Beaufort County resident.

[11] Associated Press (Jason Boyd). “Cooper: Death toll up to 35 after Beaufort Co. man commits suicide.” 9-24-2018. Later reporting indicated Carteret County. We observe that after press reports of this being a Carteret County death, the NC DPS dropped Beaufort County from its list of Counties with “Storm-Related Fatalities” and added Carteret.

[12] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…” 9-17-2018. Cites release from the Governor’s Office. Another source  cites the NC Highway Patrol for information of the death of Orville King III, 56, of Jacksonville, FL, who was driving north on Interstate 85 near Kings Mountain (Cleveland County) Sunday, when a car began passing King in the left lane. Both vehicles hydroplaned, and the tractor-trailer went off the road to the right and hit a tree. (AP. “Update: Hurricane Florence death toll now at 31 people.” WKYT, Lexington, KY. 9-17-2018.)

[13] Talked with County Emergency Manager on 10-9-2018. He noted that all deaths were supposed to be reported to the state from the County Emergency Operations Center, where no deaths had been reported to the State. Noted that the Moped fatality was well before the hurricane hit and appeared to be an un-related traffic accident. He had seen reports of another death, but the event in question turned out to be a homicide unrelated to the storm. He noted the deaths of two nursing home residents, but these natural deaths also appeared to be unrelated to the storm. Also noted a cardiac arrest death in a residence but was unsure if EMS was delayed in responded to 911 call by storm water or debris on roads. Suggested I call the EMS Chief, which I did. He recalled the case, and noted that responders experienced no delay in responding and that he did not consider this to be a Florence-related death. His opinion was that there were no Columbus County Hurricane Florence-related fatalities. Nonetheless, in that the Governor’s Office is cited as indicating that the Moped accident was of an evacuee, and in that (as of Oct 9, the NC DPS still notes one Columbus County death, we choose to show one, though it is in dispute by local officials.

[14] This reporting was changed in later reporting (Oct 8) to reflect one death, not two.

[15] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018. WRAL.com writes that “a 61-year-old man…died in a crash while escaping Wilmington on a moped.” (WRAL.com, Raleigh, NC. “Latest: Wake closes all hurricane shelters, ends state of emergency.” 9-17-2018.) We talked with Columbus County Emergency Manager on October 9, and he indicated he did not believe this to be a storm-related death (slight traffic/good driving conditions), and had not reported it, or any other deaths, to the NC Department of Public Safety.

[16] CBS/AP. “Flooding envelops South Carolina homes as Florence death toll rises.” 9-26-2018. Cites NC Governor’s Office and notes that the State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the death was storm-related.

[17] Washington Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with…flooding…” 9-15-2018, Article cites the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and notes that the fire cause under investigation.

[18] News & Observer. Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims…36 NC deaths…storm.” 9-25-2018.

[19] Talked with Duplin County Emergency Manager, Robert Houston, 10-9-2019 as to the change in reported deaths from nine to eight. He noted that it had been determined that an unidentified death due to a car being swept away by flood water was actually a references to the Kornegay death. He noted that some accounts had reported two deaths, but there was only one.

[20] WHSV 3, Harrisonburg, VA. “Florence death toll…11, including 3…by flooding.” 9-16-2018. Cites Co. Sheriff.

[21] WHSV 3, Harrisonburg, VA. “Florence death toll up at 11, including 3 killed by flooding.” 9-16-2018.

[22] News & Observer, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC…eight…Duplin County.” 9-20-2018.

[23] News & Observer, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC…eight…Duplin County.” 9-20-2018.

[24] News & Observer, Raleigh. “Hurricane Florence linked to 31 deaths in NC…eight…Duplin County.” 9-20-2018.

[25] Source is reported as NC Governor’s office. News & Observer (Richard Stradling), Raleigh, NC. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence, bringing the total to 50 across 3 states.” 10-2-2018.

[26] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…” 9-17-2018. Cites release from the Governor’s Office.

[27] WSOC TV, Charlotte, NC. “3-month-old killed after tree topples into Gaston County mobile home…” 9-16-2018. Boy identified as Kade Gill. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…officials say,” 9-17-2018.)

