Grandmother Killed In Crash While Visiting Family In NY, CT Remembered For 'Loving Presence' Grandmother Killed In Crash While Visiting Family In NY, CT Remembered For 'Loving Presence'
Grandmother Killed In Crash While Visiting Family In NY, CT Remembered For 'Loving Presence' The family of a woman fatally struck by an SUV while visiting her grandchildren in Connecticut is asking for the public's help to send her body home. Carmen Illapa Verdezoto, 78, was crossing Progress Drive near Stillwater Avenue in Stamford on Friday, July 31, when a 2022 Ford Escape struck her around 5:30 a.m., police said. The 28-year-old Stamford driver called officers, tried to help  Illapa Verdezoto, and remained at the scene, authorities said.  Paramedics rushed Illapa Verdezoto to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Stamford police struggled for hours…
Longtime Former Police Officer, Village Trustee From Hudson Valley Dies: 'Remarkable Man' Longtime Former Police Officer, Village Trustee From Hudson Valley Dies: 'Remarkable Man'
Longtime Former Police Officer, Village Trustee From Hudson Valley Dies: 'Remarkable Man' A retired Orange County police officer who spent more than two decades serving several local law enforcement agencies before continuing his public service as a village trustee has died.  William "Billy" Treco died with his family by his side early on Saturday, July 25, according to the Town of Montgomery Police Department. He was also serving as a Village of Maybrook trustee at the time of his death.  During a law enforcement career spanning more than 23 years, Treco served with the Town of Montgomery Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and the Village of Maybro…
Gaelic Football Player, NYPD Officer From Rockland Dies Suddenly, 28 Gaelic Football Player, NYPD Officer From Rockland Dies Suddenly, 28
Gaelic Football Player, Nypd Officer From Rockland Dies Suddenly, 28 A young NYPD officer from Rockland County whose dedication to policing and Gaelic football earned him admiration from colleagues and teammates has died unexpectedly. Ryan Thomas McDonald, of Orangeburg, died on Saturday, July 18, at age 28, according to his obituary on the Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home website. The NYPD Gaelic Football Club announced McDonald's death in a Facebook post: "Ryan was a member of our club with a promising future as both a Police Officer and Gaelic football player." McDonald began his career with the NYPD in January 2025 and served in Manhattan's 34th Precinct (whic…
Dedicated Teacher Who Worked With Disabled Students In Rockland County Dies Suddenly At 38 Dedicated Teacher Who Worked With Disabled Students In Rockland County Dies Suddenly At 38
Dedicated Teacher Who Worked With Disabled Students In Rockland County Dies Suddenly At 38 Students and their families are mourning the sudden loss of a hardworking special education teacher in Rockland County who dedicated herself to changing young lives for two decades.  Amanda Christine Lydon died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 16, at the age of 38, according to her obituary.  Lydon spent more than 20 years with Rockland BOCES, where she began working at just 18 years old before building a career serving students with disabilities.  Her obituary described her as someone with a quick wit who always showed up for people when they needed her — and often made them …
Longtime Midnight Shift Police Dispatcher From Hudson Valley Dies: 'Steady Voice In The Dark' Longtime Midnight Shift Police Dispatcher From Hudson Valley Dies: 'Steady Voice In The Dark'
Longtime Midnight Shift Police Dispatcher From Hudson Valley Dies: 'Steady Voice In The Dark' A police department in Orange County is mourning the loss of a dispatcher who served during the midnight shift for decades, providing a voice of calm when it was most needed for years.  Kathleen "Kate" Kummer, who served the City of Middletown Police Department for more than 30 years, died on Sunday, July 5, at the age of 72, according to her obituary. She died in Lake Katrine after what her family described as a courageous seven-month battle with a sudden illness. The Middletown Police Department announced her death on Thursday, July 9, remembering Kummer as the agency's "matriarch" …
Longtime Firefighter From Hudson Valley Who Served On 9/11 Dies: 'He Cared' Longtime Firefighter From Hudson Valley Who Served On 9/11 Dies: 'He Cared'
Longtime Firefighter From Hudson Valley Who Served On 9/11 Dies: 'He Cared' A longtime Orange County volunteer firefighter and retired FDNY firefighter who responded to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, has died following a battle with cancer.  John A. Braunagel Jr., a life member of the Monroe-Lakeside Fire & Rescue Company, died on Monday, July 6, according to the department.  Firefighters said Braunagel joined Monroe-Lakeside on Oct. 2, 1987, at the age of 18. Sponsored for membership by his father, the late John Braunagel Sr., he went on to build a decades-long career in the fire service, later joining the FDNY.  When terrorists attac…
