lornajarrettblanchard

–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.

–17  KWCH/AP/KY3.“17 killed in Table Rock Lake Duck boat accident identified.” 7-21-2018.

–17  NYT/Fortin. “17 Dead After Duck Boat Capsizes Near Branson, Missouri.” 7-19-2018.

–17  STL Post-Dispatch. “Amid storm warnings…17 die — 9 from one family.” 7-20-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

July 19, NYT: “Seventeen people were killed Thursday night when a tourist boat capsized in a southern Missouri lake as powerful thunderstorms passed through the Midwest, the authorities said on Friday.

 

“The amphibious boat, or duck boat,[1] overturned in Table Rock Lake near Branson, Mo., around 7 p.m. as winds exceeded 60 miles per hour. Cellphone video from a witness showed the boat taking on water and struggling to move as it was being pummeled with powerful waves before it sank.

 

“The boat had 31 people on board when it sank to the bottom of the lake, all of whom are now accounted for, the authorities said. Seven people, including three children, were taken to a hospital, Cox Medical Center Branson, and two of them, both adults, were in critical condition, the hospital said on Friday.

 

“Divers recovered the final six bodies on Friday morning, bringing the death toll to 17 and making it one of the deadliest duck boat accidents in United States history. Thirteen people were killed when a duck boat sank in Hot Springs, Ark., in May 1999.

 

“Some of the dead were children. A sheriff’s deputy was on the scene when the accident happened and assisted in the rescue, Sheriff Doug Rader said. Divers searched for survivors until 11:30 p.m. and returned to the lake on Friday morning with members of the Missouri Highway Patrol to resume those efforts. They located the sunken boat shortly after.

 

“There were two duck boats on the water during the storm, and both were returning to land at the time of the accident. “The first one made it out, and the second one didn’t,” Sheriff Rader said, adding that strong winds, which were part of a storm system that passed across much of the Midwest, caused the boat to capsize.

 

“The boat that sank had life jackets, but the sheriff said he did not know if people were wearing them. Of the 31 people on the boat, 29 were passengers and two were crew members. The boat’s captain, who had 16 years of experience on the lake, survived and was taken to a hospital, but the other crew member, who was described as the driver, died, the authorities said.” (Fortin, Jacey, Julia Jacobs and Matthew Haag. “17 Dead After Duck Boat Capsizes Near Branson, Missouri.” 7-19-2018. New York Times, 7-19-2018.)

 

July 20 STL Post-Dispatch: “Near Branson, Mo.  Nine members of one family were killed after a tourist boat capsized on Table Rock Lake Thursday as a powerful storm moved through the area, Governor Mike Parson’s office said. Eleven members of one family were on board and only two survived, including a 13-year-old.

 

“Sgt. Jason Pace of the Highway Patrol said the victims ranged from children, possibly as young as 1 year old, to elderly….” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Kurt Erickson and Kim Bell). “Amid storm warnings and whitecaps, 17 die — 9 from one family — when boat capsized on Table Rock Lake.” 7-20-2018.)

 

July 21: “Branson, MO (KWCH/AP/KY3) Authorities in Missouri have released the names of all 17 people killed when a duck boat capsized Thursday evening. They are

 

William Asher (69),                [St. Louis area]

Rosemarie Hamann (68),        [St. Louis area]

Janice Bright (63),                  [Higginsville, MO]

William Bright (65),               [Higginsville, MO]

Leslie Dennison (64),[2]                        [Sherrard IL]

Bob Williams (73),                 [boat driver]

Lance Smith (15),

Steve Smith (53).

 

There were also nine people killed from the same family, they are

 

Angela (45),

Arya (1),

Belinda (69),

Ervin (76), Evan (7), Glenn (40), Horace (70), Maxwell (2) and Reece (9) Coleman of Indiana.                            [Indianapolis]

 

“….The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says it may be a year before it issues its official probable cause analysis in the sinking of a duck boat at Table Rock Lake. The organization confirmed 16 passengers and one crew member died in the amphibious boat owned by Ride the Ducks Branson went under water….

 

“Thirty-one people were onboard the boat when it sank….

 

(KWCH/AP/KY3.“17 killed in Table Rock Lake Duck boat accident identified.” 7-21-2018.)

 

Sources

 

KWCH/AP/KY3.“17 killed in Table Rock Lake Duck boat accident identified.” 7-21-2018. Accessed 7-21-2018 at: http://www.kwch.com/content/news/Several-fatalities-confirmed-in-a-duck-boat-crash-at-Table-Rock-Lake-488683181.html

 

New York Times (Jacey Fortin, Jacey, Julia Jacobs and Matthew Haag). “17 Dead After Duck Boat Capsizes Near Branson, Missouri.” 7-19-2018. 7-19-2018. Accessed 7-20-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/us/branson-boat-capsize-missouri.html

 

St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Kurt Erickson and Kim Bell). “Amid storm warnings and whitecaps, 17 die — 9 from one family — when boat capsized on Table Rock Lake.” 7-20-2018. Accessed 7-20-2018 at: https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/state-and-regional/amid-storm-warnings-and-whitecaps-die-from-one-family-when/article_0e45c854-00d4-5553-b208-118f290a26ab.html

 

Wikipedia. “DUKW,” 7-21-2018 edit. Accessed 7-21-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DUKW

 

 

 

 

[1] Duck boats had their start in World War II as “a six-wheel-drive amphibious modification of the 2½ ton CCKW trucks. The term stands for Designed in 1942, Utility, K (all-wheel drive), W (Dual-Tandem rear axles.” (Wikipedia. “DUKW,” 7-21-2018 edit.)

[2] This article notes that her granddaughter credits her grandmother (Leslie Dennison) saved her live by pushing her up from below as the boat went down.

–11  Blanchard tally from breakouts below. (Just noting fires where there was loss of life.)

—  8  CA Patch. “CA Wildfires Latest: 10K Firefighters Battle, Thousand Evacuated,” 7-31-2018.

—  8  UPI/McFarland. “8 dead; California resource strained as 17 fires ravage state.” 7-31-2018.

 

Carr Wildfire, July 23-Aug 30 (100% contained)                                                            (   8)

–8  Blanchard tally based on breakouts below; includes one ambiguous loss (yellow highlight).

–8  Wikipedia. “2018 California wildfires.” 9-3-2018 edit.[1]

Breakout of Carr Wildfire-Related Deaths:

–1  July 26. Bulldozer operator Don Ray Smith, 81; overrun by fire, clearing debris.[2]

–1  July 26. Redding Fire Prevention Inspector Jeremy Stoke, 37; “…died battling the blaze.”[3]

–3  July 26. Shasta County, Great-grandmother, great-grandchildren.[4]

–1  July 29. Shasta Co. (within evacuation zone). Unidentified male who “refused to leave.”[5]

–1  Aug 4. Shasta County (western). Pacific Gas & Electric worker, doing restoration work.[6]

–1  Aug 9. Tehama County, Hwy 99. Traffic collision; CAL Fire heavy equip. mechanic.[7]

 

Ferguson Fire, July 13-Aug 18 (100% contained)                                                               (  2)

–1  July 14. Cal Fire heavy fire equipment operator Braden Varney, 36; bulldozer overturned.[8]

–1  July 29. Firefighter, NPS Cpt. Brian Hughes, 33, struck by burned falling tree.[9]

 

Mendocino Complex (Ranch and River) Fire, July 27 (100% containment as of Sep 19)  ( 1)

–1  Aug 13, northeast of Ukiah. Draper City, UT, Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett.[10]

 

Narrative Information and Abbreviated Chronology

 

July 13: Ferguson Fire began in Mariposa County. (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Mariposa County Due to Ferguson Fire.”)

 

July 13: “The Ferguson Fire started on Friday night, July 13 at 9:36 PM in the South Fork Merced River drainage on Sierra National Forest. In the steep, rugged terrain, with scarcely any road access and a heavy presence of beetle-killed trees…

 

“In the first 24 hours, it had grown to 828 acres, as management of the fire was taken over by the Southern Central Sierra Interagency Management Team Type 2 and an incident command post was set up at Ahawahnee Hills Regional Park near Oakhurst, California. Under unified command between the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, and the Mariposa County Sheriff, the community of Jerseydale among others were evacuated. Also on the second day of the fire, heavy equipment operator Braden Varney from the Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced unit was tragically killed in a bulldozer rollover accident while constructing line in a steep canyon…” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

 

July 14: CAL Fire heavy fire equipment operator Braden Varney, 36, dies when his bulldozer overturned.

 

July 19: “…management of the fire [Ferguson] transitioned on July 19 to a Type 1 team, California Interagency Incident Management Team 4. Yosemite National Park joined the Forest Service, Cal Fire, and the Sheriff under unified command.” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

 

July 20: “On July 20, the communities of Old El Portal, Rancheria Flat, Foresta, and Yosemite View Lodge were put under mandatory evacuation [from Ferguson fire].” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

 

July 21: “Yosemite West and Anderson Valley area were evacuated. [Ferguson fire].” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

 

July 22: “Old Yosemite Road was evacuated on July 22. Some specific areas within the communities surrounding the fire [Ferguson] started to be allowed to return to their homes, and others continued to be evacuated.” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

 

July 23: Beginning of the Carr Fire in Shasta County due to malfunctioning vehicle. (State of California, Governor’s Office press release.)

 

Started on a road near Redding “when a tire failed…on a trailer and its rim scraped the asphalt” resulting in a fire from the sparks “that shot out July 23…” (CNN. “A flat tire started the deadly Carr Fire and days of devastation in California.” 8-5-2018.)

 

July 24-31 Ferguson Fire: “…many communities and subdivisions including Mariposa Pines, Jerseydale, Ponderosa Basin, Lushmeadows, and others were advised of mandatory evacuations and repopulations.” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

 

July 25: Beginning of the Cranston Fire in Riverside County.[11] (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Riverside and Shasta Counties Due to Fires.” 7-26-2018.)

 

July 25: “Yosemite Valley to Evacuate Today Due to Ferguson Fire. Park officials are shutting down sections of Yosemite National Park due to the massive Ferguson Wildfire burning just miles away. The closure is set to take effect at noon today, and is expected to last through Sunday….” (National Public Radio. “Yosemite Valley to Evacuate Today Due to Ferguson Fire.” &-25-2018.)

 

July 26:  Bulldozer operator Don Ray Smith, 81, dies; overrun by fire while clearing debris in Ferguson Fire.

 

July 26: Redding Fire Prevention Inspector Jeremy Stoke, 37; “…died battling the blaze.”[12] Another account notes he “died while working to ensure the residents of west Redding had a chance to escape the flames.” (Los Angles Times/Alene Tchekmedyian. “Firefighter dies battling Mendocino Complex, largest wildfire in California, 8-14-2018.)

 

July 26: Melody Bledsoe, and her two great-grandchildren killed in Shasta County.

 

July 26: “Sacramento — Governor…Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for Mariposa County due to the effects of the Ferguson Fire, which has threatened homes and critical infrastructure and caused power outages and the evacuation of residents….” (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Mariposa County Due to Ferguson Fire.”)

 

July 26: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued emergency proclamations for Riverside and Shasta counties due to the effects of the Cranston and Carr fires, which have destroyed homes and structures, threatened critical infrastructure and caused the evacuation of residents….” (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Riverside and Shasta Counties Due to Fires.” 7-26-2018.)

 

July 27, Mendocino Complex Fire: The River Fire and the Ranch Fire began in Mendocino County and crossed into Lake County. (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018.)

 

July 27, updated July 28: “The Deputy Coroner Investigator has released the identity of the bulldozer operator killed in the Carr Fire on July 26. The driver has been identified as Don Ray Smith, 81, of Pollock Pines.

 

“Redding Calif. (AP) — A fire official says an explosive wildfire in Northern California has killed a bulldozer operator as he fought to contain the blaze and injured three firefighters. Cal Fire spokesman Scott McLean says the Carr Fire in Shasta County burned over the bulldozer operator, who was hired privately, and his equipment. He says the man’s body was found late Thursday….” (Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Identity Revealed of Dozer Operator Killed in Carr Fire,” 7-27-2018.)

 

July 27: “Sacramento — As wildfires continue to burn throughout the state, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today sent a letter to the President and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance to further support the communities impacted by the Carr Fire in Shasta County. ‘Supplemental federal assistance is necessary to save lives and to protect property, public health and safety, and to lessen the effects of this imminent catastrophe,’ said Governor Brown in the letter. ‘I am requesting Direct Federal Assistance, including Department of Defense air assets to immediately mitigate the impacts of this fire; shelter supplies and water for 30,000 evacuated residents in Shasta County; U.S. Department of Agriculture’s assistance in evacuating large animals; mass care; evacuation assistance for individuals with access and functional needs; and ambulatory transport.’

 

“The Carr Fire broke out in Shasta County during exceptionally dangerous fire weather conditions, including extremely hot temperatures, low humidity and erratic winds. These conditions have caused the Carr Fire to grow uncontrollably, causing widespread destruction and at least two fatalities….

 

“To date, the Carr Fire has burned more than 44,000 acres and is only 3 percent contained. The fire has already forced more than 30,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

 

“This week, the Governor has also issued emergency proclamations for other fires burning in Riverside and Mariposa counties. Last year was the most destructive wildfire season in state history….” (State of California. “Governor Brown Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance for Carr Fire.” 7-27-2018.)

 

July 27, Ferguson Fire: “Firefighters completed firing operations from Henness Ridge to the Merced River on the Sierra National Forest on July 27, and steadily made progress on containment lines. The fire weather transitioned from moderate to extreme pushing the flame front across Glacier Point Road and closed all access to Badger Pass.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

July 28: “…the [Ferguson] fire grew to 42,017 acres…” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

July 28: Steele Fire began in Napa County. (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018.)

 

July 28: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties due to the effects of the River, Ranch and Steele fires, which have destroyed homes, threatened critical infrastructure and caused the evacuation of residents.

 

“Earlier today, Governor Brown announced that the state has secured a presidential declaration — requested yesterday — providing direct federal assistance to further support the communities impacted by the Carr Fire, following an emergency proclamation issued for Shasta County this week….” (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018.)

 

July 29: Death of National Park Service Firefighter, Cpt. Brian Hughes, struck by burned falling tree.

 

July 29, USA Today: “Redding, Calif. — A wildfire roaring out of control Sunday in Northern California has claimed at least six lives, left seven people missing, burned hundreds of homes and driven more than 30,000 stunned, mourning residents from their communities. More than 3,000 firefighters were battling the blaze, which had grown to 140 square miles. High temperatures and heavy winds conspired to complicate the effort backed by more than 300 fire engines and 17 helicopters….

 

“The fire was ignited Monday when a vehicle malfunctioned near the Carr Powerhouse in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Cal Fire says….

 

“Redding sits on the Sacramento River about 170 miles north of the state capital and 120 miles south of the Oregon border. Some neighborhoods here were forced to evacuate, along with parts of the nearby Shasta County communities including Happy Valley, Igo and Ono. As the blaze roared west, residents of the Trinity County town of Lewiston also were ordered to evacuate….” (USA Today. “‘Unbelievable’: Six die, thousands flee relentless California Carr Fire.” 7-29-2018.)

 

July 30, CalFire on Carr Fire:

 

Size:                                                    103,772 acres

Containment:                                      23%

Structures Threatened:                       4,046

Residential Structures Destroyed:     818

Residential Structures Damaged:       167

Commercial Structures Destroyed:        3

Commercial Structures Damaged:         5

Other Destroyed:                                311

Other Damaged:                                   37

Assigned Resources (Engines):         334

Assigned Resources (Water Tenders):  65

Assigned Resources (Helicopters):       17

Assigned Resources (Hand Crews):      55

Assigned Resources (Dozers):              68

Assigned Resources (Total Personnel): 3,607

(CAL Fire. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 7-30-2018, 7:00 PM.)

 

July 31, UPI: “….Cal Fire said the fires, which have burned about almost 240,000 acres, have destroyed more than 1,000 structures and are threatening 25,000 homes. More than 52,000 residents have been evacuated.

 

“One of the largest fires is the Carr Fire, which has killed six people, including two firefighters, and forced more than 39,000 people from their homes, making the blaze one of the most destructive in the state’s history. It’s burning near the northern California city of Redding. At least 19 people are missing in Shasta County, officials said at a community meeting Monday evening….

 

“Firefighters gained some ground Monday containing the fire, which has grown into the state’s seventh-most destructive. It is now about a quarter contained…It was just 5 percent contained late Sunday [July 29]….” (United Press International (Susan McFarland). “8 dead; California resource strained as 17 fires ravage state.” 7-31-2018.)