[28] We speculate that the fall of an evacuee in a hotel, leading to death, is not included by NC DPS. Left phone message at Guilford County Emergency Management, 10-8-2018 (336-641-2278). Don Campbell returned my call while I was out and I left another message at 4:35 pm. Tried to leave phone message 10-17-2018, but received recording that “Guildford County Emergency Management is not available.” Called Sheriff’s Office and was referred to Emergency Management. Left another phone message for Don Campbell 10-29-2018.

[29] News & Observer. Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims…36 NC deaths…storm.” 9-25-2018. Given that NC DPS reports (as of 10-1-2018) just one Guilford County death, and given the lack of detail concerning death of 46-year-old male, we are unsure whether there were one or two deaths in Guilford County.

[30] “An 87-year-old evacuee from Hurricane Florence became the 33^rd person to die from the storm in North Carolina after he fell and struck his head in a Guilford County hotel, state emergency officials said.” (News & Observer, Raleigh, NC. “Florence death toll in NC rises to 33 with report of evacuee’s death.” 9-23-2018, updated 9-24-2018.)

[31] Talked to Mr. Kornegay concerning the fact that NC DPS shows three Lenoir County deaths. He noted that he was only aware of the two he reported through the Emergency Operations Center to the State — the two we have noted in Kinston. He noted there were several natural causes deaths in the hurricane and immediate aftermath timeframe but that the medical examiner had determined that they were natural causes and not storm-related.

[32] WNCT 9 (Dalisa Robles), Greenville, NC. “Multiple dead after Florence strikes eastern Carolina.” 9-14-2018. Another source cites NC Office of Medical Examiner to effect that he fell and died due to a cardiac problem. (Washington Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11…with intense flooding due to Carolinas storm.” 9-15-2018.

[33] WNCT 9 (Dalisa Robles), Greenville, NC. “Multiple dead after Florence strikes eastern Carolina.” 9-14-2018. Was connecting two extension cords. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…” 9-17-2018.)

[34] Wash. Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with…flooding…” 9-15-2018

[35] StarNewsOnline, Wilmington, NC. “Florence flooding taking a toll across Wilmington region.” 9-17-2018. This death not included in NC DPS listing of deaths by county — thus yellow highlighting. We are willing to entertain the thought that the death of someone in a hurricane evacuation shelter might well be thought of as hurricane-related, even if by natural cause. WECT 6, Wilmington, NC, writes “A person died at Hoggard High School early Monday morning, New Hanover County officials said. Emergency Medical Services responded to a call of an unresponsive person at the school, which is operating as a shelter.” (“Person dies at Hoggard High shelter,” 9-17-2018.) Another source cites a Brunswick County spokesperson to the effect that while the death did occur at one of the county’s hurricane shelters for Florence, it was not related to the storm. (Star News, Wilmington. “Brunswick Updates: Evacuee in West Brunswick shelter dies.” 9-12-2018.)

[36] Associated Press. “Florence death toll increases; 1,500 still in NC shelters.” 9-27-2018. Cites NC EOC source.

[37] Left phone msg. with Emer. Services (910-347-4270) for the Onslow County Emergency Manager, 10-17-2018.

[38] Sent email to Onslow County Emergency Manager 10-8-2018.

[39] Reports of both deaths cite official sources for these deaths and storm-related cause. Speculate that in the NC DPS  showing of one Onslow fatality as of Sep 18, there has been a change of mind on the designation of one of these.

[40] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018. Observer cites Gov.’s Office statement that the victim fell and that his home showed water damage and leaking.

[41] WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018. NC Emergency Management (Department of Public Safety) is cited as source. Another source, citing NC Office of Emer. Mgmt, notes the death of a male, age 37. (News & Observer (Brian Murphy). Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims. Here are the 36 NC deaths blamed on the storm.” 9-25-2018.)