Man Killed After Cliff Diving In NY Leaves Behind Unborn Child, Loved Adventure (UPDATE) Man Killed After Cliff Diving In NY Leaves Behind Unborn Child, Loved Adventure (UPDATE)
Man Killed After Cliff Diving In NY Leaves Behind Unborn Child, Loved Adventure (Update) An Orange County man who died in a cliff jumping incident in Dutchess County last month is being remembered as someone who embraced adventure and difficult challenges.  Vincent "Wavey" Javinett, 34, of Newburgh died on Thursday, June 25, after jumping from a cliff into Fishkill Creek in Beacon.  As Daily Voice previously reported, the incident happened at around 7:34 p.m. near 508 Fishkill Ave. in Beacon. Witnesses told police Javinett jumped from a cliff into the creek but never resurfaced.  Beacon firefighters entered the water in an attempt to find him before a …
Man Who Owned Iconic Saloon For Decades In Rockland County Dies At 76 Man Who Owned Iconic Saloon For Decades In Rockland County Dies At 76
Man Who Owned Iconic Saloon For Decades In Rockland County Dies At 76 A man who owned a well-known neighborhood bar in Rockland County for decades has died.  Vincent James "Jimmy" Travaglini, the longtime owner of the Last Chance Saloon in Congers, died on Tuesday, June 30, at the age of 75 after a life spent serving customers and building businesses, according to his obituary.  A lifelong Rockland County resident, Travaglini was born on Sept. 30, 1949, to Joseph and Kathryn Travaglini. He became the proud owner of the Last Chance Saloon, the iconic Congers establishment that first opened in 1964 and remained a favorite gathering place for generatio…
Hudson Valley Man Fatally Struck By Train Was Successful Engineer, 'Science Geek' (UPDATE) Hudson Valley Man Fatally Struck By Train Was Successful Engineer, 'Science Geek' (UPDATE)
Hudson Valley Man Fatally Struck By Train Was Successful Engineer, 'Science Geek' (Update) A man who was fatally struck by a Metro-North train in Dutchess County is being remembered as a devoted father and brilliant scientist who held over two dozen patents and whose passion for learning inspired everyone around him.  Fishkill resident Matthew J. Sendelbach, 56, died on Wednesday, July 1, after he was struck by a Metro-North train north of the Bank Street crossing in Wappingers Falls, between the Beacon and New Hamburg stations.  As previously reported by Daily Voice, the incident happened a little before 9 p.m., when Metro-North train No. 875 struck Sendelbac…
Rockland Organ Transplant Recipient Who Spent Life Advocating To Help Others Dies At 26 Rockland Organ Transplant Recipient Who Spent Life Advocating To Help Others Dies At 26
Rockland Organ Transplant Recipient Who Spent Life Advocating To Help Others Dies At 26 A Rockland County woman who made it her life mission to advocate for organ donations after both a heart and kidney transplant saved her life — and even helped get a state law passed — has died at 26.  Stony Point resident Lauren Shields died on Thursday, June 25, at the age of 26, according to her obituary.  Shields became one of New York's best-known advocates for organ donation after receiving a heart transplant as a child and a kidney transplant from her mother in 2020. She used this second chance at life to help make sure others received it as well, encouraging many to re…
American Airlines Pilot From Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Daughter, Grandson American Airlines Pilot From Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Daughter, Grandson
American Airlines Pilot From Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Daughter, Grandson Family and friends are mourning the sudden death of a Hudson Valley pilot who spent his career in the skies and now leaves behind a daughter and an infant grandson. Joel Marquez, an American Airlines captain from the Warwick area, died unexpectedly on Monday, June 8.  Marquez worked as a captain flying Boeing 737 aircraft for American Airlines and was remembered by loved ones as a devoted father, son, brother, and friend.  "Joel was an amazing father, brother, son, and friend," wrote Andrew Hardman on a GoFundMe page established to support the family.  According to the fund…
Former Police Chief Who Protected Public For Decades In Hudson Valley Dies At 79 Former Police Chief Who Protected Public For Decades In Hudson Valley Dies At 79
Former Police Chief Who Protected Public For Decades In Hudson Valley Dies At 79 A longtime Orange County law enforcement leader who spent more than three decades serving the public has died. Charles “Charlie” Kehoe, the former chief of the Town of Newburgh Police Department, died on Saturday, June 6, at the age of 79, surrounded by family, according to his obituary. Kehoe dedicated 32 years of service to the Town of Newburgh community. He began his law enforcement career with the department in 1977 and retired in 2009 after rising through the ranks to become chief.  His obituary said the lifelong Newburgh resident graduated from Newburgh Free Academy before servi…