 

Aug 1, Ferguson Fire: “Wawona evacuated. (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 2, Ferguson Fire: “El Portal residents allowed to return home. (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 3, Ferguson Fire: “On August 3 the residents of Yosemite Valley were evacuated and the Park Service closed it to the public due to multiple hazards from firefighters working in the area. The Highway 140 corridor was also closed that day.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 4m Carr Fire: Pacific Gas & Electric worker Jay Ayeta, 21, is killed while working to restore power to damaged lines inside Carr Fire in western Shasta County.

 

Aug 4, Carr Fire: “Sacramento: Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that the White House has approved California’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration submitted to the President earlier today to help with the impacts of the wildfire in Shasta County. ‘This is part of a trend – a new normal – that we’ve got to deal with. We’re dealing with it humanly, financially and governmentally,’ said Governor Brown earlier today during a media briefing at the Carr Fire Incident Command Post in Anderson California….

 

“There are 17 major fires currently burning across the state, causing extensive damage to residences and infrastructure. More than 14,000 firefighters from California and 17 other states are working the front lines of wildfires statewide….” (CA.gov, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Announces Federal Approval of Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Shasta County,” 8-4-2018.)

 

Aug 5, Carr Fire: “The deadly Carr Fire in California, already described by officials as the state’s sixth most destructive wildfire, grew nearly 10,000 acres overnight on Saturday [Aug 4] as the authorities said a seventh death was tied to the blaze.

 

“The fire, which is centered about 200 miles north of San Francisco, has been one of this year’s most prominent blazes, an emblem of the yearly destruction visited on a state grappling with extreme weather that has made severe wildfire seasons more likely, scientists say.

 

“The authorities said 16 other major fires continued across the state in what Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday described as the ‘new normal.’ Officials said 40,000 people have been evacuated and 14,000 firefighters were battling the blazes.

 

“As of Sunday morning, the Carr Fire had destroyed more than 1,600 buildings and consumed more than 154,000 acres. The fire grew so intense that at one point it created its own weather systems, including a tornado-like fire whirl…. The fire was 41 percent contained…

 

“The latest victim of the Carr Fire was a Pacific Gas and Electric worker who was trying to restore power to houses that lost it in the fire, a company spokeswoman, Melissa Subbotin, said. She identified the worker as Jay Ayeta, 21, who had been with the company for about two years. Mr. Ayeta, who was in training to become a lineman, was fatally injured in a “vehicle accident” in a remote part of Shasta County, she said. Ms. Subbotin said she did not know the details of the accident….” (New York Times (Mihir Zaveri). “Carr Fire in California Claims a Seventh Victim as It Continues to Grow,” 8-5-2018.)

 

Aug 5, Ferguson Fire: “On August 5, the National Park Service closed Yosemite National Park indefinitely. Firefighters conducted strategic firing operations off the Foresta and Big Oak Flat roads, keeping the fire from spreading into the community of Foresta and access to and from Badger was restored.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 6, Holy Fire: Holy Fire in Orange begins. (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018.)

 

Aug 6, Ferguson Fire: “As the new week began on August 6, the weather moderated which gave firefighters the opportunity to reinforce containment lines, mop-up hot spots, and complete firing operations along Wawona Road. Along the southern portions of Wawona Road, firing operations continued south of Chinquapin to prevent it from entering further into Yosemite National Park. Air inversions lessened, which allowed large interior islands to burn off quickly. Wawona residents were now safe to return to their homes, however several road closures continued due to road hazards.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 7, Ferguson Fire: “The residents of Yosemite West were allowed to return on August 7. By now, most of the residents were allowed to return to their homes, and those living in Yosemite Valley were the last to return….” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 7, Holy Fire: Holy Fire spreads from Orange County to Riverside County. (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018.)

 

Aug 8, Carr Fire: 47% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-8-2018, 7:00 PM.

 

Aug 9, Carr Fire: CAL Fire heavy equipment mechanic Andrew Brake killed in a traffic accident in Tehama County, Hwy 99, on his way to work on the Carr Fire.

 

Aug 9, Holy Fire: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for Orange and Riverside counties due to the effects of the Holy Fire, which has threatened critical infrastructure, thousands of homes and other structures and has caused the evacuation of residents. The full text of today’s proclamation is below:…” [Not included here. See Sources section for URL.] (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018.)

 

Aug 10, Carr Fire: 53% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-10-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 11, Carr Fire: 57% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-11-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 12, Carr Fire: 61% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-12-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 13, Mendocino Complex Fire: Draper City, UT, Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett killed while fighting the Mendocino Complex Fire northeast of Ukiah.

 

Aug 13, Mendocino Complex Fire: “While flying the Boeing 747-400 over the mountainous terrain near Ukiah, Calif., the pilot didn’t notice the hill along the plane’s flight path. Unaware that the plane went from flying 361 feet above the ground to 190 feet, the pilot released gallons upon gallons of pink fire retardant into the forest below, flying only about 100 feet above the treetops.

 

“The retardant fell with such force that it uprooted a nearly 90-foot Douglas fir. As the tree fell, it killed 42-year-old Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett of the Draper City Fire Department in Utah.

 

“The retardant also sheared off the top of an 89-foot tall Douglas fir, hitting a fire captain and breaking his ribs. Two other firefighters were hit with falling branches. The three survived.

 

“Burchett died Aug. 13, less than two weeks after arriving in California with his crew to help fight the Mendocino Complex fire, the largest fire in modern state history. The fire burned 459,123 acres, destroyed almost 160 homes and killed one person — Burchett….” (Los Angeles Times, CA. “Retardant drop led to death of firefighter battling California’s Mendocino Complex fire.” 9-14-2018.)

 

Aug 14, Ferguson Fire: “Yosemite Valley opened to visitors on August 14 at 9:00 AM.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 14, Mendocino Complex Fire: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of Draper City Fire Department Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett, who passed away while working on the Mendocino Complex wildfires in Northern California:

 

Firefighters from across the nation – and world – have selflessly battled California’s massive wildfires, and sadly today we mourn the loss of one of those heroes from Draper, Utah, Chief Matthew Burchett. Our hearts ache for his wife and young son, family members, loved ones, colleagues with the Draper City Fire Department and the entire State of Utah.

 

“Chief Burchett, 42, was deployed to the California wildfires earlier this month, along with four other firefighters from Draper, Utah. He had worked with his local fire department since May and previously served 20 years with the Greater Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority….” (State of CA. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of Utah Fire Battalion Chief Working on California Wildfires.” 8-14-2018.)

 

Aug 15, Carr Fire: 69% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-15-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 16, Carr Fire: 72% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-16-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 17, Carr Fire: 77% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-17-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 18, Ferguson Fire: “Full containment was expected on Wednesday, August 22, however on Saturday evening, August 18, the fire was 100% contained. Interior parts of the forest will continue to smolder and burn for some time, causing lingering smoke….The Ferguson Fire is now [Aug 26] at 96,901 acres with 100% containment and 352 personnel currently engaged on the fire. During the most critical time in the fire, over 3,000 people were assigned to the incident from all over the world. There have been 2 fatalities and 19 injuries. 10 structures have been destroyed.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

 

Aug 19, Carr Fire: 85% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-19-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 20, Carr Fire: 88% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-20-2018, 6:00 pm.

 

Aug 21, Carr Fire: 91% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-21-2018, 5:00 pm.

 

Aug 22, Carr Fire: 93% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-22-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 23, Carr Fire: 93% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-23-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 24, Carr Fire: 94% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-24-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 25, Carr Fire: 95% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-25-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 26, Carr Fire: 96% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-26-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 27, Carr Fire: Carr Fire, 8-27-2018, 7:10 am update.

 

“County:                     Shasta County, Trinity County

“Location:                   Hwy 299 and Carr Powerhouse Rd, Whiskeytown

“Acres Burned:           229,651 acres

“Containment:                        96% contained.” (CAL FIRE. “Incident Information.” 8-27-2018 update.)

 

Aug 28, Carr Fire: 97% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-28-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 29, Carr Fire: 98% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-29-2018, 7:00 pm.

 

Aug 30, Carr Fire: 98% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-30-2018, 7:00 pm.

Residential Structures Destroyed:     1,079

Residential Structures Damaged:          190

Commercial Structures Destroyed:         22

Commercial Structures Damaged:          26

Other Destroyed:                                   503

Other Damaged:                                      61

 

Sep 3, Mendocino Complex Fire: 97% contained. NWCG. Mendocino Complex, 9-3-2018.

 

Sep 5, Mendocino Complex Fire: 98% contained. NWCG. Mendocino Complex, 9-5-2018.

 

Sep 17, Mendocino Complex Fire: 98% contained. NWCG. Mendocino Complex, 9-17-2018.

 

Sources

 

 

ABC News (Mark Osborne). “Firefighter’s death in Mendocino Complex blaze is 6th this fire season.” 8-14-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/firefighters-death-mendocino-complex-blaze-6th-die-fire/story?id=57161727

 

ABC 7 News (Dion Lim), San Francisco, CA. “Carr Fire claims 6^th victim, raises evacuation concerns as inferno intensifies.” 7-29-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: http://abc7news.com/carr-fire-claims-6th-victim-raises-evacuation-concerns-as-inferno-intensifies/3845649/

 

ABC7 News (Nathaly Juarez), San Francisco, CA. “Firefighter struck and killed by tree while battling Ferguson Fire,” 7-30-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: http://abc7news.com/community-events/firefighter-struck-and-killed-by-tree-while-battling-ferguson-fire/3845544/

 

Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Identity Revealed of Dozer Operator Killed in Carr Fire,” 7-27-2018. Accessed 8-13-2017 at: http://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/Shasta-County-wildfire-kills-1-burns-firefighters-489317401.html

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 7-30-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3776.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-8-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3940.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-10-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3973.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-11-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3982.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-12-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3990.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-15-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4023.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-16-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4044.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-17-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4052.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-19-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4063.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-20-2018, 6:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4068.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-21-2018, 5:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4072.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-22-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4077.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-23-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4079.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-24-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4092.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-25-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4098.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-26-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4105.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-28-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4116.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-29-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4118.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-30-2018, 7:00 PM. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_4121.pdf

 

CAL FIRE (Cal. Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection). Incident Information. “Current Fire Information.” 8-27-2018 update. Accessed 8-27-2018 at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents

 

California Patch (Hoa Quách). “CA Wildfires Latest: 10K Firefighters Battle, Thousand Evacuated,” 7-31-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://patch.com/california/across-ca/california-wildfires-10-000-firefighters-continue-battle

 

CNN (Faith Karimi and Cheri Mossburg). “A flat tire started the deadly Carr Fire and days of devastation in California.” 8-5-2018. Accessed 8-27-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/04/us/carr-fire-week-wrap/index.html

 

CNN/Amir Vera and Dan Simon. “‘I love you grandpa,’ they said as the fire encroached. Then the line went dead.” 7-30-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/30/us/california-carr-fire-ed-bledsoe/index.html

 

Fox 40 News, Sacramento. “Second Firefighter Dies Battling Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite.” 7-29-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://fox40.com/2018/07/29/second-firefighter-dies-in-mariposa-county-ferguson-fire/

 

Fox News (Katherine Lam). “Carr Fire claims 7^th death in California as firefighters battle firestorm.” 8-5-2018. Accessed 8-5-2018 at: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/08/05/carr-fire-claims-7th-death-in-california-as-firefighters-battle-firestorm.html

 

KQED News, San Francisco. “How Cal Fire Dozer Operator Died: Report Lays Out Steps Leading to Ferguson Fire Tragedy.” 8-1-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.kqed.org/news/11683753/cal-fire-incident-report-on-death-of-dozer-operator-braden-varney

 

Los Angles Times/Alene Tchekmedyian. “Firefighter dies battling Mendocino Complex, largest wildfire in California, 8-14-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/nation/firefighter-dies-battling-mendocino-complex-largest-wildfire-in-california/article_3f7ed672-3572-5164-8393-abbbbe26730f.html

 

Los Angeles Times/Jaclyn Cosgrove. “Retardant drop led to death of firefighter battling California’s Mendocino Complex fire.” 9-14-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-mendocino-complex-death-20180914-story.html

 

National Public Radio. “Yosemite Valley to Evacuate Today Due to Ferguson Fire.” &-25-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432285393/the-california-report/partials?start=placeholder

 

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update. Accessed 8-27-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/

 

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Mendocino Complex.” 8-30-2018 update. Accessed 8-30-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/

 

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Mendocino Complex.” 9-13-2018 update. Accessed 9-13-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/

 

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Mendocino Complex.” 9-3-2018 update. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/

 

New York Times (Mihir Zaveri). “Carr Fire in California Claims a Seventh Victim as It Continues to Grow,” 8-5-2018. Accessed 8-5-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/05/us/carr-fire-california-wildfires.html

 

Redding Record Searchlight/Damon Arthur. “Bulldozer operator who died in Carr Fire identified as Pollock Pines resident.” 7-27-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/07/27/redding-fire-takes-human-toll-deaths-injuries/852651002/

 

Reuters, Los Angeles (Alex Dobuzinskis). “Mechanic fighting California wildfire dies in traffic collision, 8-9-2018. Accessed 8-9-2018 at: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-wildfires/firefighters-make-progress-in-quelling-californias-largest-wildfire-idUKKBN1KU15Q?il=0

 

Sacramento Bee (Molly Sullivan, Tony Bizjak, Ryan Sabalow and Dale Kasler). “Carr Fire: Another fatality, fire spills into Trinity County, evacuations remain in Redding,” 7-29-2018. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article215729720.html

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Announces Federal Approval of Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Shasta County,” 8-4-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/04/governor-brown-announces-federal-approval-of-presidential-major-disaster-declaration-for-shasta-county/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/28/governor-brown-declares-state-of-emergency-in-lake-mendocino-and-napa-counties-due-to-fires/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Mariposa County Due to Ferguson Fire.” 7-26-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/26/governor-brown-declares-state-of-emergency-in-mariposa-county-due-to-ferguson-fire/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/09/holy-fire/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in San Bernardino County.” 7-24-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/24/governor-brown-declares-state-of-emergency-in-san-bernardino-county/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of CAL FIRE Employee,” 8-9-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/09/governor-brown-issues-statement-on-death-of-cal-fire-employee-2/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of National Park Service Firefighter.” 7-30-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/30/governor-brown-issues-statement-on-death-of-national-park-service-firefighter/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of Utah Fire Battalion Chief Working on California Wildfires.” 8-14-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/14/governor-brown-issues-statement-on-death-of-utah-fire-battalion-chief-working-on-california-wildfires/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Lowers Capitol Flags in Honor of Fallen Firefighters, Secures Federal Assistance to Support Communities Impacted by Carr Fire.” 7-28-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/28/governor-brown-lowers-capitol-flags-in-honor-of-fallen-firefighters-secures-federal-assistance-to-support-communities-impacted-by-carr-fire/

 

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance for Carr Fire.” 7-27-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/27/governor-brown-requests-presidential-emergency-declaration-for-direct-federal-assistance-for-carr-fire/

 

United Press International (Susan McFarland). “8 dead; California resource strained as 17 fires ravage state.” 7-31-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/07/31/Carr-Fire-grows-to-7th-most-destructive-in-California-history/2021533034087/

 

USA Today (Christal Hayes, Damon Arthur, Amber Sandhu). “‘My babies are dead’: Here are the victims of the deadly Redding, California, blaze,” 7-28-2018. Accessed 7-31-2019 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/07/28/redding-fire-here-victims-deadly-california-fire/857320002/

 

USA Today (David Benda, Amber Sandhu, John Bacon). “‘Unbelievable’: Six die, thousands flee relentless California Carr Fire.” 7-29-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/07/29/carr-fire-five-die-thousands-flee-relentless-california-fire/858791002/

 

Wikipedia. “2018 California wildfires.” 9-3-2018 edit. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_California_wildfires

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Within table on “Wildfires” notes, concerning the Carr fire: “…3 firefighters and 5 civilians killed.”

[2] USA Today (Benda, Sandhu, Bacon). “‘Unbelievable’: Six die, thousands flee…California Carr Fire.” 7-29-2018. A Redding source notes his body “was found in the area of Benson Drive and Rock Creek Road…by emergency personnel.” (Redding Record Searchlight/Damon Arthur. “Bulldozer operator who died in Carr Fire identified as Pollock Pines resident.” 7-27-2018.) Date of death is from: Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Identity Revealed of Dozer Operator Killed in Carr Fire,” 7-27-2018.