[42] WWAY 3, Wilmington, NC. “First Death During Hurricane Florence Confirmed in Pender County.” 9-14-2018. Notes the Pender Co. Emer. Management Director “has confirmed a woman in Hampstead has died …[saying] a woman had a heart attack this morning. Emergency crews could not get to her because of downed trees in the road.”

[43]  AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Another source notes: “Florence has claimed a 26^th victim in North Carolina. Keith Acree is a spokesman for North Carolina Emergency Management. He said Tuesday that the 26^th victim is a 71-year-old man who died Sunday when his car ran off North Carolina Highway 210 in Pender County and into floodwaters.” (Associated Press. “The Latest: Florence claims 26^th victim in NC.” WMDT.com, 9-18-2018.)

[44] Phone conversation with Pender County Emer. Mgr., 10-17-2018. Victim died of natural causes after calling 911.

[45] Goldsmith. “Nearly Half of Tar Heels Killed by…Florence Were 70 or Older.” NC Health News, 10-8-2018.

[46] News & Observer, Raleigh. “2 more deaths in NC are blamed on Florence…total…50 across 3 states.” 10-2-2018.

[47] Associated Press. “Cooper: Death toll up to 35 after Beaufort Co. man commits suicide.” 9-24-2018.

[48] News & Observer. Raleigh, NC. “Young and old among Florence’s victims…36 NC deaths…storm.” 9-25-2018.

[49] “…a man whose home was damaged by two hurricanes in the past three years took his own life. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner added the…man to the Florence death count last week…” (Associated Press. “Suicide raises Florence death toll to 41 in North Carolina.” 11-5-2018.)

[50] AP/Fayetteville Observer, NC. “The Latest: Bridge closed as North Carolina river rises.” 9-18-2018.

[51] Washington Post. “‘We’re just getting prepared for the worst’: Florence…death toll rises to 32.” 9-17-2018.

[52] WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018.

[53] Overtaken by notation of two deaths as of 10-8-2018.

[54] Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…officials say,” 9-17-2018. Observer cites Gov.’s Office.

[55] WYFF 4/AP, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018; Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…officials say,” 9-17-2018. Observer cites Gov.’s Office.

[56] CBS/AP. “1-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters in [NC].” 9-17-2018. Id’s victim as Kaiden Lee-Welch. Another source notes the source of the floodwater as Richardson Creek. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018.)

[57] WFAE 90.7, Charlotte, NC. “Latest Florence Death Toll in the Carolinas.” 9-17-2018. WBTV notes car was found off Landsford Rd. in Marshville. (WBTV. “Man’s body recovered in floodwaters in Union County.” 9-17-2018.)

[58] Wash. Post. “Death toll rises to at least 11, officials say, as some areas grapple with…flooding…” 9-15-2018

[59] Upon recommendation of SC EMD Public Information Officer, whom I communicated with on 10-18-2018, sent email to Captain R.K. Hughes, SC Department of Public Safety, requesting information on the number and causes-of-death of Florence-related fatalities in SC, 10-18-2018. On 10-19-2018 received an email back with a breakout of nine Florence-related deaths.

[60] Talked with Public Information Officer. The drowning death of a boy playing in water on Sep 12 is not considered by the State as a Florence-related death. Noted an “Upstate” evacuee death I was not aware of and suggested contacting SC Department of Public Safety for details.

[61] Weather Channel). “Florence’s Devastation: Death Toll Rises to 42; Towns Wait for the Flood…” 9-20-2018. Victim identified as Charles A. Carter. (SC Department of Public Safety, 10-19-2018 email to Blanchard.)

[62] Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths…6 killed in South Carolina.” 9-16-2018. Victim drowned. Identified as Michael D. Prince, 23. (Washington Post. “Florence: At least 17 deaths reported as storm slogs across Carolinas.” 9-16-2018.) Another report notes that he was a passenger, and that the driver and one other passenger survived. (Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in [SC] and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.)

[63] Associated Press. “South Carolina couple dies from carbon monoxide poisoning after using generator in home.” WLOS 13, Asheville, NC. 9-16-2018. Cites Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner for identification of victims as Mark Carter King, 63, and Debra Collins Rion, 61. Also: Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.

