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Devoted Westchester Father Dies After Aggressive Cancer Returns: 'Free Spirit'
Yonkers resident Derek Leach was known as a much-loved father, brother, and friend before his death following a brave battle with cancer.
Leach, who was recently diagnosed with throat cancer in the summer of 2024, fought valiantly through aggressive treatments. While the cancer was initially removed, it tragically returned, and despite his immense strength and courage, he was unable to overcome the disease and died at the age of 57 on Monday, Jan. 6, his family said.
Described as a free spirit with a heart full of love, Leach leaves behind his children, Erik, Shonae, and Solange…
NYU Wrestling Captain Battles Brain Cancer With Unbreakable Spirit
Benny Bautista isn’t new to tough battles.
The 21-year-old captain of the NYU wrestling team and Paramus Catholic grad has spent years facing challenges on the mat. But now, Bautista, of Montvale, NJ, is up against something even tougher: Grade 3 Oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer.
Despite the diagnosis that came just after New Year's, Bautista's unwavering spirit and selflessness have not faltered. For his teammates, Bautista is more than just a leader—he’s the glue that holds them together.
"When I think of altruism, I think of Benny," said Danny Lightfoot, team …
Westchester's Mike West Sr., Lifelong Friend To Many, Dies: Memorial Fund Made In His Name
A Westchester native and former football player known throughout his community is being remembered for his big heart, wisdom, and lifelong dedication to family, friends, and teammates following his death.
Michael West Sr., a lifelong resident of New Rochelle and a celebrated athlete, died on Thursday, Dec. 26 at the age of 61.
According to his lifelong friend Robert "Sonny" Fernandez, West played football at every level from youth leagues to Southern Connecticut State University and left a lasting impression on countless lives with his warm smile, big heart, and ability to…
Christmas Eve Blaze: Support Pours In For Hudson Valley Family Who Lost Home (Update)
A Hudson Valley family who lost their home in a devastating Christmas Eve fire is now receiving overwhelming support from their community as they begin their rebuilding process.
The blaze broke out shortly after 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at a Putnam County home on North Salem Road in Southeast. Following the tragic incident, the residence's family was left without a home, according to the Brewster Fire Department.
During the fire, the family, including two children, a husband, wife, and the wife’s mother, managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived, though one fami…
Longtime Northern Westchester Firefighter Dies At 56: Remembered For Life Of Service
A Northern Westchester community is mourning the sudden loss of veteran firefighter and Hudson Valley resident Christopher Johanson, who dedicated his life to service and his family.
Johanson, a 24-year veteran firefighter with the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 26, at his home in Cold Spring at the age of 56, according to his obituary.
Johanson, badge number 61, joined the Lake Mohegan Fire Department in August 2000 and was most recently assigned to Station 2, the Jefferson Valley Firehouse.
In a memorial post on social media, t…
“He’s A Fighter”: Westchester Man Raises Funds For Family Dog After Brutal Off-Leash Attack
A Westchester man is raising money to help cover extensive medical bills for a beloved family dog that is fighting for his life after being brutally attacked by two off-leash dogs.
The incident happened on Wednesday, Dec. 11, when Mikey, a 5-year-old rescue dog, was being walked by an employee of the White Plains-based Paws Barkley dog walking service.
During the walk, Mikey was viciously attacked by two large, off-leash dogs, described as a gray pit bull and a black mix. The attack left Mikey with severe injuries, including a punctured windpipe, brain trauma, and severed muscles…
Beloved Northern Westchester Native, Former Firefighter Dies At 37, Remembered For Kindness
A beloved Northern Westchester native and former firefighter is being remembered for his kindness, generosity, and lasting impact on those who knew him following his unexpected passing.
Reynaldo “Reycito” Sanchez, Jr., age 37, a resident of Miramar, Florida, and formerly of Yorktown Heights, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 31, according to his obituary.
Born in the Dominican Republic on Sept. 25, 1987, he moved to Westchester, where he grew up, attended Yorktown High School, and graduated in 2006.
Reynaldo was a past member of the Harry Howard Hook and Ladder Co. of the Po…
NY 'Hero' Dies Saving Drowning Child: 'Was Life Of Every Party'
Jamie Lambros died a hero.
The 48-year-old New York resident, from Long Island's Deer Park, died Monday, Oct. 7, while trying to save a young boy and his mother in the waters of Bermuda.
Lambros was enjoying a family vacation at Horseshoe Bay Beach when he noticed the 10-year-old boy struggling and went in after him, his friend, Chris Pompeo, said on Facebook. The child and his mother survived, but Lambros drowned.
“In his final moments, Jamie showed the courage and selflessness that those who knew him will always remember,” relatives said on a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expens…
Westchester Native, Mom Of 3 Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others'
A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering after their matriarch, a mother of three boys, died late last month.
Jhoseline Nelson, of Trumbull, died surrounded by her family on Sept. 29, her obituary said.
The Westchester County native from Port Chester leaves behind three sons — ages 13, 11, and 6 — and a husband of 17 years, Raney Nelson Jr. She was known for her fierce love of her family, her openness to anyone in need, and her compassion, according to her obituary.
"From her earliest days, she was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, a…
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says
Authorities have released new details in the case of a New York couple who were shot to death inside their home.
Long Island resident Daniel Coppola, age 50, of St. James, was arraigned on four counts of first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 6, in the deaths of his ex-wife Kelly Coppola and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman.
Suffolk County Police found Mrs. Coppola, age 50, and Pohlman, age 52, dead from gunshot wounds inside their St. James residence on Brasswood Road shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Earlier Report: Accused Murderer Ranted About Pr…