[3] USA Today. “‘My babies are dead’: Here are the victims of the deadly Redding, California, blaze,” 7-28-2018. Also: State of CA. “Governor Brown Lowers Capitol Flags in Honor of Fallen Firefighters…” 7-28-2018. The State of California press release notes that “Fire Inspector Stoke, 37, of Redding, died while working to ensure the residents of west Redding had a chance to escape the flames.”

[4] Melody Bledsoe, 70, Emily Roberts, 4, and James Roberts, 5. (CNN/Amir Vera and Dan Simon. “‘I love you grandpa,’ they said as the fire encroached. Then the line went dead.” 7-30-2018.)

[5] ABC 7 News (Dion Lim), San Francisco, CA. “Carr Fire claims 6^th victim, raises evacuation concerns as inferno intensifies.” 7-29-2018. Another source cites Shasta County Sheriff for information that a sixth person had been found dead Sunday. “He wouldn’t say where the person died but added that the victim had received an evacuation notice but didn’t leave.” (Sacramento Bee. “Carr Fire: Another fatality, fire spills into Trinity County, evacuations remain in Redding,” 7-29-2018.)

[6] New York Times. “Carr Fire in California Claims a Seventh Victim as It Continues to Grow,” 8-5-2018. Also: Fox News. “Carr Fire claims 7^th death in California…” 8-5-2018. Victim identified as Jay Ayeta. (Redding Record, CA. “PG&E employee killed in Carr Fire identified.” 8-4-2018.) Article cites a PG&E spokesperson to the effect that he “was killed in a vehicle incident Saturday while working to restore power to damaged lines inside the Carr Fire.”

[7] Identified as Andrew Brake, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, who “was on his way to work on the Carr Fire burning in Shasta and Trinity counties.” (State of California. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of CAL FIRE Employee,” 8-9-2018. See, also: Reuters, Los Angeles (Alex Dobuzinskis). “Mechanic fighting California wildfire dies in traffic collision, 8-9-2018.

[8] Fox 40 News, Sacramento. “Second Firefighter Dies Battling Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite.” 7-29-2018. Also: KQED News, San Francisco. “How Cal Fire Dozer Operator Died: Report Lays Out Steps Leading to Ferguson Fire Tragedy.” 8-1-2018.

[9] ABC7 News, San Francisco, 7-29-2018. Another report notes that Capt. Hughes was a member of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots. (Fox 40 News, Sacramento. “Second Firefighter Dies Battling Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite.” 7-29-2018.) A State of California Office of the Governor New Release dated 7-30-2018 notes that the National Park Service Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots were “out of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.”

[10] State of CA. “Governor…Statement on Death of Utah Fire Battalion Chief Working on…Wildfires.” 8-14-2018. Also: ABC News (Osborne). “Firefighter’s death in Mendocino Complex blaze is 6^th this fire season.” 8-14-2018. Burchett was killed when fire retardant released from a low flying plane (190 ft), knocked a nearly 90-foot Douglas fir down, hitting the Battalion Chief. (Los Angeles Times/Jaclyn Cosgrove. “Retardant drop led to death of firefighter battling California’s Mendocino Complex fire.” 9-14-2018.)

[11] State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emer. in Riverside…Shasta Counties Due to Fires.” 7-26-2018.

[12] USA Today. “‘My babies are dead’: Here are the victims of the deadly Redding, California, blaze,” 7-28-2018. Also: State of CA. “Governor Brown Lowers Capitol Flags in Honor of Fallen Firefighters…” 7-28-2018. The State of California press release notes that “Fire Inspector Stoke, 37, of Redding, died while working to ensure the residents of west Redding had a chance to escape the flames.”

–10  CNN. “Officials identify suspect in shooting that killed 10 at Texas’ Santa Fe Hight School.”

–10  USA Today. “Santa Fe residents awake to a grim reality…Texas shooting.” 5-19-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

May 18, CNN: “Ten people were killed and 10 others were injured in a shooting Friday morning [May 18] at a high school in the southeastern Texas city of Santa Fe, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed. Authorities have said two people have been detained in the shooting at Santa Fe High School. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office identified the shooter as Dimitrios Pagourtzis, who is 17….The alleged shooter used a shotgun and a .38 revolver that were legally owned by his father, Abbott told reporters. Two school resource officers were on the campus and confronted the shooter ‘early on in the process,’ Abbott said….

 

“Gunfire erupted at the school, about 20 miles outside Galveston, not long after classes began around 7:30 a.m. CT officials said. Authorities later found explosive devices — including pipe bombs and pressure cookers — in and near the school, the law enforcement official said….” (CNN. “Officials identify suspect…shooting that killed 10…Santa Fe High School.” 5-18-2018.)

 

May 19, USA Today: “….It was the worst mass school shooting since the rampage at a high school in Parkland, Fla., in February, left 17 dead, and the worst in Texas since a sniper killed 16 people and injured 31 from atop of the clock tower at the University of Texas at Austin in 1966….[1]

 

“….Pagourtzis confessed to the shooting, admitting to officers he targeted students he didn’t like and wanted his story told, court records show.

 

Addendum

 

1966 — Aug 01, Charles Whitman Killing Spree, Univ. TX-Austin Tower Sniper [2]           –16-17

1991 — Oct 16, Violence, Rampage Shooting, Luby’s Restaurant, Killeen, TX[3]              –23-24

2009 — Nov 05, Violence, Mass Killing, Fort Hood, TX                                                     —     13

2015 — May 17, Violence, Biker-Gangs/Police Shoot-Out at Twin Peaks restaurant, Waco, TX– 9

2017 — Nov 5, Mass Shooting, First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, TX               —     26

 

 

Sources

 

CNN (Jason Hanna, Dakin And one, Keith Allen). CNN (Jason Hanna, Dakin And one, Keith Allen). “Officials identify suspect in shooting that killed 10 at Texas’ Santa Fe High School.” 5-18-2018. Accessed 5-18-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/18/us/texas-school-shooting/index.html

Accessed 5-18-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/18/us/texas-school-shooting/index.html

 

USA Today (Rick Jervis and Christal Hayes). “Santa Fe residents awake to a grim reality as authorities look for motive in Texas shooting.” 5-19-2018. Accessed 5-19-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/05/19/texas-shooting-santa-fe-authorities-look-motive-after-10-killed/625672002/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Worst school shooting since 1966. See Addendum which lists other gun-related mass killings in Texas between 1966 and May of 2018.

[2] Whitman killed his wife and mother in Austin and then 14 people at the University, prior to his being killed.

[3] Twenty-three killed by the shooter, George Hennard, who killed himself after being wounded by police.

–9  Associated Press. “Military Plane Crash-The Latest story.” Boston Herald, 5-3-2018.

–9  CNN. “Military plane underwent ‘days’ of maintenance before crash near Savannah.” 5-3-2018.

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Military Plane Crash-The Latest story.” Boston Herald, 5-3-2018. Accessed 5-3-2018 at: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/2018/05/correction_military_plane_crash_the_latest_story

 

CNN (Madison Park and Steve Almasy). “Military plane underwent ‘days’ of maintenance before crash near Savannah.” 5-3-2018. Accessed 5-3-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/03/us/military-plane-crash-savannah-georgia/index.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–17  CNN. “Another ‘unspeakable tragedy’ at a US school leaves 17 dead in Florida.” 2-15-2018.

–17  Time. “What to Know About Alleged Florida School Shooter Nikolas Cruz. 2-15-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

Time, Feb 15: “Nikolas Cruz, the expelled student suspected of killing at least 17 people[1] and injuring more than a dozen others at his former high school in Parkland, Florida, was described by his former classmates as a loner with a temper. On Thursday [Feb 15], the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said Cruz confessed to being the shooter.

 

“The 19-year-old was charged Thursday with 17 counts of premeditated murder, after he allegedly opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Wednesday afternoon [Feb 14]. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting is the 6^th school shooting resulting in injuries this year. There have been 17 incidents of gunfire in schools this year, according to gun control group Everytown USA.

 

“Authorities said Cruz used an AR-15 rifle — a semi-automatic assault-style rifle that has been used in numerous other mass shootings — th the shooting. He also hid additional magazines in his vest and backpack, according to the police report. The suspect, who was expelled from the school last year for disciplinary reasons, was taken into custody about an hour after fleeing school grounds….

 

“Described by former classmates as ‘loner,’ Cruz was an orphaned teenager whose mother died in November 2017, according to The Sun-Sentinel. His mother and her husband, who died years ago, according to the paper, had adopted Cruz and his biological brother. The two boys had then moved in with a family friend….

 

“More than 3,200 students attend…[the] High School, where approximately 130 teachers work….

 

“During his rampage, the shooter fired into five classrooms across three floors of the building, according to the sheriff. Next, after making his way up three floors…[he] dropped his rifle and backpack and ran outside….

 

“Then…[he] ran to a Wal-Mart at 2:50 p.m., where he bought a drink…He went to a nearby McDonalds ten minutes later and left shortly after. A police officer found the suspect waling, and arrested him without incident at 3:41 p.m. ….

 

“Broward County Mayor Beam Furr told CNN the suspected shooter had gotten treatment from a mental health clinic for a period of time….

 

“Documents uncovered by the Miami Herald…revealed that Florida’s Department of Children and Families investigated Cruz after he posted Snapchat videos that showed him cutting his arms. The report listed Cruz as an ‘alleged victim’ of medical neglect and inadequate supervision, but he was deemed stable….

 

“In September 2017, YouTube user Ben Bennight told the FBI about a worrisome comment left on one of his videos written by ‘nikolas cruz.’ The comment, as detailed by an FBI agent at a press conference Thursday, said, ‘I’m going to be a professional school shooter.’ Bennight told BuzzFeed News that the FBI visited him in September and asked if he knew the user. He said he did not, and the FBI ‘took a copy of the screenshot and that was the last time I heard from them,’ he said….” (Time. “What to Know About…Florida School Shooter Nikolas Cruz.” 2-15-2018.)

 

Feb 22, CNN: “Parkland, Florida (CNN) The school resource deputy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, waited outside the school building as the shooting unfolded last week, officials said. Scot Peterson never went in after taking a position on the west side of the building, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said at a Thursday afternoon news conference. Peterson resigned after he was suspended without pay by Israel pending an internal investigation into his actions during the shooting that left 17 people dead, Israel said. Peterson was eligible for retirement. Israel made the decision to suspend Peterson — who was armed and in uniform at the time of the shooting — after interviewing the deputy and reviewing footage and witness statements, he said….Israel told reporters Peterson should have ‘[w]ent in. Addressed the killer, Killed the killer.’ Instead, the deputy waited outside for about four minutes….

 

“Israel said two other deputies have been placed on restrictive duty while the sheriff’s office investigates their actions during calls to the gunman’s home before the shooting.

 

“Since 2008, he said, the sheriff’s office was involved in 23 calls involving either Nikolas Cruz or his brother. During some of the calls — which ere both in person and on the phone — deputies met with Cruz’s mother….

 

“Officials also reported Thursday that surveillance footage from the school shooting was not shown live, as responding officers initially thought. According to Coral Springs Police Chief Tony Pustizzi, the footage had been rewound, and police were watching in on a 20-minute delay, leading them to believe the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, was still in the building when he was long gone….” (CNN. “Stoneman Douglas school resource officer stayed outside as shooting unfolded, sheriff says.” 2-22-2018.)

 

Fatalities

 

Alyssa Alhadeff, 14, student.

Martin DuQue Anguiano, 14, student.

Scott Beigel, 35, geography teacher.

Nicholas Dwaret, 17, student.

Aaron Feis, 37, assistant football coach.

Jaime Guttenberg, 14, student.

Chris Hixon, 49, athletic director.

Luke Hoyer, 15, student.

Cara Loughran, 14, student.

Gina Montalto, 14, student.

Joaquin Oliver, 17, student.

Alaina Petty, 14, student.

Meadow Pollack, 18, student.

Helena Ramsay, 17, student.

Alex Schachter, 14, student.

Carmen Schentrup, 16, student.

Peter Wang, 15, student.

 

(CNN. “These are the victims of the Florida school shooting.” 2-21-2018.)

 

Sources

 

CNN. “Another ‘unspeakable tragedy’ at a US school leaves 17 dead in Florida.” 2-15-2018. Accessed 2-15-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/15/us/florida-high-school-shooting/index.html

 

CNN (Chuck Johnston, Jamiel Lynch and Dakin Andone). “Stoneman Douglas school resource officer stayed outside as shooting unfolded, sheriff says.” 2-22-2018. Accessed 2-22-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/22/us/florida-school-shooting/index.html

 

CNN (Eric Levenson and Joe Sterling). “These are the victims of the Florida school shooting.” 2-21-2018. Accessed 2-22-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/15/us/florida-shooting-victims-school/index.html

 

Sun Sentinel, FL. “Florida school shooting: The latest.” 2-22-2018. Accessed 2-22-2018 at: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-latest-updates-thursday-20180222-story.html

 

Time (John Patrick Pullen, Casey Quackenbush, Jennifer Calfas, and Abigail Abrams). “What to Know About Alleged Florida School Shooter Nikolas Cruz.” 2-15-2018. Accessed 2-22-2018 at: http://time.com/5159134/who-is-the-florida-shooter-parkland-nicolas-cruz/

 

[1] Fourteen students and three educators. Sun Sentinel, FL. “Florida school shooting: The latest.” 2-22-2018.

–>15  AP. “South cleans up after unusually intense storm that killed 15.” 1-18-2018.

—  15  Blanchard tally of State and local breakouts below.

 

Georgia                      (2)

–2  I-75 southeast of Atlanta. Driver lost control of vehicle, struck and killed two people.[1]

 

Louisiana                   (4)

–>4  CBS/AP. “Death toll mounting from winter storm deep freeze in South.” 1-18-2018.

–1  Metairie. Car slides on ice into Metarie canal; 8-month-old baby.[2]

–1  New Orleans I-10,. Pickup spun out of control knocking man off elevated road.

–1  Pointe Coupee Parish. Wheelchair-bound elderly man in house with no heat.

–1  Firefighter struck by vehicle while investigating a crash.

 

North Carolina          (1)

–1  Washington County, Jan 18. Minivan overturned, went off icy/snowy road into canal.[3]

 

Tennessee                   (1)

–1  Memphis. Apparent exposure/hypothermia; woman found dead in snowy park, 10° temp.[4]

 

Texas                          (5)

–1  Dallas. Exposure/hypothermia; homeless man found dead on sidewalk.[5]

–1  Dallas. Exposure/hypothermia; woman found dead at bus stop; wheelchair nearby.[6]

–1  Dreamland, Jan 17. Exposure/hypothermia; female, 82, with dementia; walked away from home.[7]

–1  Houston area. Homeless man found dead behind trash bin; apparent exposure/hypothermia.[8]

–1  Locality not noted. Exposure/hypothermia. Female in 80s after wandering away from home.[9]

 

Virginia                      (1)

–1  Axton area, Henry County, Jan 18. Boy, 6 sledding down driveway into road hit by truck.[10]

 

West Virginia            (1)

–1  I-64. Young college student killed when his vehicle hit “an iced-up tractor-trailer.”[11]

 

Narrative Information

 

Jan 18, CBS/AP: “Durham, N.C. — Several Southern states will be dealing with the lingering effects of a slow-moving winter storm that dumped a half-foot of snow on North Carolina’s largest cities, dusted the Deep South and killed at least 10 people…. By late Wednesday afternoon [Jan 17], Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Durham each had more than 6 inches, while some places saw as much as 10 inches.” (CBS/AP. “Death toll mounting from winter storm deep freeze in South.” 1-18-2018.)

 

Jan 18, AP: Durham, N.C. — Southerners shoveled, scraped and plowed their way Thursday out of a snowy deep freeze that caused a standstill across much of a region accustomed to mild winters. At least 15 people died, including a baby in a car that slid off an icy street outside New Orleans, and a 6-year-old boy who sledded onto a roadway in Virginia.

 

“Authorities across the South urged drivers to stay off treacherous roads. Louisiana highways remained closed much of the day and New Orleans residents were avoiding showers to restore pressure to a system plagued by frozen pipes. Atlanta was slowly returning to normal after being frozen in its tracks by about an inch of snow….

 

“North Carolina is accustomed to getting some snow, but people were surprised at the ferocity of this storm, which dumped as much as an inch per hour from the mountains to the coast and piled a foot of snow (30 centimeters) in parts of Durham County….

 

“On Thursday [18th], airlines canceled another 200 flights at Atlanta’s airport, and dozens of other flights at airports in Charlotte and Raleigh.