[64] Greenville News, SC. “Florence blamed for 18 deaths…6 killed in South Carolina.” 9-16-2018. Another source identifies victim as Jeffrey B. Youngren, 42, citing the SC Dept. of Public Safety. Notes that the Kershaw County Coroner indicated “the weather played a big part in his death.” (WISTV, Columbia, SC. “Kershaw County Coroner identifies victim reported as fifth Florence-related death.” 9-16-2018.) Another notes the accident was north of Columbia. (Charlotte Observer. “Florence death toll rises to 25…Carolinas officials say,” 9-17-2018.) Another source writes he was driving west in I-20 at about 7 am “when the pickup ran into the median and hit a bridge support beam near Seegars Mill Road in the Camden area.” Repeats that Kershaw Count coroner and state troopers noted that weather played a role. (Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.) On SC DPS list of nine storm related deaths.

[65] Victim identified as Rhonda Rebecca Hartley, 30, who, according to officials, was not wearing a seatbelt. (WISTV 10, Columbia, SC. “Lexington Co. Coroner releases identity of sixth storm-related death in SC.” 9-16-2018.) On the SC DPS list of nine storm-related fatalities, as of 10-19-2018.

[66] AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Cites Marion County Coroner to effect that the van was traveling near the Little Pee Dee River and that “They were trying to negotiate through fast-running water, and it just didn’t work out.’” Next-day source notes that the two women were mental health patients, in a Horry County Sheriff’s Department van. The two deputies (who survived) were transferring the women to McLeod Behavioral Health in Darlington, SC. One patient was being moved from the Waccamaw Center for Mental Health in Conway, SC, and the other from the Loris Hospital, Loris, SC. (CBS/AP. “2 mental health patients in sheriff’s van drown, deputies rescued in South Carolina.” 9-19-2018.) Another source identifies the women as Windy Newton, 45, of Shallotte, NC, and Nicolette Green, 43, of Myrtle Beach, SC. “Barriers were blocking the road because of the flooding, but Horry County’s sheriff said it was not clear if the deputies had gone around them.” (Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018.) On SC DPS list of nine storm-related deaths as of 10-19-2018.

[67] WMBF News, Myrtle Beach, SC. “Man drowns after attempting to cross roadway near McColl.” 9-17-2018. Notes the victim’s family found body on the Pea Bridge Road, citing Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office. Also, WYFF 4, Greenville, SC. “Death toll from Florence continues to increase.” 9-17-2018; names Lt. Trevor Murphy of Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office as source. This death is not one of the eight noted in the Post and Courier article of Sep 19. It also is not on the SC Dept. Public Safety list of nine storm-related deaths as of 10-19-2018, thus we highlight in yellow to note we are aware of the reporting but do not include in our tally.

[68] The Sumter Item. “9-year-old boy drowns at Pocalla Swamp.” 9-12-2018. We note this, but do not include in our tally. This death is noted in Wikipedia piece on Hurricane Florence. The victim was playing with friends in swamp water two days prior to the hurricane and drowned. The link to Florence is that water in the swamp was higher than usual due to a release of water from Second Mill Pond earlier, in preparation for the hurricane. This death is not included in the SC Dept. of Public Safety list of nine Florence-related deaths — thus highlighted in yellow.

[69] Post and Courier. Charleston, SC. “The 8 Florence deaths in South Carolina and how they happened.” 9-19-2018. Notes the road was SC Highway 18, near Jonesville and that the roof of her pickup hit a downed tree.

[70] This death is not on the SC DPS list of nine Florence-related deaths. However, since the SC Emergency Management Div. Public Information Officer did note that this was a death of an evacuee, we include in our tally.

[71] “In Virginia…Jeff Caldwell, a state emergency official, said on Tuesday that three people died as a result of the storm.”

[72] AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Victim identified as Richard Edward Kelih Jr., 59, of Louisa. Overturned truck was found on Route 607.

[73] Weather Channel. “Florence’s Devastation: More Evacuations as Rivers…” 9-17-2018.

[74] Phone conversation with Pender County Emer. Mgr., 10-17-2018. Victim died of natural causes after calling 911.

[75] A news account cites the NC Office of the Governor statement and simply writes “He fell…”

[76] AP. “The Latest: 2 die in rising flood waters that overtook a van.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, 9-18-2018. Victim identified as Richard Edward Kelih Jr. of Louisa. Overturned truck was found on Route 607.

–9  Albuquerque Journal, NM. “Bus crash death toll rises to 9 after baby dies.” 9-10-2018.

–8  ABC News. “Death toll climbs to 8 in devastating New Mexico bus crash.” 8-31-2018.

–8  News Talk 94.7 & 970 WMAY, Springfield, IL. “5 of 8 victims identified…” 9-2-2018,

 

Narrative Information

 

Aug 30: “Albuquerque, N.M. — A crash involving a Greyhound bus and a semitrailer killed at least six people,[1] according to a McKinley County Christian Hospital official.[2] A Greyhound official said the bus was traveling from Albuquerque to Phoenix around 1 p.m., with nearly 50 passengers on board, when it crashed.

 

“New Mexico State Police said preliminary information shows that the semi[3] was traveling eastbound on I-40[4] when a tire experienced a blowout [front driver’s side[5]], causing the semi to cross into the westbound lanes, crashing into the bus. The bus began its route in St. Louis Wednesday morning as was scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles Friday morning….”  (KOB 4 (Joshua Panas, Patrick Hayes) Albuquerque, NM. “At least 6 killed in Greyhound bus, semi crash on I-40.” 8-30-2018.)

 

Aug 31: “The death toll has climbed to eight after a Greyhound bus and tractor trailer collided in a devastating crash in New Mexico, hospital officials said Friday [Aug 30]. On Thursday, the tractor trailer veered into oncoming traffic when one of its tires blew, hitting the bus head-on, according to New Mexico State Police.

 

“Forty-nine passengers were on board the bus and most were taken to local hospitals with injuries. One person died after arriving at a hospital, bringing the death toll to eight….” (ABC News (E. Shapiro). “Death toll climbs to 8 in devastating New Mexico bus crash.” 8-31-2018.)

 

Sep 2: “Thoreau, N.M. — Five of the eight people killed in a horrific bus crash in New Mexico on Thursday have been identified. Authorities also announced all eight people died as a result of blunt force trauma, according to the medical investigator. The first five victims were identified as Charla Bale, 34, Terry Mason, 45, Veronica Jean Williams, 49, Sadie Thomas, 50, and Luis Alvarez, 50 [bus driver]….

 

“The NTSB has downloaded and will analyze information from the electronic logging devices (ELD) of both the Greyhound bus and the semi truck. ELDs have been mandated for all commercial vehicles since December 2017, and it synchronizes with a vehicles engine to record driving time. The NTSB said information obtained from both ELDs will be important to their investigation, providing information on the vehicle’s motion.

 

“The NTSB has identified Jag Trucking Inc., a new company that began operating in 2014, as the operator of the semi. Jag started the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program in 2014 as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and completed the program with a satisfactory rating.

 

“On Monday, NTSB investigators will meet with Jag company representatives and are working to schedule an interview with the driver. They’re currently an unrated carrier.

 

“The NTSB has subpoenaed blood tests for both the semi driver and bus driver, and they are interviewing passengers on the bus to figure out how injuries occurred….” (News Talk 94.7 & 970 WMAY, Springfield, IL. “5 of 8 victims identified from New Mexico bus crash; deaths caused by blunt force trauma.” 9-2-2018.)

 

Sep 11: “Albuquerque, N.M. — The ninth person to die after a passenger bus crash in western New Mexico was an infant who was being treated in a neonatal intensive care unit, according to a hospital spokeswoman….KOAT-TV reportedly spoke to the child’s parents, Christy Westerdale and Joseph Chandler, and identified the infant as Jordyn Rose. The station said Westerdale went into labor after the Aug. 30 crash. According to a post on the UNMHSC Twitter page, three more patients remain hospitalized as a result of the head-on collision between a Greyhound bus and a tractor-trailer….