 

“Schools remained closed or had delayed openings across much of the region…

 

“Louisiana was also struggling to dig out. Every interstate in Baton Rouge remained closed Thursday morning, including Interstates 10 and 12, which were blocked to motorists across the southeastern stretch of the state. By mid-afternoon, many of the roadways had opened, though bottlenecks remained.

 

“Most of the fatalities happened in traffic accidents, including a man knocked off an icy elevated interstate in New Orleans, a West Virginia college student who slammed into an iced-up tractor-trailer and someone in a minivan that slid into a canal in North Carolina.

 

Others were believed to have died of exposure to bitterly cold weather in Louisiana, Texas and Tennessee….” (Associated Press/Jonathan Drew and Tom Foreman Jr. “South cleans up after unusually intense storm that killed 15.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC 1-18-2018.)

Sources

 

ABC 13 Eyewitness News, Houston (Kevin Quinn). “83-year-old woman with dementia likely died from cold.” 1-17-2018. Accessed 1-19-2018 at: http://abc13.com/83-year-old-woman-with-dementia-likely-died-from-cold/2958888/

 

Associated Press (Jonathan Drew and Tom Foreman Jr.). “South cleans up after unusually intense storm that killed 15.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC 1-18-2018. Accessed 1-19-2018 at: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather/article195270369.html

 

CBS/AP. “Death toll climbs to 15 as the Deep South cleans up snow.” 1-18-2018. Accessed 1-19-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/death-toll-climbs-to-15-as-the-deep-south-cleans-up-snow/

 

CBS/AP. “Death toll mounting from winter storm deep freeze in South.” 1-18-2018. Accessed 1-18-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/death-toll-mounting-from-winter-storm-deep-freeze-in-south/

 

The Tribune, Seymour IN. “The Latest: After ice, some Louisiana interstates still shut.” 1-18-2018. Accessed 1-18-2018 at: http://www.tribtown.com/2018/01/18/us-winter-weather-the-latest-8/

 

WTVR CBS 6, Richmond (Vernon Freeman Jr.). “6-year-old Virginia boy dies after being hit by car while sledding..” 1-18-2018. Accessed 1-19-2018 at: http://wtvr.com/2018/01/18/6-year-old-virginia-boy-dies-after-being-hit-by-car-while-sledding/

 

WWLTV, New Orleans, LA. “Baby dies, woman critical after car slides into Metarie canal.” 1-17-2018. Accessed 1-18-2018 at: http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/jefferson/baby-dies-woman-critical-after-car-slides-into-metairie-canal/508820143

 

 

 

 

[1] CBS/AP. “Death toll mounting from winter storm deep freeze in South.” 1-18-2018.

[2] WWLTV. “Baby dies, woman critical after car slides into Metarie canal.” 1-17-2018; identifies victim as Kollage Le-Silva. Adds: “Officials said ice on the roadway was a contributing factor to the accident.”

[3] The Tribune, Seymour IN. “The Latest: After ice, some Louisiana interstates still shut.” 1-18-2018. “…Gov. Roy Cooper calls [the accident] the state’s first reported weather-related fatality from the winter storm.”

[4] CBS/AP. “Death toll mounting from winter storm deep freeze in South.” 1-18-2018.

[5] CBS/AP. “Death toll climbs to 15 as the Deep South cleans up snow.” 1-18-2018.

[6] CBS/AP. “Death toll climbs to 15 as the Deep South cleans up snow.” 1-18-2018.

[7] ABC 13 Eyewitness News, Houston. “83-year-old woman with dementia likely died from cold.” 1-17-2018. Notes that location is in Harris County (Houston area) and identified victim as Rosella Wilson, who “was found in a wooded area less than 50 yards from the back door of her home…”

[8] CBS/AP. “Death toll mounting from winter storm deep freeze in South.” 1-18-2018.

[9] CBS/AP. “Death toll climbs to 15 as the Deep South cleans up snow.” 1-18-2018.

[10] WTVR CBS 6, Richmond (Vernon Freeman Jr.). “6-year-old Virginia boy dies after being hit by car while sledding..” 1-18-2018. Boy identified as Aaron Frias-Alvarez.

[11] AP. “South cleans up after unusually intense storm that killed 15.” News & Observer, Raleigh, NC 1-18-2018.

United States             (57-59)

–57-59  Blanchard tally from State breakouts below. (Gadsden County accounts for the range.)

—     45  AP. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total.” Fox News, 10-28-2018.

—     45  Wikipedia. “Hurricane Michael.” 11-27-2018 edit.

 

Central America       (     15)

–15  Wikipedia. “Hurricane Michael.” 12-10-2018 edit.

–3  El Salvador

–8  Honduras

–4  Nicaragua

 

Summary of Hurricane U.S. Michael-Related Fatalities by State

 

Florida                       (47-49) (Gadsden County accounts for the range)

Georgia                      (       1)

North Carolina          (       3)

Virginia                      (       6)

 

            Total:             57-59

 

Breakout of Hurricane Michael-Related By State and Localities (where available):

 

Florida                       (47-49)

–47-49  State. Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below (specifically by county).[1]

–44  Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names…Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.[2]

–43  AP. “Authorities: Hurricane Michael killed at least 43 in Florida.” Tallahassee Democrat, 11-27-2018.

–35  State. State Emergency Management Division spokesman Alberto Moscoso, Oct 27 email.[3]

–31  14^th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office[4]

Bay County

Calhoun County

Gulf County

Holmes County

Jackson County

WashingtonCounty

Other Districts

–1  Clay County

–1  Liberty County

–29  State. Assoc. Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 29 in Florida, 39 total.” KWTX 10.[5]

–26  State. CNN. “Death toll from Hurricane Michael rises to 36.” 10-20-2018.

–25  State. Weather Channel. “Hurricane Michael Death Toll Rises to 35…” 10-18-2018.

–23  State. USA Today. “7 more deaths raise Hurricane Michael toll to 33…” 10-17-2018.

–19  State. CNN. “Hurricane Michael’s devastation…more deaths…in Florida.” 10-16-2018.

Breakout by County (Note: we list deaths by County in which a person died, not residence.)

–24  Bay County. Blanchard tally from county/locality and cause of death breakouts below.

–23  Wkgc.com. “Hurricane Michael Death Toll increases in Bay County.” 11-19-2018.[6]

—  1  Bayou George, Oct 11. Shot by police in their car; Dakota Brooks, 26.[7]

—  2  Lyn Haven.

–1  Lyn Haven, Oct 11. Body found in home; no power; Russell Herndon, 28.[8]

–1  Oct 11. In home under hospice care; Judith “Judy” Cooley, 79.[9]

—  5  Mexico Beach. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

–1  Oct 10. Apparent drowning, Agnes “Aggie” Vicari, 79, found in rubble.[10]

–1  Oct 10. Drowning; storm surge. house swept away; Donald Vonderhaar, 87.[11]

–1  Oct 10. Drowning; storm surge moved home; Sandra Lucas-Detrick, 60.[12]

–1  Oct 10. Drowning; storm surge moves home; Gary Nakkula, 65.[13]

–1  Oct 18. Heart attack; Indiana utility worker; Jeffrey Hayes, 63.[14]

–10  Panama City.

–1  Oct 10. Apparent heart attack in yard securing property during storm (Withey, 43).[15]

–1  Oct 11 (body found). Cause not noted; no power in home; Paul Gilday, 77.[16]

–1  Oct 11. Power outage denies use of necessary medical devices; James Stukey, 81.[17]

–1  Body found Oct 12 behind his home. Presumable drowning; Norman Gatlin, 78.[18]

–1  Body found Oct 13 behind home. Presumable drowning; David Wootton, 91.[19]

–1  Body found Oct 15 at home, which had no power; Qumount Booker, 68.[20]

–1  Bear Creek area. Apparent heart attack; male; yard cleanup afterwards; Clark, 64.[21]

–1  Oct 18. Tree fall, while clearing away storm debris; Nick Rivera, 64.[22]

–1  Oct 18. Tree fall, while clearing storm debris; George Covington, 60.[23]

–1  Nov 15. Cause not noted. Joseph Kazimour, 54.[24]

— 1  Locale not noted; male transient, 61; body found in yard next day, natural causes.[25]

— 1  Locale not noted; Oct 15. No power for respiratory devices; Kurt Bennett.[26]

— 1  Locale not noted, Oct 24. Billy Brown, 64, Bay County.[27]

— 1  Locale not noted; Oct 16. CO poisoning; generator; Henry Campbell, 70.[28]

— 1  Locale not noted; Oct 10. Unable to access dialysis; Jose Golazo, 52.[29]

— 1  Locale not noted; Oct 19; power out; home health needs less accessible; Dorothy Lawrence, 94.[30]

—    1  Calhoun County. FL Emer. Mgmt. Div. spokesman, Oct 27 email.[31] Tree fall.[32]

—    1  Clay County. FL EMD spokesman Oct 27 email.[33] Female, 94.[34] Fall during evacuation.[35]

—    2  Franklin Co., AP. “Authorities: Hurricane Michael…” Tal. Dem., FL, 11-27-2018. Cites FL DEM.

–1  Apalachicola Reg. AP, Nov 31. Takeoff plane crash on damage assessment mission.[36]

–1  No data. (FL DEC notes two deaths as of Nov 27; we see information on one.)

–2-4  Gadsden Co. Blanchard tally.[37] (Sent email to District 2 Med. Examiner 12-11-2018.)[38]

–2-4  Gadsden County. CNN reported 4 on Oct 11, State EMD notes two, Oct 27. [39]

–4  Gadsden Co. Tallahassee Democrat. “Hurricane Michael kills…” 10-11-2018.[40]

–4  Tampa Bay Times, Tallahassee Bureau. “Storm deaths coming to light,” 10-20-2018.[41]

–2  State Emergency Management Division spokesman Moscoso, Oct 27 email.[42]

–2  Tallahassee Democrat, FL. “Authorities release more names…” 12-5-2018.

–2  AP. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 29 in Florida, 39 total.” KWTX 10.[43]

–1  Greensboro, Oct 10. Tree crashes through house; Steven Scott.[44]

–1  Greensboro, cause of death not noted.[45]

–1  Gretna, Oct 10. Tree fell on house; Steve Sweet, 44.[46]

–1  Quincy, Oct 10.[47]

–1  Sawdust. Renal disease; unable to get dialysis; Charles Ash, 71.[48]

—    3  Gulf County. FL Emer. Mgmt. Div. spokesman Alberto Moscoso, Oct 27 email.[49]

–1  Wewahitchka, Oct 18. Falling tree during cleanup; Willard “Brad” Price, 49.[50]

–1  Simmons Bayou, State Rd 30A. Drowning; body found Oct 13 outside home;[51] Bill McConnell, 70.[52]

–1  Locale and date not noted; Connie Bronson, 65. (Gulf County Sheriff’s office.)[53]

—    4  Jackson Co. AP. “Authorities: Hurricane Michael…” TD, FL, 11-27-2018. Citing FL DEM.

–1  Oct 10, Alford. Tree fall onto mobile home roof. John Arthur Gombos, 67.[54]

–1  Oct 15, Campbellton; natural causes; no electricity contributed; Tony Gray, 67.[55]

–1  Marianna, Oct 10. (Sheriff Lou Roberts, news conference.)[56]

–1  Marianna, Oct 16. Natural disease; no power contributing; Leroy “Jabo” Cooper, 61.[57]

—    3  Leon County. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

–2  Tallahassee Democrat, FL. “Authorities release more names…” 12-5-2018.

–1  Apalachicola resident brought to Leon Co. hospice, Nov 13; power out; fall (McKinley).[58]

–1  Georgia resident taken to Leon Co. for medical help; power out; fall; Jean A. Luke, 87.[59]       –1  Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Oct 29. Floodwater contamination/sepsis (Lillquist).[60]

—    2  Liberty Co. Tallahassee Democrat, FL. “Authorities release more names…” 12-5-2018.

–1  Oct 10. Complained of chest pains. Emer. Med. unable to respond due to storm. (Sullivan)[61]

–1  Oct 26. Tree fall while trying to remove it during cleanup; Phillip Owens, 55.[62]

—    1  Wakulla Co., Oct 12. Collapse on way to Panhandle to help evacuate prisoners. (Dunn)[63]

—    4  Washington Co. AP. “Authorities: Hurricane Michael…” TD, FL, 11-27-2018. Citing FL DEM.

–3  Chipley, Oct 24. Truck hits linemen working to restore power.[64]

–George Cecil, 52, of Cole Rain, NC

–James Ussery, 60, Chipley, FL.

–Ryan Barrett, 22, Roanoke Rapids, NC.[65]

 

Georgia                      (  1)

–1  Seminole Co. ~Lake Seminole, Oct 10. Tree (or debris)[66] falls on home; girl, 11.[67]

 

North Carolina          (  3)

–1  Iredell County, Statesville area, Hwy. 64, Oct 11. Tree falls on car; male, 38.[68]

–2  McDowell County, Marion, Oct 11, ~7:30 pm. Car hits felled tree; female, 64, and male.[69]

 

Virginia                      (  6)

–2  Charlotte County, Oct 11. Drownings; family car “swamped” on bridge by floodwater.[70]

–1  Danville, Oct 11. Drowning; Lynn Tanksley, 53, swept away from vehicle in flash flood.[71]

–1  Danville, Oct 11. Drowning; vehicle overcome by floodwater.[72] Jennifer B Mitchell, 60.[73]

–1  Hanover Co., Richmond area, I-235, Oct 11, fire-truck rear-ended by tractor trailer; Lt. Brad Clark.[74]

–1  Pittsylvania Co., Mount Hermon, Oct 12. Drowning; vehicle in flash flooding; male, 45.[75]

 

Cause of Death Summary

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning           (  1)

Drownings                                         (  6)

Drownings, Vehicular-Related        (  5)

Exposure to Contamination/Sepsis (  1)

Falls                                                    (  3)

Heart Attacks/Other Natural          (  5)

Natural; no power contributing      (  6)

Tree Falls                                           (11)

Unavailable Medical Device/Aid     (  5)

Vehicular (including place crash)   (  5)

Other (shooting by police)               (  1)

Not noted                                           (11)  (Due to ambiguities, may represent an over-count.)

           

Causes of Death (where noted):

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning                       (  1)

–1  FL 14^th Judicial Circuit, locale not noted; Oct 16. CO poisoning; generator; Henry Campbell, 70.

 

Drownings                                                     (  6)

–1  FL, Bay Co., Mexico Beach. Apparent drowning, Aggie Vicari, 79, body found in rubble.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Mexico Beach, Oct 10. Drowning; storm surge moved home; Sandra Lucas-Detrick, 60.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Mexico Beach, Oct 10. Drowning; storm surge moves home; Gary Nakkula, 65.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Mexico Beach, Oct 10. Drowning; surge swept house away; Donald Vonderhaar, 87.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Panama City; found Oct 12 behind home. Presumable drowning; Norman Gatlin, 78.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Panama City, found Oct 13 behind home. Presumable drowning; David Wootton, 91.

 

Drownings, Vehicular-Related                    (  5)

–1  FL, Gulf Co., State Rd 30A. Drowning. Body found Oct 13 outside home. Bill McConnell, 70.

–2  VA, Charlotte County, Oct 11. Drownings; family car “swamped” on bridge by floodwater.

–1  VA, Danville, Oct 11. Drowning; Lynn Tanksley, 53, swept away from vehicle, flash flood.

–1  VA, Danville, Oct 11. Drowning; vehicle overcome by floodwater; unidentified person.

 

Exposure to Contamination (Sepsis)          (  1)

–1  Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Oct 29. Floodwater contamination/sepsis (Lillquist).[76]

 

Falls                                                                (  2)

–1  FL, Clay County. FL EMD spokesman Oct 27 email. Female, 94. Fall during evacuation.

–1  FL, Leon Co., GA resident taken to Leon Co. for medical help; power out; fall; Jean A. Luke, 87.[77]

–1  FL, Leon Co., Nov 13. Apalachicola resident brought to Leon Co. hospice. Power out; fall (McKinley).[78]

 

Heart Attacks and Other Natural Causes  (  4)

–1  FL, Bay Co., Bear Creek area. Apparent heart attack; male, cleaning up yard afterwards; T. Clark.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Mexico Beach, Oct 18. Heart attack; Indiana utility worker; Jeffrey Hayes, 63.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Panama City, Oct 10. Apparent heart attack in yard, securing property during storm (Withey).

–1  FL, Liberty Co., Oct 10. Complained of chest pains. Emer. Med. unable to respond due to storm.

–1  FL, Wakulla Co., Oct 12. Collapse on way to Panhandle to help evacuate prisoners. (Dunn)[79]

 

Natural Causes; power loss contributing   (  6)

–1  FL, Bay Co., Lyn Haven, Oct 11. Body found in home with no power; Russell Herndon, 28

–1  FL, Bay County, Oct 11. In home without power under hospice care; Judith “Judy” Cooley, 79.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Panama City, Oct 11/body found. Presumed natural; no power in home; Paul Gilday, 77

–1  FL, Bay County. Body found Oct 15 at home, which had no power; Qumount Booker, 68.

–1  FL, Bay County, locale not noted; male transient, 61; body found in yard after storm.[80]

–1  FL, Jackson Co., Oct 15, Campbellton; natural causes; no electricity contributed; Tony Gray, 67.

–1  FL, Jackson Co., Marianna, Oct 16. Natural disease; no power contributing; Leroy “Jabo” Cooper, 61.

 

Tree Falls                                                       (10)

–1  FL, Bay County, Oct 18. Tree fall, while clearing away storm debris; Nick Rivera, 64.

–1  FL, Bay Co., Panama City, Oct 18. Tree fall, clearing storm debris; George Covington, 60.

–1  FL, Calhoun County. FL Emer. Mgmt. Div. spokesman, Oct 27 email. Tree fall.

–?  FL, Gadsden County, Greensboro, Oct 10. Tree crashes through house; Steven Scott.[81]

–1  FL, Gadsden County, Gretna, Oct 10. Tree fell on house; Steve Sweet, 44.

–1  FL, Gulf County, Wewahitchka, Oct 18. Falling tree during cleanup; Brad Price, 49.

–1  FL, Jackson Co., Oct 10, Alford. Tree fall onto mobile home. John Arthur Gombos, 67.

–1  FL, Liberty Co., Oct 26. Tree fall while trying to remove it during cleanup; Phillip Owens, 55.

–1  GA, Seminole Co. ~Lake Seminole, Oct 10. Tree (or debris) falls on home; girl, 11.

–1  NC, Iredell County, Statesville area, Hwy. 64, Oct 11. Tree falls on car; male, 38.

–2  NC, McDowell Co., Marion, Oct 11, ~7:30 pm. Car hits felled tree; female, 64, and male.[82]

 

Unavailable Medical Device/Aid                 (  5)

–1  FL, Bay Co., Panama City, Oct 11. Power outage; loses use of necessary medical devices; James Stukey, 81.

–1  FL, Gadsden County, Sawdust. Renal disease; unable to get dialysis; Charles Ash, 71

–1  FL, 14^th Judicial Circuit, locale not noted; Oct 10, Jose Golazo, 52, unable to access dialysis.

–1  FL, 14^th Judicial Circuit, no locale; Oct 15; Kurt Bennett; no power for respiratory devices.

–1  FL, 14^th JC, no locale; Oct 19; power outage; home health needs less accessible; Dorothy Lawrence, 94.[83]

 

Vehicular                                                       (  5)

–1  Apalachicola Regional AP. Takeoff plane crash on damage assessment mission.

–3  FL, Washington County, Chipley, Oct 24. Truck hits linemen working to restore power.

–1  VA, Hanover Co., Richmond area, I-235, Oct 11, fire-truck rear-ended by tractor trailer; Lt. Brad Clark.

 

Other                                                              (  1)

–1  FL, Bay Co., Bayou George, Oct 11. Shot by police in their car; traumatized by storm/looting suspect.

 

Not noted                                                       (  5)

–1  FL, Bay County, Panama City, Nov 15. Cause not noted. Joseph Kazimour, 54.

–1  FL, Bay County, locale not noted, Oct 24. Billy Brown, 64.

–1  FL, Gadsden County, Greensboro, cause of death not noted.

–1  FL, Gadsden County, Quincy, Oct 10.

–1  FL, Gulf County. Locale, date not noted; Connie Bronson, 65. (Gulf County Sheriff’s office.)

 

Named Florida Fatalities (41); Un-Named Fatalities (8) = 49

 

1. Ash, Charles, 71. Sawdust, Gadsden Co., FL. Renal failure; unable to access dialysis.
2. Barrett, Ryan, 22. Washington Co., Oct 24. Roanoke Rapids, NC, lineman, hit-and-run car.
3. Bennett, Kurt, 22. Bay County, Oct 15. No power for respiratory devices.
4. Booker, Qumount, 68. Panama City, Bay Co., FL. Body found Oct 15, home without power.
5. Bronson, Connie, 65. Gulf County, FL. Death details not provided.
6. Brooks, Dakota, 26. Bayou George, Bay Co., FL, Oct 11. Shot by police in their car.
7. Brown, Billy, 64. Bay County, Oct 24. Cause of death not noted.
8. Campbell, Henry, 70. Bay County. Carbon monoxide poisoning from generator.
9. Cecil, George, 52. Washington Co., Oct 24. Cole Rain, NC lineman killed, hit-and-run motorist.
10. Clark, Timothy P., 64. Panama City (Bear Creek), Bay Co., FL, Oct 11. Heart attack cleaning up.
11. Cooley, Judith “Judy,” 79. Lyn Haven, Bay Co. FL, Oct 11. In home under hospice care.
12. Cooper, Leroy “Jabo,” 61. Marianna, Jackson Co., FL. Oct 16. Natural; no power contributed
13. Covington, George, 60. Panama City, Bay Co., FL, Oct 18. Tree fall while clearing debris.
14. Dunn, Derrick, 48. Wakulla Co., Oct 12. Collapsed on way to Panhandle to help evacuees.[84]
15. Gatlin, Norman, 78. Panama City, Bay Co., FL, Oct 12. Drowning? Found behind home.
16. Gilday, Paul, 77. Panama City, Bay Co., FL, Oct 11 (body found in home; no power).
17. Golazo, Jose, 52. Bay County; unable to access dialysis.
18. Gombos, John Arthur, 67. Alford, Jackson Co., FL, Oct 10. Tree fall onto mobile home.
19. Gray, Tony, 67. Campbellton, Jackson, FL, Oct 15. Natural causes; no electricity contributed.
20. Hayes, Jeffrey, 63. Mexico Beach, Bay Co., FL, Oct 18. Heart attack; Ind. utility worker.
21. Herndon, Russell, 28. Lyn Haven, Bay Co., FL. Oct 11. Body found in home; no power.
22. Kazimour, Joseph, 54. Panama City, Bay Co., FL. Nov 15. Cause of death not noted.
23. Lawrence, Dorothy, 94. Bay County, Oct 19. No power for medical equipment.
24. Lillquist, 72, Oct 29. Contamination from floodwater/sepsis, Gulf Co., moved to Leon Co.
25. Lucas-Detrick, Sandra, 60. Mexico Beach, Bay Co., FL. Oct 10. Drowning from storm surge.
26. Luke, Jean A., 87, Nov 13. GA resident taken to Leon Co., FL for med care; power out; fall.
27. McConnell, Bill, 70. Simmons Bayou, Gulf Co., FL, Oct 10. Drowning; body found Oct 13.
28. McKinley, Darrell, 82. Died Nov. 13 after transfer from Apalachicola to Leon Co., Fall.
29. Midlam, Lewis C. Apalachicola AP plane crash or damage assessment mission, Nov 31.
30. Nakkula, Gary, 65. Mexico Beach, Bay Co., FL. Drowning from storm surge.
31. Owens, Phillip, 55. Liberty County, Oct 26. Tree fall while trying to remove it/cleanup.
32. Price, Willard “Brad,” 49. Wewahitchka, Gulf Co., FL. Falling tree during cleanup.
33. Rivera, Nick, 64. Panama City, Bay Co., FL, Oct 18. Tree fall while clearing away debris.
34. Stukey, James, 81. Panama City, Bay Co., FL, Oct 11. No power for medical equipment.
35. Sullivan, James, 78. Liberty Co., Oct 10. Apparent heart attack; med. unable to respond.
36. Sweet, Steve, 44. Gretna/Greensboro area, Gadsden Co., FL, Oct 10. Tree fall onto house.
37. Ussery, James, 60. Chipley, Washington Co. FL, Oct 24, lineman killed by hit-and-run motorist.
38. Vicari, Agnes “Aggie,” 79. Mexico Beach, Bay Co., FL, Oct 10. Drowning; found in rubble.
39. Vonderhaar, Donald, 87. Mexico Beach, Bay Co., FL, Oct 10. Drowning from storm surge.
40. Withey, Robert Alexander, 43. Panama City, Bay Co., FL, Oct 10. Heart attack during storm.
41. Wootton, David, 91. Panama City, Bay Co., FL, Oct 13 (body found). Drowning? Behind home.

 

Unnamed Fatalities (8)

 

–4  Bay County, FL. Localities, dates, gender, ages, cause of death not noted. (19 others id’d.)

–1  Calhoun County, FL. Tree fall.

–1  Clay County. Female, 94, falls during evacuation; subsequently dies of acute liver failure.

–1  Gadsden County, Quincy, FL. Death details not noted.

–1  14^th Judicial Circuit (Bay/Calhoun/Gulf/Holmes/Jackson/Washington Counties). Male transient, 61.[85]

 

Narrative Information

 

Oct 20: “Tallahassee — It’s been 10 days since Hurricane Michael slammed the Panhandle and decimated whole cities, from the coastal beach towns to the rural, wooded communities north. Since the Category 4 storm hit Oct. 10, at least 27 people have been confirmed dead in Florida…

 

“While the state has released up-dated counts of the dead, many of those victims remain largely nameless — so far, just a collection of ages, home counties and causes of death….

 

“Tight-lipped state emergency officials say they can’t confirm some deaths because of damaged infrastructure and bad communication in Bay and Gulf counties. Officials also initially said they could not release victims’ names due to a 1996 law that provides data privacy and security for medical information. Yet that law applies only to healthcare providers.

 

“Officials then said the state’s Division of Emergency Management and the state emergency response team does not ‘receive information regarding the identity of storm victims,’ according to spokesman Alberto Moscoso.

 

“But local authorities have in piecemeal begun releasing the identities of those killed during and after the storm….

 

“…the state’s three-part search-and-rescue mission is ‘100 percent complete,’….” (Tampa Bay Times (Elizabeth Koh and Samantha J. Gross), Tallahassee Bureau. “Storm deaths coming to light,” 10-20-2018.)

 

Sources

 

ABC First Coast News, Jacksonville, FL. “Hurricane Michael death toll climbs as Florida officials confirm more fatalities.” 10-10-2018, updated 10-16-2018. Accessed 11-20-1018 at: https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/nation-world/hurricane-michael-death-toll-climbs-as-florida-officials-confirm-more-fatalities/507-603072730

 

ABC News Radio. “Michael’s death toll rising as storm tears into Florence-ravaged Carolinas.” 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: http://columbusnewsteam.com/abc_national/michaels-death-toll-rising-as-storm-tears-into-florenceravaged-carolinas-abcid36118062/

 

Action News Jax. “FHP [Florida Highway Patrol]: Two linemen dead, one critical after hit-and-run in Florida Panhandle.” 10-25-2018. Accessed 10-25-2018 at: https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/fhp-lineman-dead-after-hit-and-run-two-injured-near-chipley/859272977

 

Associated Press. “Authorities: Hurricane Michael killed at least 43 in Florida.” Tallahassee Democrat, FL, 11-27-2018. Accessed 11-27-2018 at: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/11/27/authorities-hurricane-michael-killed-least-43-florida/2123503002/

 

Associated Press. “Florida Reporting 16 Deaths After Michael, Other States 10.” New York Times, 10-16-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/10/16/us/ap-us-hurricane-michael-casualties.html

 

Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 29 in Florida, 39 total.” KWTX 10, TX. Accessed 10-22-2018 at: https://www.kwtx.com/content/news/Hurricane-Michael-killed-at-least-29-in-Florida-39-total-498243441.html

 

Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total.” Fox News, 10-28-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.foxnews.com/us/hurricane-michael-killed-at-least-35-in-florida-45-total

 

Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael updates: Florida firefighter dies; death toll up to 35.” ClickOrlando.com, 10-19-2018. Accessed 10-20-2018 at: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/hurricane-michael-florida-firefighter-dies-death-toll-up-to-35

 

Associated Press. “Officials: Michael killed at least 20 in Florida.” WSAZ 3, Huntington, WV. 10-18-2018. Accessed 10-18-2018 at: https://www.wsaz.com/content/news/In-Mexico-Beach-after-Michael-some-coming-home-find-no-home-497912601.html

 

Associated Press. “The Latest: Man killed in Florida home by fallen tree.” Mercury News, FL. 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/10/10/hurricane-michael-updates-florida-landfall/

 

Associated Press (Denise Lavoie and Jonathan Drew). “Virginia deaths mount even as Michael heads out to sea..” Roanoke Times, VA. 10-12-2018. Accessed 10-12-2018 at: https://www.roanoke.com/ap/state/virginia-deaths-mount-even-as-michael-heads-out-to-sea/article_cbaf3135-f013-5054-8aaf-5901cf7aab0a.html

 

CBS/AP. “Hurricane Michael’s devastation still being assessed — live updates.” 10-14-2018. Accessed 10-15-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-michael-mexico-beach-panama-city-recovery-today-2018-10-13/

 

CBS/AP. “Michael’s death toll jumps as crews search for survivors — live updates.” 10-12-2018. Accessed 10-12-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-michael-damage-florida-flooding-georgia-power-outage-weather-deaths-today-live-updates/

 

CNN (Dakin Andone). “Death toll from Hurricane Michael rises to 36.” 10-20-2018. Accessed 10-21-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/20/us/hurricane-michael-death-toll/index.html

 

CNN. “Hurricane Michael death toll climbs to 18 with new victim reported in Virginia.” 10-14-2018. Accessed 10-14-2018 at: https://www.1041kqth.com/news/national/hurricane-michael-death-toll-climbs-to-18-with-new-victim-reported-in-virginia

 

CNN (Dave Alsup, Anne Claire Stapleton and Hollie Silverman). “Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 6.” 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/tropical-storm-hurricane-michael-florida/index.html

 

CNN (Holly Yan, Tina Burnside, Susannah Cullinane). “Hurricane Michael’s devastation continues with more deaths reported in Florida.” 10-16-2018. Accessed 10-17-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/16/us/hurricane-michael-wxc/index.html

 

CNN. “Michael is leaving behind millions of people facing a daunting recovery in the days ahead.” Fox News, 10-12-2018. Accessed 11-2018 at: https://fox8.com/2018/10/12/michael-is-leaving-behind-millions-of-people-facing-a-daunting-recovery-in-the-days-ahead/

 

Dion, Eryn. “Remembering Hurricane Michael’s victims.” Panama City News Herald, 11-18-2018. Accessed 11-19-2018 at: https://www.newsherald.com/news/20181118/remembering-hurricane-michaels-victims

 

FirstCoastNews, Jacksonville, FL. “11-year-old girl, Florida man killed by falling trees from Hurricane Michael.” 10-10-2018; updated 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/nation-world/11-year-old-girl-florida-man-killed-by-falling-trees-from-hurricane-michael/77-603072730

 

Florida District Medical Examiners. Accessed 12-11-2018 at:

https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MEC/Contacts/Documents/DME-List.aspx

 

Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IA. “Donald Vonderhaar.” 10-16-2018. Accessed 11-20-2018 at: http://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/daily_democrat/donald-vonderhaar/article_94f68704-d173-11e8-a530-cb57e5fe416e.html

 

Fort Myers News-Press, FL. “Fort Myers engineer who died in Apalachicola plane crash loved to fly, was a solid mentor.” 12-4-2018. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/12/04/fort-myers-engineer-who-died-apalachicola-plane-crash-loved-fly-solid-mentor/2201303002/

 

Hendricks County Flyer, Avon, IN. “Cicero man dies on scene of hurricane’s devastation.” 10-24-2018. Accessed 11-19-2018 at: https://www.flyergroup.com/indiana/news/cicero-man-dies-on-scene-of-hurricane-s-devastation/article_2f304fcd-8ffa-57e0-96ec-a2faeb304149.html

 

Kingnews. “A Hurricane’s Chaos. A Cry of Looting. Then Gunfire.” 10-23-2018. Accessed 11-21-2018:  http://comment-news.com/story/d3d3Lm55dGltZXMuY29tLzIwMTgvMTAvMjMvdXMvaHVycmljYW5lLW1pY2hhZWwtcG9saWNlLXNob290aW5nLWRha290YS1icm9va3MuaHRtbA

 

Miami Herald/Alex Harris. “In tiny Florida fishing village, hurricane took a home, a neighbor and a way of life.” 10-23-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article220405600.html

 