 

“The truck was carrying produce from Marina, Calif., to Memphis, Tenn….” (Albuquerque Journal, NM. “Bus crash death toll rises to 9 after baby dies.” 9-10-2018.)

 

Sep 11: “One of two twin babies born prematurely after a deadly bus crash…has died….

 

“Christy Westerdale, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was one of many rushed to local hospitals, where she delivered twins Jordyn Rose and Joseph Wayne….

 

“Including Jordyn Rose, nine people have died in the crash.” (Inside Edition. “One of 2 Twin Babies Born After Deadly Greyhound Bus Crash Dies.” 9-11-2018.)

 

Sources

 

ABC News (Emily Shapiro). “Death toll climbs to 8 in devastating New Mexico bus crash.” 8-31-2018. Accessed 8-31-2018 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/death-toll-climbs-devastating-mexico-bus-crash/story?id=57524743

 

Albuquerque Journal, NM. “Bus crash death toll rises to 9 after baby dies.” 9-10-2018. Accessed 9-13-2018 at: https://www.abqjournal.com/1219074/unmhsc-bus-crash-death-toll-hits-9-after-baby-dies.html

 

CBS/AP. “Blown tire may have caused horrific New Mexico bus-semi crash, authorities say.” 8-31-2018. Accessed 8-31-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/blown-tire-may-have-caused-horrific-bus-semi-crash-authorities/

 

CBS News. “Truck driver in deadly New Mexico crash thought he was ‘going to die.’” 8-31-2018. Accessed 9-1-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-mexico-truck-driver-crash-thought-he-was-going-to-die/

 

CNN. “Woman who survived New Mexico bus crash gives birth to twins, hospital official says.” 9-1-2018. Accessed 9-1-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/30/us/new-mexico-fatal-bus-crash/index.html

 

Inside Edition. “One of 2 Twin Babies Born After Deadly Greyhound Bus Crash Dies.” 9-11-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: https://www.insideedition.com/one-2-twin-babies-born-after-deadly-greyhound-bus-crash-dies-46692

 

KOB 4 (Joshua Panas, Patrick Hayes) Albuquerque, NM. “At least 6 killed in Greyhound bus, semi crash on I-40.” 8-30-2018. Accessed 8-30-2018 at:

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/bus-semi-crash-closes-i-40-near-thoreau/5051465/

 

News Talk 94.7 & 970 WMAY, Springfield, IL. “5 of 8 victims identified from New Mexico bus crash; deaths caused by blunt force trauma.” 9-2-2018. Accessed 9-2-2018 at: http://www.wmay.com/2018/09/02/5-of-8-victims-identified-from-new-mexico-bus-crash-deaths-caused-by-blunt-force-trauma/

 

Washington Post. “Witnesses describe chaotic scene following deadly bus crash.” 8-30-2018. Accessed 8-30-2018 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/witnesses-describe-chaotic-scene-following-deadly-bus-crash/2018/08/30/c55b4ba2-acb4-11e8-9a7d-cd30504ff902_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.747acdca75a3

 

 

 

[1] Changed to eight a few hours later. Amongst the dead was the driver of the bus, Luis Alvarez, 49 of Santa Teresa, NM. CNN. “Woman who survived New Mexico bus crash gives birth to twins, hospital official says.” 9-1-2018.

[2] The semi driver, Elisara Taito, was not one of the fatalities. (CBS/AP. “Blown tire may have caused horrific New Mexico bus-semi crash, authorities say.” 8-31-2018; CBS News. “Truck driver in deadly New Mexico crash thought he was ‘going to die.’” 8-31-2018.)

[3] Weighing 80,000 pounds. CNN. “Woman who survived New Mexico bus crash gives birth to twins, hospital official says.” 9-1-2018.

[4] Near AZ border. Washington Post. “Witnesses describe chaotic scene following deadly bus crash.” 8-30-2018.

[5] CNN. “Woman who survived New Mexico bus crash gives birth to twins, hospital official says.” 9-1-2018.