MyPanhandle.com (Key McVay). “Breaking: One confirmed death reported in Gulf County.” 10-17-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/breaking-one-confirmed-death-reported-in-gulf-county/1531128157

 

NBC News (Elisha Fieldstadt). “Officials worry Hurricane Michael death toll could rise as crews struggle to access hard-hit areas.” 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/officials-worry-hurricane-michael-death-toll-could-rise-crews-struggle-n918936

 

News Herald, Panama City, FL. Obituary. Tim P. Clark.” Accessed 11-21-2018 at: http://obits.newsherald.com/obituaries/newsherald/obituary.aspx?n=tim-p-clark&pid=190708922&fhid=6055

 

NWF Daily News (Eryn Dion, News Herald). “Remembering Hurricane Michael’s Panhandle victims.” 11-20-2018. Accessed 11-20-2018 at: https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20181120/remembering-hurricane-michaels-panhandle-victims-photos

 

Orlando Weekly. “Florida’s 2018 hurricane season will be remembered for Hurricane Michael.” 12-3-2018. Accessed 12-3-2018 at: https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/12/03/floridas-2018-hurricane-season-will-be-remembered-for-hurricane-michael

 

Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018. Accessed 12-5-2018 at: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/12/04/authorities-release-more-names-dead-hurricane-michael/2196902002/

 

Tallahassee Democrat, FL “Hurricane Michael kills four people in Gadsden County.” 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/10/11/hurricane-michael-deaths-storm-kills-four-people-gadsden-county/1604782002/

 

Tallahassee Democrat. “Tropical Storm Michael death count at 2 after Georgia girl dies.” 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/10/11/hurricane-michael-death-count-georgia-florida/1598220002/

 

Tampa Bay Times (Elizabeth Koh and Samantha Gross). “9 days after Hurricane Michael, Florida’s death toll a mystery.” 10-19-2018, updated 10-20-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.tbo.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/10/19/9-days-after-hurricane-michael-floridas-death-toll-a-mystery/

 

Tampa Bay Times (Samantha J. Gross). “Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 21 in Florida.” 10-16-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/10/16/hurricane-michael-death-toll-rises-to-21-in-florida/

 

Tampa Bay Times (Elizabeth Koh and Samantha J. Gross), Tallahassee Bureau. “Storm deaths coming to light,” 10-20-2018. Accessed 11-21-2018 at: https://www.pressreader.com/usa/tampa-bay-times/20181020/281526522032832

 

Tampa Bay Times, FL. “Virginia reports 5 deaths attributed to Hurricane Michael, bringing total to 11.” 10-12-2018. Accessed 10-12-2018 at: https://www.tampabay.com/cg/news/virginia-reports-5-deaths-attributed-to-hurricane-michael-bringing-total-to-11-20181012/

 

Thorson, Alex. “‘You were intelligent. Why did you stay?’: Friend of Gulf County Michael victim fights back tears. Gulf County Confirms Three Hurricane-Related Deaths.” MyPanhandle.com, 11-6-2018. Accessed 11-7-2018 at: https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/-you-were-intelligent-why-did-you-stay-friend-of-gulf-county-michael-victim-fights-back-tears-1/1577424890

 

USA Today (Doug Stanglin and Jim Little). “7 more deaths raise Hurricane Michael toll to 33; residents trickle back to devastated areas.” 10-17-2018. Accessed 10-18-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/10/17/hurricane-michael-3-more-deaths-raise-toll-29/1671805002/

 

Weather Channel (Ron Brackett). “Hurricane Michael Death Toll Jumps to 17; Many Still Missing.” 10-12-2018. Accessed 10-13-2018 at: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-10-12-hurricane-michael-impacts-death-toll-southeast-mid-atlantic

 

Weather Channel (Sean Breslin). “Hurricane Michael Death Toll Rises to 35 as Mexico Beach Residents Return to Survey Damage.” 10-18-2018. Accessed 10-18-2018 at: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-10-18-hurricane-michael-impacts

 

Wikipedia. “Hurricane Michael.” 11-7-2018 edit. Accessed 11-7-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Michael

 

Wikipedia. “Hurricane Michael.” 11-27-2018 edit. Accessed 11-27-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Michael

 

Wikipedia. “Hurricane Michael.” 12-10-2018 edit. Accessed 12-11-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Michael

 

WJHG/WECP (O. Michael), Panama City, FL. “Two more hurricane Michael casualties identified.” 11-20-2018.

 

WKGC 90.7 Panama City, FL. “Hurricane Michael Death Toll increases in Bay County.” 11-19-2018. Accessed 11-20-2018 at: https://www.wkgc.org/2018/11/19/hurricane-michael-death-toll-increases-in-bay-county/

 

WTXL, Tallahassee. “Death toll from Hurricane Michael rises to 6.” 10-11-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: http://www.wtxl.com/news/death-toll-from-hurricane-michael-rises-to/article_c185aa2c-cd93-11e8-840a-f7e154275cf1.html

 

WTXL, Tallahassee, FL. “Third lineman injured in Chipley hit-and-run crash dies.” 10-25-2018. Accessed 10-27-2018 at: http://www.wtxl.com/news/third-lineman-injured-in-chipley-hit-and-run-crash-dies/article_baa3141a-d801-11e8-8871-971651f35de5.html

 

 

 

[1] The range has to do with Gadsden County where sources report either two or four fatalities.

[2] “…the state’s death toll from the Category 4 storm increased from 43 last week to 44, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.”

[3] Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total.” Fox News, 10-28-2018.

[4] 31 deaths occurred within the district. One death “was taken by a different district.” (NWF Daily News/Eryn Dion, News Herald. “Remembering Hurricane Michael’s Panhandle victims.” 11-20-2018.)

[5] Cites FL Emergency Management Division spokesman, and noted rulings came from district medical examiners..

[6] “The Bay County Medical Examiner is reporting 23 casualties [fatalities] in Bay County.”

[7] Writes that according to his family he “had been traumatized by the storm.”. From list of 30 storm-related deaths released by 14^th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office. Another source notes “a man appeared on Pinetree Road. In a few chaotic minutes, he was accused of looting, and then he was shot dead.” (Kingnews. “A Hurricane’s Chaos. A Cry of Looting. Then Gunfire.” 10-23-2018.)

[8] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). Locality not noted; found via Google search and arrest record.

[9] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald).

[10] AP. “Hurricane Michael updates: Florida firefighter dies; death toll up to 35.” ClickOrlando.com, 10-19-2018; 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald).

[11] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). Age derived from: Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IA. “Donald Vonderhaar.” 10-16-2018.

[12] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald).

[13] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald).

[14] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). The list of 30 does not specifically give heart attack as cause of death. For that we rely on Hendricks County Flyer, Avon, IN. “Cicero man dies on scene of hurricane’s devastation.” 10-24-2018. The Bay County Medical Examiner noted in telephone conversation, 12-1-2018, that the victim was taken to hospital in Gulf County, where he died.

[15] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). The list of 30 14^th Judicial Circuit deaths does not note location; does not that EMS was unable to respond. We found  a Robert Alexander Withey, 43 of Panama City, FL in SPOKEO.com search.

[16] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). List of 30 does not note locale. We located obituary in News Herald, Panama City, FL (which notes death Oct 10).

[17] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News Herald).

[18] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News Herald).

[19] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News Herald).

[20] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News Herald).

[21] Associated Press. “Florida Reporting 16 Deaths After Michael, Other States 10.” New York Times, 10-16-2018. The 14^th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14, and covered in the News-Herald, Panama City, identifies victim as Timothy Clark, 64;  notes that “EMS was not able to respond.”

[22] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News Herald).

[23] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News Herald). This source does not note locale. We located a George Covington, 60, Panama City, FL, in SPOKEO.com.

[24] WJHG/WECP (O. Michael), Panama City, FL. “Two more hurricane Michael casualties identified.” 11-20-2018.

[25] Telephone conversation with Bay County Medical Examiner, Dec 11, who noted the cause of death was not drowning or blunt force trauma, and is considered natural, but related to the hurricane. Noted the victim had been staying in an old camper and that his body was found outside the camper. Also: 14^th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14, (in News-Herald).

[26] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). Confirmed this was Bay Co. death in telephone conversation with Bay County Medical Examiner on 12-11-2018.

[27] WJHG/WECP (O. Michael), Panama City, FL. “Two more hurricane Michael casualties identified.” 11-20-2018.

[28] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). Confirmed this was Bay Co. death in telephone conversation with Bay County Medical Examiner on 12-11-2018.

[29] “…unable to access dialysis because of a lack of power and transportation due to the storm.”(14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14, in News-Herald.) Confirmed that this was a Bay County death in telephone conversation with Bay County Medical Examiner on 12-11-2018.

[30] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald). Confirmed this was Bay Co. death in telephone conversation with Bay County Medical Examiner on 12-11-2018.

[31] Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total.” Fox News, 10-28-2018.

[32] Tampa Bay Times. “9 days after Hurricane Michael, Florida’s death toll a mystery.” 10-20-2018 update.

[33] Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total.” Fox News, 10-28-2018.

[34] Tampa Bay Times (Samantha J. Gross). “Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 21 in Florida.” 10-16-2018.

[35] “In Clay County, 1 94-year-old woman with acute liver failure died after she fell while being evacuated as the storm approached.” Tampa Bay Times. “9 days after Hurricane Michael, Florida’s death toll a mystery.” 10-19-2018, updated 10-20-2018.

[36] Victim identified as Lewis C. Midlam, 73, who was piloting a four-seat Cessna 210D. (Fort Myers News-Press, FL. “Fort Myers engineer who died in Apalachicola plane crash loved to fly, was a solid mentor.” 12-4-2018.)

[37] We have seen reports of two and of four deaths. Our attempt to tally by locality shows five. We assume at least one of these is duplicative — for example the Quincy death on Oct 10 could conceivably be the same as the man, 71, unable to get dialysis, with a locality not noted. Given this ambiguity, we choose to show range of 2-4.

[38] On 1-2-2019, sent 2^nd email.

[39] Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total.” Fox News, 10-28-2018.

[40] CNN. “Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 6.” 10-11-2018. The Tallahassee Democrat also wrote: “Four people are confirmed dead in Gadsden County in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Sgt. Anglie Hightower said county officials are still in ‘preliminary recovery mode.’ Among the dead is 44-year-old Steve Sweet who was killed whan a tree fell on his house in Gretan Wednesday afternoon…Another victim is in Greensboro, Hightowr said. According to media reports, at least one of the other two fatalities occurred in Quincy.” (“Hurricane Michael kills four people in Gadsden County,” 10-11-2018.) Tampa Bay Times wrote that four deaths in Gadsden County were “confirmed by the county’s emergency management director.” (Tampa Bay Times (Samantha J. Gross). “Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 21 in Florida.” 10-16-2018.)

[41] “In Gadsden, at least four people have been reported dead by local officials, thought he state has said so far that only two deaths are confirmed.”

[42] Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total.” Fox News, 10-28-2018.

[43] Cites FL Emergency Management Division spokesman, and noted rulings came from district medical examiners..

[44] “A man who died when a tree fell on a home near Greensboro, Florida, has been identified as Steven Scott, according to Lt. Anglie Hightower, Gadsden County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer.” (CNN. “Michael is leaving behind millions of people facing a daunting recovery in the days ahead.” Fox News, 10-12-2018.) Highlighted in yellow to denote we do not include in our tally because we think this is meant to refer to the death of Steve Sweet from the same cause and date, variously described as living in Gretna, or a few miles away in Greensboro or the Greensboro area. See: ABC First Coast News, Jacksonville, FL. “Hurricane Michael death toll climbs as Florida officials confirm more fatalities.” 10-10-2018, updated 10-16-2018.

[45] WTXL, Tallahassee. “Death toll from Hurricane Michael rises to 6.” 10-11-2018.

[46] Tallahassee Democrat, FL “Hurricane Michael kills four people in Gadsden County.” 10-11-2018.

[47] Tallahassee Democrat, FL “Hurricane Michael kills four people in Gadsden County.” 10-11-2018; Tampa Bay Times, Tallahassee Bureau. “Storm deaths coming to light,” 10-20-2018. Later source writes: “In Gadsden…Local officials have …confirmed deaths in Quincy and Greensboro.”

[48] Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.

[49] Associated Press. “Hurricane Michael killed at least 35 in Florida, 45 total. Fox News, 10-28-2018.

[50] AP. “Hurricane Michael updates: Florida firefighter dies; death toll up to 35.” ClickOrlando.com, 10-19-2018. Notes he “was helping his family clear debris from Hurricane Michael…on his tractor when he was killed…” Also: 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News Herald).

[51] MyPanhandle.com (Key McVay). “Breaking: One confirmed death reported in Gulf County.” 10-17-2018.

[52] Tampa Bay Times. “9 days after Hurricane Michael, Florida’s death toll a mystery.” updated 10-20-2018. Another source notes that a neighbor “begged” McConnell to leave. “After the storm, they found McConnell’s red vehicle in the muddy lake behind his home, sunk to the wheel wells. The ignition was still on….he tried to leave. Search and rescue found his car, and then him, a few days after the storm.” (Miami Herald/Alex Harris. “In tiny Florida fishing village, hurricane took a home, a neighbor and a way of life.” 10-23-2018.)

[53] Thorson, Alex. “‘You were intelligent. Why did you stay?’: Friend of Gulf County Michael victim fights back tears. Gulf County Confirms Three Hurricane-Related Deaths.” MyPanhandle.com, 11-6-2018.

[54] 14^th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14, (in News-Herald). Incorrectly, it would appear, spells last name as Gambos. Spokeo.com has name as John Arthur Gombos, 67.

[55] 14^th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14, (in News-Herald).

[56] Weather Channel. “Hurricane Michael Death Toll Jumps to 17; Many Still Missing.” 10-12-2018. Confirmed by Florida Emergency Management Division spokesman Alberto Moscoso email, 10-27-2018.

[57] 14^th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14, (in News-Herald).

[58] “Darrell McKinley, 82, of Apalachicola [Franklin Co.] died Nov. 13 after trying to manually open his garage door while power was out at his home. He struck his head on the door and fell, resulting in a hip fracture. He died under hospice care in Leon County. The probable cause of death was listed as ‘failure to thrive,’ with a broken bone and several illnesses listed as contributing causes.” (Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.)

[59] Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.

[60] Victim identified s Lisl Lillquist, 72 who “died Oct. 29 after she was transported from hr home in Gulf County to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare [Leon County]. She had been exposed for several days to knee-deep floodwaters and had a rare ‘flesh eating’ infection in both of her lets. The probable cause of death was listed as multiple organ failure/sepsis due to the infection, with obesity and exposure to floodwaters listed as contributing factors.” (Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.)

[61] “In Liberty County, 1 78 year-old man died after complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath during the storm.” (Tampa Bay Times. “9 days after Hurricane Michael, Florida’s death toll a mystery.” 10-20-2018.) Victim identified as James Sullivan by: Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.

[62] Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.

[63] Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018. Victim identified as Derrick Dunn, 48. Probable cause of death listed as high blood pressure/cardiovascular disease.

[64] Action News Jax. “FHP: Two linemen dead, one critical after hit-and-run in Florida Panhandle.” 10-25-2018. The linemen, according to State Troopers, were in a ditch working on power poles. “The power workers were in Chipley working to restore electricity to the hard-hit Florida Panhandle after Hurricane Michael.” The driver of a Ford F-150 towing a U-Haul did not stop but was later apprehended. Another worker was also hit and in critical condition. The two fatalities were identified by Troopers as George Cecil, 52, of Cole Rain, NC; and James Ussery, 60, of Chipley. Incident updated to note that third injured lineman, Ryan Barrett, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, died after being hospitalized in critical condition. (WTXL, Tallahassee, FL. “Third lineman injured in Chipley hit-and-run crash dies.” 10-25-2018.) In that FL EMD, as of 10-27-2018, noted three Washington County deaths, we assume these 3.

[65] Victim was transported to a hospital in Alabama where he died. (Telephone conversation with Bay County Medical Examiner, 12-11-2018.)

[66] “An 11-year-old girl was killed when a part of a metal carport crashed into her family’s trailer in Lake Seminole and struck her in the head, local officials said.” (ABC News Radio. “Michael’s death toll rising as storm tears into Florence-ravaged Carolinas.” 10-11-2018.)

[67] FirstCoastNews, Jacksonville, FL. “11-year-old girl, Florida man killed by falling trees from Hurricane Michael.” 10-10-2018; updated 10-11-2018; NBC News (Elisha Fieldstadt). “Officials worry Hurricane Michael death toll could rise as crews struggle to access hard-hit areas.” 10-11-2018. Cause of death noted as a tree fall onto house by Tallahassee Democrat. “Tropical Storm Michael death count at 2 after Georgia girl dies.” 10-11-2018.

[68] CNN (Alsup, Stapleton and Silverman). “Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 6.” 10-11-2018.

[69] CBS/AP. “Michael’s death toll jumps as crews search for survivors — live updates.” 10-12-2018. The unidentified male died after being airlifted to a hospital. Another source specifically notes that “their vehicle struck a tree that had fallen because of high winds,” and cites Adrienne Jones, deputy director for the McDowell Country Emergency Medical Services. (CNN. “Hurricane Michael death toll climbs to 18…” 10-14-2018.)

[70] “In Charlotte County, about 90 miles southwest of Richmond, a teenager was rescued while clinging to a guardrail after floodwaters swamped his family’s car and swept away the teen’s father and grandmother. Charlotte County Administrator Daniel Witt said the 17-year-old was rescued Thursday nigh [Oct 11] after a local road was flooded. Virginia state police said two other occupants had also clung to bridge railings, but were swept away by the rushing water before rescuers could reach them. Witt said the body of the boy’s father was found late Thursday night. His grandmother had not been found by late Friday morning and was presumed dead…” (AP. “Virginia deaths mount even as Michael heads out to sea..” Roanoke Times, VA. 10-12-2018.) Victims identified as Ronnie Allen, 36, and Ruby S. Allen, 62. (AP. “Florida Reporting 16 Deaths After Michael, Other States 10.” NYT, 10-16-2018.)

[71] AP. “Virginia deaths mount even as Michael heads out to sea..” Roanoke Times, VA. 10-12-2018.

[72] AP. “Virginia deaths mount even as Michael heads out to sea..” Roanoke Times, VA. 10-12-2018

[73] Associated Press. “Florida Reporting 16 Deaths After Michael, Other States 10.” New York Times, 10-16-2018.

[74] Hanover Co. firefighter. Fire-truck had responded to a crash scene at about 9 pm, and had its emergency lights on. (AP. “Virginia deaths mount even as Michael heads out to sea..” Roanoke Times, VA. 10-12-2018.) Another source, citing VA State Police, writes the driver was charged with reckless driving and cited for defective brakes. (CBS/AP. “Michael’s death toll jumps as crews search for survivors — live updates.” 10-12-2018.)

[75] James E. King Jr. of Dry Fork. (AP. “Virginia deaths mount even as Michael heads out to sea..” Roanoke Times, VA. 10-12-2018.). Written that “Despite rescue efforts by a sheriff’s deputy and a local resident, ‘the floodwaters were too deep and too swift for them to maintain contact with him,’ according to a news release by…State police.”

[76] Victim identified s Lisl Lillquist, 72 who “died Oct. 29 after she was transported from hr home in Gulf County to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare [Leon County]. She had been exposed for several days to knee-deep floodwaters and had a rare ‘flesh eating’ infection in both of her lets. The probable cause of death was listed as multiple organ failure/sepsis due to the infection, with obesity and exposure to floodwaters listed as contributing factors.”

[77] Tallahassee Democrat. FL “Authorities release more names of the dead from Hurricane Michael.” 12-5-2018.

[78] “Darrell McKinley, 82, of Apalachicola [Franklin Co.] died Nov. 13 after trying to manually open his garage door while power was out at his home. He struck his head on the door and fell, resulting in a hip fracture. He died under hospice care in Leon County. The probable cause of death was listed as ‘failure to thrive,’ with a broken bone and several illnesses listed as contributing causes.”

[79] Victim identified as Derrick Dunn, 48. Probable cause of death, high blood pressure/cardiovascular disease.

[80] Power loss is not noted as contributing in this death, which was neither drowning nor blunt force trauma. The Bay County medical examiner stated in a telephone conversation on 12-11-2018 that the victim had been staying in someone’s old camper, and his body was found outside the camper the next day — death ruled natural causes.

[81] While this might be correct, it occurs to us that it is conceivable that this should actually refer to the death of Steve Sweet in Gretna, just a few miles to the northeast of Greensboro.

[82] Cross-listed in “Vehicular.”

[83] 14^th  Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office list of 30 storm-related deaths released Nov 14 (in News-Herald).

[84] Probable cause of death listed as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

[85] Since the body was found in a yard after the storm, this would appear to be a drowning death.

–23  Blanchard tally of 21 identified dead and two missing (see list of fatalities below).

–21  NBC News. “Body of mother found…Cal. mudslide, death toll rises to 21.” 1-20-2018.[1]

–20  Reuters. “Twenty dead as search for California mudslide survivors grinds on.” 1-14-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

Jan 9, 4:41 PM: “At least eight people were killed Tuesday when a rainstorm sent mud and debris coursing through Montecito neighborhoods and left rescue crews to scramble through clogged roadways and downed trees to search for victims. The deluge that washed over Santa Barbara County early Tuesday was the worst-case scenario for a community that was ravaged by the Thomas fire only a few weeks earlier. In just a matter of minutes, pounding rain overwhelmed the south-facing slopes above Montecito and flooded a creek that leads to the ocean, sending mud and massive boulders rolling into residential neighborhoods, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason….

 

“Eight people were killed and at least 25 were injured after a heavy band of rain struck around 2:30 a.m., causing “waist-high” mudflows, according to Kelly Hoover, a spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. She could not offer any specifics about the deceased, except that all eight had died in Montecito.” (Los Angeles Times. “At least 8 dead as heavy rains trigger flooding, mudflows and freeway closures in California.” 1-9-2018, 4:41 PM.)

 

Jan 9, 6:31 PM: “Santa Barbara County, Calif. — The Southern California wildfires have led to a new natural disaster, destroying the trees and shrubs that form a natural barrier against mudslides. Rapid-moving rivers of mud are now blamed for at least 13 deaths in Santa Barbara County homes were swept off their foundations. About 20,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. One by one, firefighters rescued victims from the muck and debris. They carried one teenage girl on a stretcher who had been trapped in her flooded home for hours. Survivors were driven to higher ground….

 

“On the normally busy 101 Freeway, up to 30 miles were shut down at one point. Some of the roadway was covered with debris and mud up to 3 feet deep. “I’m driving down the road 60 miles an hour and the mudslide comes out of nowhere, out of the bushes here, and it comes out 3-4 seconds and hits my car, pushes me over 3-4 feet, almost against the railing,” one resident said.

 

“Mud slides also wreaked havoc in the Los Angeles area. Cars were swept down a canyon in Burbank, where authorities were concerned a 100-year-old catch basin would unleash more debris….” (CBS News/Carter Evans. “Death toll rises in deadly California mudslides as dozens are rescued.” 1-9-2018.)

 

Jan 9, 7:10 PM (ECT): “At least 13 people were killed and Tuesday when a rainstorm sent mud and debris coursing through Montecito neighborhoods and left rescue crews to scramble through clogged roadways and downed trees to search for victims….In just a matter of minutes, pounding rain overwhelmed the south-facing slopes above Montecito and flooded a creek that leads to the ocean, sending mud and massive boulders rolling into residential neighborhoods… At least 25 other people were injured, authorities said at an afternoon press conference. Crews rescued 50 people by air and dozens more from the ground….

 

“The mudslide struck a section of the city that is south of the Thomas fire’s burn area and was not subject to a mandatory evacuation… Rescue personnel have yet to even make it north of Highway 192, which is closer to soil scorched by last month’s wildfire. Burned areas are less capable of absorbing water, making them even more susceptible to flooding and mudslides.

 

“Officials had no estimate on how many people could be trapped or how many homes were damaged. The search for survivors was still underway Tuesday afternoon, with many places inaccessible.

 

“The founder of St. Augustine Academy in Ventura was among those killed early Tuesday morning when a powerful mudslide swept him and his wife from their Montecito home. Roy Rohter was identified by officials at Thomas Aquinas College, from which his daughter graduated in 2000. His wife, Theresa, was rescued and is in stable condition, officials said….

 

“In the 300 block of Hot Springs Road, crews rescued six people and a dog after four homes were destroyed. The mud lifted one home off its foundation and carried it into trees, where it then collapsed… Firefighters used the jaws of life to cut their way into the home where a firefighter heard muffled cries for help from a 14-year-old girl, Eliason….

 

“Rescue personnel were also able to save a young boy who was swept more than half a mile south from his house after the building was lifted from its foundation in Montecito, authorities said. The boy was found alive under a U.S. 101 overpass, authorities said. But his father remains unaccounted for….

 

“On Hot Springs Road Tuesday afternoon, a dozen sheriff’s deputies carried a body on a gurney from a collapsed house as muddy water raced down the street. The deputies surrounded the body in silence for several moments before placing it gently into an emergency vehicle.

 

“The highest preliminary rainfall total appeared to register at roughly five inches in a gauge north of Ojai in Ventura County, in the burn area of the Thomas fire, which forced evacuations and destroyed homes last month, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles….

 

“The 101 Freeway was shut down in both directions for more than 30 miles in the Thomas fire burn area because of flooding and debris flow, spanning an area from Santa Barbara to Ventura, according to the California Highway Patrol. Sections of Routes 33 and 150 were also closed in Ventura County, according to the Sheriff’s Department. There was no estimate for when the roadway might reopen, a Caltrans spokesman said Tuesday afternoon….

 

“Santa Barbara County officials evacuated nearly 7,000 residents from foothill communities shortly before the heaviest surge hit the area…. About 3 a.m. …the storm became ferocious….

 

“In Los Angeles County, there was “mudslide activity” on Country Club Drive in Burbank, where police ordered evacuations of all homes east of Montana on Tuesday morning. The police department released footage of water surging across a roadway and urged people not to attempt to drive over it. Some vehicles were picked up and moved by the surge, and a few homes suffered minor damage, but no one had been injured as of 1 p.m., according to…a Burbank police spokesman….

 

“…an LAPD cruiser became mired in a debris flow on La Tuna Canyon Road, according to authorities. The officer was uninjured and walked out of the vehicle. The cruiser was in the process of being dug out of the mud with a backhoe early Tuesday….” (Los Angeles Times. “At least 13 dead as heavy rains trigger flooding, mudflows and freeway closures…” 1-9-2018.)

 

Jan 10: “Montecito, Calif… Anxious family members awaited word on loved ones Wednesday as rescue crews searched for two dozen people missing after mudslides in Southern California destroyed an estimated 100 houses, swept away cars and left at least 15 victims dead….

 

“People in Montecito, a wealthy enclave of about 9,000 people northwest of Los Angeles that is home to such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe and Ellen DeGeneres, had counted itself lucky last month after the biggest wildfire in California history spared the town. But it was the fire that led to the mudslide, by burning away vegetation.” (Associated Press. “Death toll hits 15 in California mudslides; 24 missing.” ABC News, 1-10-2018, 4:33 PM ET.)

 

Jan 10: “The death toll from massive debris flows that buried homes and cars under a torrent of mud and boulders rose to 17 in Montecito, where local personnel and the U.S. Coast Guard continued rescue operations Wednesday afternoon. About 300 people who were stuck in their homes in Montecito’s Romero Canyon neighborhood throughout the debris field were rescued Tuesday night. Authorities had said late Tuesday that residents were still stuck and that first responders planned to launch helicopter rescues at daybreak.

 

“The mudslides began around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, when intense rains dislodged boulders and caused heavy mudflow along hillsides that were scarred by the sprawling Thomas fire late last year. A number of homes were ripped from their foundations, with some pulled more than half a mile by water and mud before they broke apart….

 

“With much of the area still inaccessible, officials have said they fear the number of people killed in the mudslides could rise. [Notes 17 people reported missing.] ….

 

“At least 7,000 people have been evacuated from the area. As part of ongoing rescue efforts, a “public safety exclusion zone” has been established in Montecito….” (Los Angeles Times. “Death toll rises to 17 in Montecito; 100 homes destroyed by mudslides.” 1-10-2018, 4:50 PM.)

 

Jan 13: “On the fourth day of search for victims of the southern California mudslides, the death toll has increased. The Santa Barbara sheriff’s office reports that an 87-year-old victim was located in his Montecito, Calif. home, bringing the total number of casualties from to 18. At least 7 people, including a 2-year-old, remain missing. The victims’ ages ranged from 3 to 89 and the cause of death for all was “multiple traumatic injuries due to flash flood with mudslides due to recent wildfire,” according to the sheriff’s office….” (NPR. “California Mudslides Death Toll Rises to 18, Residents Told to Evacuate.” 1-13-2018.)

 

Jan 13: “As the death toll in the Montecito mudslides increased to 19 on Saturday, officials announced that the 101 Freeway would remain closed indefinitely. Search and rescue crews recovered the body of Morgan Corey, 25, who was found in debris near Olive Mill Road about 9 a.m. Saturday, officials said. She was among at least five people who were still listed as missing.” (Los Angeles Times (Louis Sahagun and Harriet Ryan). “Death toll in Montecito mudslide rises to 19, while 101 Freeway will remain closed indefinitely.” 1-13-2018.)

 

Jan 14: “…The death toll rose to 20 on Sunday with four people still missing… Another 900 emergency personnel arrived this weekend to join the relief effort conducted by more than 2,100 personnel from local, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and the American Red Cross….

 

“The destruction covered 30 square miles (78 square km), according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection…” (Reuters (Paula Lehman-Ewing). “Twenty dead as search for California mudslide survivors grinds on.” 1-14-2018.)

 

Jan 20: “Searchers looking for victims of a devastating mudslide that struck in the Montecito, California, area last week have found the body of a mother whose child was also killed in the disaster, the sheriff’s office said, bring the number of confirmed deaths to 21. The body later identified as that of Faviola Benitez Calderon, 28, of Montecito, was found at around 10 a.m. Saturday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Her 10-year-old son, Jonathan Benitez, that boy’s cousin Kailly Benitez, 3, and Kailly’s mother, 27-year-old Marilyn Ramos, were also killed in the mudslide and their bodies were previously found, the sheriff’s office said….

 

“Two people remain missing in the wake of the mudslide. They are old Lydia Sutthithepa, 2, and Jack Cantin, 17,[2] the sheriff’s office said. Crews are continuing to work to find them.” (NBC News. “Body of mother found after California mudslide, death toll rises to 21.” 1-20-2018.)

 

Fatalities[3]

 

1. Faviola Benitez-Calderon, 28.
2. Jonathan Benitez, 10 (son of Faviola).
3. Kailly Benitez, 3 (cousin of Jonathan Benitez, daughter of Marilyn Ramos (also killed).
4. Joseph Francis Bleckel, 87.                            Killed inside his Winding Creek Lane home.
5. Martin Cabrera-Munoz, 48.
6. David Cantin, 49.
7. Jack Cantin, 17 (missing).
8. Morgan Christine Corey, 25 (sister of Sawyer Corey). Home swept away.
9. Sawyer Corey, 12 (sister of Morgan Corey).             Home swept away.
10. Peter Fleurat, 73.                                                         Mudslide burst through home walls.
11. Josephine “Josie” Gower, 69.                                     Swept away from home.
12. John McManigal, 61.
13. Alice Mitchell, 78 (wife of James Mitchell).
14. James Mitchell, 89 (husband of Alice Mitchell).
15. Mark Montgomery, 54 (father of Caroline).               Home hit by mudslide.
16. Caroline Montgomery, 22 (daughter of Mark).          Home hit by mudslide.
17. Marilyn Ramos, 27 (mother of Kailly Benitez, 3, who was also killed).
18. Rebecca Riskin, 61.                                                    Swept away from home living room.
19. Roy Rohter, 84.                                                           Swept away from his home.
20. Lydia Sutthithepa, 2 (daughter of Pinit). Missing.     Mudslide hit E. Valley Road home.
21. Peerawat Sutthithepa, 6.                                             Mudslide hit E. Valley Road home
22. Pinit Sutthithepa, 30.                                                  Mudslide hit E. Valley Road home
23. Richard Taylor, 67. (Father-in-law of Pinit Sutthithepa.)

 

Sources

 

ABC 7 Eyewitness News, Los Angeles. “Names of Montecito mudslide victims released.” 1-20-2018. Accessed 2-9-2018 at: http://abc7.com/names-of-montecito-victims-released/2930517/

 

Associated Press (Marcio Jose Sanchez and Amanda Lee Myers). “Death toll hits 15 in California mudslides; 24 missing.” ABC News, 1-10-2018, 4:33 PM ET. Accessed 1-10-2018 at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/victim-search-expands-california-storm-mudslides-kill-13-52253716

 

CBS News (Carter Evans). “Death toll rises in deadly California mudslides as dozens are rescued.” 1-9-2018. Accessed 1-9-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-mudslides-death-toll-rises-latest/

 

Los Angeles Times. (James Queally, Joseph Serna, Michael Livingston). “At least 8 dead as heavy rains trigger flooding, mudflows and freeway closures in California.” 1-9-2018, 4:41 PM. Accessed 1-9-2018 at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-california-mudslide-deaths-20180109-story.html

 

Los Angeles Times. (James Queally, Joseph Serna, Michael Livingston). “At least 13 dead as heavy rains trigger flooding, mudflows and freeway closures across Southern California.” 1-9-2018, 4:10 PM. Accessed 1-9-2018 at: http://beta.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rainfall-mudflow-20180109-story.html

 

Los Angeles Times (Louis Sahagun and Harriet Ryan). “Death toll in Montecito mudslide rises to 19, while 101 Freeway will remain closed indefinitely.” 1-13-2018. Accessed 1-14-2018 at: http://beta.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-montecito-mudsides-101-story.html

 

Los Angeles Times (James Queally, Melissa Etehad, Brittny Mejia). “Death toll rises to 17 in Montecito; 100 homes destroyed by mudslides.” 1-10-2018, 4:50 PM. Accessed 1-10-2018 at: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-montecito-storm-mudflow-20180110-htmlstory.html

 

National Public Radio. “California Mudslides Death Toll Rises to 18, Residents Told to Evacuate.” 1-13-2018. Accessed 1-13-2018 at: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/01/13/577842311/california-mudslides-death-toll-rises-to-18-residents-told-to-evacuate

 

NBC News (Phil Helsel). “Body of mother found after California mudslide, death toll rises to 21.” 1-20-2018. Accessed 1-21-2018 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/body-mother-found-after-california-mudslide-death-toll-rises-21-n839546

 

Reuters (Paula Lehman-Ewing). “Twenty dead as search for California mudslide survivors grinds on.” 1-14-2018. Accessed 1-14-2018 at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-mudslides/twenty-dead-as-search-for-california-mudslide-survivors-grinds-on-idUSKBN1F30DE

 

Santa Barbara edhat.com. “21st Victim Found and Identified in Montecito Mudslide.” 1-21-2018. Accessed 2-9-2018 at: https://www.edhat.com/news/21st-victim-found-and-identified-in-montecito-mudslide

 

Santa Barbara Noozhawk. “Obituaries. Dave Cantin of Montecito, 1968-2018,” 2-6-2018. Accessed 2-9-2018 at: https://www.noozhawk.com/article/dave_cantin_of_montecito_1968_2018

 

 

[1] Names two still missing (see below).

[2] Jack Cantin’s father, Dave Cantin, 49, was killed in the mudslides. (Santa Barbara Noozhawk. “Obituaries. Dave Cantin of Montecito, 1968-2018,” 2-6-2018.)

[3] All names, except the missing Jack Cantin, from: ABC 7 Eyewitness News, Los Angeles. “Names of Montecito mudslide victims released.” 1-20-2018. See, also, Santa Barbara edhat.com. “21^st Victim Found and Identified in Montecito Mudslide.” 1-21-2018.

–11  Washington Examiner. “Sessions: Death penalty possible in hate crime…massacre.” 10-27-2018.

–10  AP. “Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: At least 10 dead; suspect in custody.” 10-27-2018.

—  8  Kellar. “At least 8 dead, officers shot, in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.” Pennlive. 10-27-2018.

 

Narrative Information

 

Oct 17: “Police from across Pittsburgh are responding to an active shooter situation at The Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of the city. At least seven people have been confirmed dead, but that toll could be higher KDKA reports. Police have warned residents to stay inside, as they have exchanged gunfire with the gunman. The gunman, after negotiations with police, has since surrendered.

 

“The man reportedly walked through the building indiscriminately shooting people, and said “all Jews must die,” according to KDKA’s live report.

 

“Saturday mornings are when Shabbat is observed in the Jewish faith and is typically a busy time at synagogues.

 

“Responding officers arrived on the scene when the gunman opened fire, sending officers behind their vehicles for cover, KDKA reports….

 

“The tree-lined residential neighborhood of Squirrel Hill, about 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, has a heavily Jewish population….” (Kellar. Travis. “At least 8 dead, officers shot, in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.” Pennlive.com. 10-27-2018.)

 

Oct 17: “Eight people were killed and at least six more were injured — including four police officers — when a gunman opened fire at a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday morning, authorities said. “It’s a very horrific crime scene,” Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich told reporters during the press conference Saturday afternoon. “It’s one of the worst that I’ve seen.”

 

“Police responded earlier this morning to reports of active gunfire at the Tree of Life… congregation, where a service was taking place, Hissrich said. The suspect is in custody and has been taken to the hospital, Hissrich said, and it appears there is no longer any active threat to the community.

 

“The congregants were attending a baby-naming ceremony in the synagogue, Pennsylvania’s state attorney general told the Associated Press.

 

“Since the incident happened at a synagogue, it is being treated as a federal hate crime and will be handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of local, county and state police, he added.

 

“First responders prevented the shooting from becoming a worse tragedy, and the injured have been taken to three area hospitals with level one trauma centers, Hissrich said….

 

“The synagogue is a conservative Jewish congregation, according to its website, and there was a morning Shabbat service scheduled from 9:45 a.m. to noon.

 

“Berkun [Rabbi Alvin Berkun] said there are “three different religious groups that are meeting in our building on Saturday morning with three distinct services,” estimating that there could have been approximately 75 people in the building at the time. Hissrich declined during the press conference to say how many people were inside at the time….

 

“Speaking to reporters before boarding a flight for an event in Indiana, President Donald Trump called the attack “a shame,” calling the suspect “a wacko” and a “maniac.” He also said the suspect should “pay the ultimate price” and be subjected to the death penalty. When asked about whether the nation’s gun laws should be changed, Trump said the synagogue should have had armed security there. “You want protection, and they didn’t have any protection, they had a maniac walk in,” Trump said. “The results could have been much better.”….” (ABC News/Kaelyn Forde and Jack Date. “Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting claims 8 lives; 4 officers among multiple wounded, officials say.” 10-27-2018.)

 

Oct 27: “Pittsburgh….Two law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Robert D. Bowers, 46. The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. Social media activity linked to Mr. Bowers suggested a history of virulent anti-Semitism, filled with slurs and references to anti-Jewish conspiracy theories.

 

“Erika Strassburger, the city councilwoman for the district that includes the synagogue, the Tree of Life Congregation, said Mr. Bowers surrendered to the police after being barricaded in the building and was taken to the hospital.

 

“Wendell D. Hissrich, Pittsburgh’s public safety director, said four police officers were among the injured. He said those injured were in serious or critical conditions and taken to three hospitals….

 

“In January, an account linked to Mr. Bowers was created on Gab, a social network that bills itself as a haven for free speech. The app, which grew out of claims of anti-conservative bias on Facebook and Twitter, is a popular gathering place for alt-right activists and white nationalists whose views are unwelcome on other services. Early members included the right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulous and Andrew Anglin, the founder of the neo-Nazi Daily Stormer website. Mr. Bowers’s Gab feed was dominated by references to Jews and Judaism. Several weeks ago, Mr. Bowers’ account posted a link to the website of HIAS, a Jewish nonprofit organization that helps resettle refugees, which was planning a shabbat ceremony for refugees in locations around the country. The caption read: ‘Why hello there HIAS! You like to bring in hostile invaders to dwell among us?’ And hours before the shooting, the account posted again: ‘HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in.’….

 

“Joseph Miksch, a University of Pittsburgh spokesman, said three individuals were in surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian hospital, and a fourth was awaiting surgery. One person was treated and released earlier from the hospital. Another person was in surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Mercy hospital. All of the victims had gunshot wounds, Mr. Miksch said….

 

“Mr. Mahler[1] said that on Saturday mornings there are three services at the Tree of Life, one led by the Tree of Life congregation, another led by the Or L’Simcha congregation and another led by the New Light Congregation….

 

“Shortly before 11 a.m., residents could still hear loud pops of gunfire. The authorities told residents to stay inside….” (NYT. “Gunman Identified in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting…” 10-27-2018.)

 

Oct 27: “Pittsburgh (AP) — shooter opened fire during a baby naming ceremony at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday, and people with knowledge of the investigation said at least 10 people were killed. At least six other people were wounded, including four police officers who dashed to the scene, authorities said….

 

“In 2010, Tree of Life Congregation — founded more than 150 years ago — merged with Or L’Simcha to form Tree of Life (asterisk) Or L’Simcha.

 

“The synagogue is a fortress-like concrete building, its facade punctuated by rows of swirling, modernistic stained-glass windows illustrating the story of creation, the acceptance of God’s law, the “life cycle” and “how human-beings should care for the earth and one another,” according to its website. Among its treasures is a “Holocaust Torah,” rescued from Czechoslovakia. Its sanctuary can hold up to 1,250 guests….

 

“Jeff Finkelstein of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh said local synagogues have done “lots of training on things like active shooters, and we’ve looked at hardening facilities as much as possible.”….” (Associated Press. “Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: At least 10 dead; suspect in custody.” 10-27-2018.)

 

Oct 27: “The Department of Justice will be filing hate crimes and other criminal charges against the man accused of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, a move that could result in him receiving the death penalty, according to a statement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions….” (Washington Examiner. “Sessions: Death penalty possible in hate crime synagogue massacre.” 10-27-2018.)

 

Oct 28: “….The Department of Justice charged Bowers with 29 federal counts, including 11 counts of obstructing the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the charges could lead to the death penalty. Bowers, who was injured during the shootout with police, underwent surgery and remains hospitalized. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday.

 

“Bowers burst into the Tree of Life Congregation Saturday morning and fired inside while expressing his hatred toward Jewish people, according to a charging document made public Sunday [Oct 28]. It said the statements continued during his gunfight with police, with Bowers telling one officer: “They’re committing genocide to my people. I just want to kill Jews.” Bowers was armed with an AR-15 and three handguns during the 20-minute assault….

 

“Authorities have identified the 11 people killed in Saturday’s mass shooting. The ages of the victims ranged from 54 to 97.

 

• David Rosenthal, 54, of Squirrel Hill (Cecil’s brother)
• Cecil Rosenthal, 59, of Squirrel Hill
• Richard Gottfried, 65, of Ross Township
• Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, of Edgewood Borough
• Irving Younger, 69, of Mt. Washington, City of Pittsburgh
• Daniel Stein, 71, of Squirrel Hill
• Joyce Fienberg, 75, of Oakland, City of Pittsburgh
• Bernice Simon, 84, of Wilkinsburg
• Sylvan Simon, 86, of Wilkinsburg (Bernice’s husband)
• Melvin Wax, 88, of Squirrel Hill
• Rose Mallinger, 97, of Squirrel Hill

“Robert Bowers was charged with 11 counts of criminal homicide and 13 counts of ethnic intimidation, which are hate crimes, according to the Allegheny County Criminal Complaint. The criminal complaint said Bowers was charged with ethnic intimidation due to his own words. According to the criminal complaint against Bowers, he told a SWAT operator while receiving medical treatment that he wanted “all Jews to die” and that he believed Jews were “committing genocide to his people.”….

 

“The Department of Justice announced late Saturday that 29 federal charges had been filed against suspect Robert Bowers, including 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death; 11 counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during a crime of violence; four counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer and three counts of use and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence….

 

“President Trump continued with a rally in Illinois on Saturday night, comparing it the re-opening of the New York Stock Exchange after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Mr. Trump incorrectly said that NYSE opened “the day after 9/11,” although it was actually closed for six days after the terrorist attack….”We have our lives,” Mr. Trump said. “We have our schedules. And nobody’s going to change it. So we’re here. And let’s have a good time. And if you don’t mind, I’m going to tone it down just a little bit.”

 

“Sunday’s shooting in Pittsburgh is likely the deadliest attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history, said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)….

 

“Police give first timeline of attack. Police received calls regarding an active shooter at 9:54 a.m. on Saturday. Officers were sent to the shooting scene one minute later. The suspected gunman, Robert Bowers, spent 20 minutes inside the synagogue before police arrived, FBI Special Agent Robert Jones said. When Bowers attempted to exit the building, he encountered two police officers and exchanged gunfire with them. Both of the officers were wounded, Jones said. Bowers retreated back into the building to hide from two additional officers who were arriving at the scene. The two officers engaged the suspect inside the building and one was injured. He eventually surrendered to police and was taken into custody….” (CBS News/Justin Carissimo. “Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect charged with 29 counts — live updates.” 10-28-2018.)

 

Oct 29: “Pittsburgh — Robert Bowers, the man accused of killing eleven people when he opened fire at a Pittsburgh synagogue during services Saturday morning, showed no emotion as he arrived for his first court appearance Monday wearing shackles and being pushed in a wheelchair surrounded by U.S. Marshals. Bowers, 46, was charged with 29 felony counts, including 11 counts of use of a firearm to commit murder and 11 counts of obstruction of the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. He also faces 11 state charges, including attempted homicide and aggravated assault…. He waived a reading of criminal complaints and a detention hearing and also asked to have counsel appointed for him, which the judge agreed to do. Bowers was then wheeled back out of the courtroom without saying anything beyond the short answers to the judge’s questions.

 

“U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said Bowers is being held without bond and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Federal prosecutors also plan to seek the death penalty, the Associated Press reported Sunday….

 

“Dr. Don Yealy, chairman of emergency medicine at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said Saturday a 70-year-old man and a 55-year-old officer were in critical condition….” (NBC News/Scott Newell and Minyvonne Burke. “Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect Robert Bowers makes first court appearance in wheelchair.” 10-29-2018.)

 

Oct 31: “At UPMC Presbyterian, a 55-year-old male officer has been discharged; a 70-year-old male is in critical condition; a 61-year-old female is in stable condition; and a 40-year-old male officer is in stable condition.” (UPMC. “UPMC Treating Synagogue Shooting Victims. Update as of 9 1.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.)

 

Nov 2: “Pittsburgh….More good news for the two most seriously injured victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue attack. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said Friday that both men have been moved out of the intensive care unit. Hospital officials say a 70-year-old man has been upgraded from critical to stable condition. A 40-year-old police officer remains in stable. The officer was previously identified as Timothy Matson, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The wounded congregant is Daniel Leger, a nurse and hospital chaplain. A 61-year-old woman also remains hospitalized. UPMC says she’s in stable condition….” (Associated Press. “The Latest: Suspect’s father killed self amid ’79 rape case.” 11-2-2018.)

 

Sources

 

ABC News/Kaelyn Forde and Jack Date. “Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting claims 8 lives; 4 officers among multiple wounded, officials say.” 10-27-2018. Accessed 10-27-2018 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/police-responding-active-shooter-pittsburgh-synagogue/story?id=58790381

 

Associated Press. “Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: At least 10 dead; suspect in custody.” 10-27-2018. Accessed 10-27-2018 at: https://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2018/10/pittsburgh_shooting_multiple_c.html

 

Associated Press. “The Latest: Suspect’s father killed self amid ’79 rape case.” 11-2-2018. Accessed 11-2-2018 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-wounded-officer-congregant-moved-icu-58924999

 

CBS News/Justin Carissimo. “Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect charged with 29 counts — live updates.” 10-28-2018. Accessed 10-28-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/pittsburgh-shooting-synagogue-today-suspect-robert-bowers-squirrel-hill-live-updates-2018-10-27/

 

Kellar. Travis. “At least 8 dead, officers shot, in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.” Pennlive.com. 10-27-2018. https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/10/4_dead_others_injured_in_shoot.html

 

NBC News (Scott Newell and Minyvonne Burke). “Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect Robert Bowers makes first court appearance in wheelchair.” 10-29-2018. Accessed 10-29-2018 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-suspect-robert-bowers-makes-first-court-appearance-n925751

 

New York Times (Campbell Robertson and Christopher Mele). “Gunman Identified in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting…” 10-27-2018. Accessed 10-27-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/27/us/active-shooter-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting.html

 

UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). “UPMC Treating Synagogue Shooting Victims. Update as of 9 1.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Accessed 11-1-2018 at: https://www.upmc.com/media/news/103118-synagogue-shooting-stmnt

 

Washington Examiner. “Sessions: Death penalty possible in hate crime synagogue massacre.” 10-27-2018. Accessed 10-27-2018 at: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/prosecutors-death-penalty-possible-in-hate-crime-synagogue-massacre

 

 

[1] Rabbi emeritus at another Pittsburgh synagogue, Mark Joel Mahler.