Retired Police Lieutenant, PBA President From Hudson Valley Dies At 60: 'He Was Loved' Retired Police Lieutenant, PBA President From Hudson Valley Dies At 60: 'He Was Loved'
Retired Police Lieutenant, PBA President From Hudson Valley Dies At 60: 'He Was Loved' An Orange County community is remembering a retired police lieutenant and beloved coach, volunteer, and community leader following his death at the age of 60.  Retired Port Jervis Police Lieutenant James “Jim” Bisland of Glen Spey died on Saturday, May 23, at age 60, according to his obituary.  Bisland’s death was announced by the department in a social media post on Tuesday, May 26, in which they wrote he "wasn’t just respected—he was loved."  "His leadership was rooted in integrity, fairness, and compassion. He cared deeply about the well-being and safety of the men a…
Death Of Bergen County's DJ Pumma Spreads Heartbreak Through NY/NJ Music Scene Death Of Bergen County's DJ Pumma Spreads Heartbreak Through NY/NJ Music Scene
Death Of Bergen County's DJ Pumma Spreads Heartbreak Through NY/NJ Music Scene The New York and New Jersey music scene is mourning the death of Sehui Won, better known as DJ Pumma, following a battle with cancer. She was 45 years old. Won, a Fort Lee resident originally from South Korea, died peacefully May 14 surrounded by loved ones, according to a tribute shared on her obituary page. View this post on Instagram “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Sehee,” her family wrote. “She was a kind and caring person who touched many lives with her warmth, strength, and ge…
'Once In A Lifetime Person': Support Comes To Family Of Man, 19, Killed In Hudson Valley Crash 'Once In A Lifetime Person': Support Comes To Family Of Man, 19, Killed In Hudson Valley Crash
'Once In A Lifetime Person': Support Comes To Family Of Man, 19, Killed In Hudson Valley Crash An Orange County community is mourning the loss of a 19-year-old who was killed in a crash while heading to work and is remembered by loved ones as a kind and unforgettable young man.   Logan M. Malone, of Cornwall, died Sunday, April 19, in a crash on Mineral Springs Road in Cornwall, as previously reported by Daily Voice.  According to his obituary, Malone was born on March 22, 2007, in Middletown and worked as a landscaping assistant for Hickory Hollow Nursery in Tuxedo.  Family members described him as “a once-in-a-lifetime person,” whose “smile lit up a room." He w…
Hudson Valley Man Killed By Falling Tree — Now, His Family Needs Help Hudson Valley Man Killed By Falling Tree — Now, His Family Needs Help
Hudson Valley Man Killed By Falling Tree — Now, His Family Needs Help A family is mourning and seeking support after an Orange County man was killed in a tragic incident when a tree fell on him outside his home. Charles Kluender, a resident of the Greenwood Lake area, died last week in what his family described as a sudden and devastating incident. Now, his wife and teenage child are grappling not only with grief, but also with significant financial and practical challenges.  According to his family, Charles had long been a central figure in maintaining their home, handling repairs and day-to-day responsibilities that now must be managed without him. His…
Services Set For Slain Hudson Valley Mom Nicole Perez Services Set For Slain Hudson Valley Mom Nicole Perez
Services Set For Slain Hudson Valley Mom Nicole Perez Services have been set for a 29-year-old mother of two killed in a homicide in Ulster County. New York State Police have not yet announced a suspect in the death of Nicole Izabella Perez, 29, of Ellenville, on March 31. Perez leaves behind two young daughters, Novalee and Raelynn. Her obituary on the Brooks Funeral Home website they were the "light of her life." Her obituary says she was also close with her siblings, Kayla, Jenna, and Alannah, and also leaves behind the father of her children, James Bunora. A memorial visitation will be held on April 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. …
Sudden Death Of Former NY Firefighter, Young Father Sparks Wave Of Support Sudden Death Of Former NY Firefighter, Young Father Sparks Wave Of Support
Sudden Death Of Former NY Firefighter, Young Father Sparks Wave Of Support An Orange County fire company is mourning the sudden loss of a former member remembered for his devotion to family, as the community comes together to support his loved ones.  The Monroe-Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company announced the death of James Kelly in a heartfelt social media post shared Tuesday, March 31, calling his death “early and untimely.” Kelly, who previously served with the department, had stepped away from the fire service to spend more time with his wife, Lauren, and their three young children. More information about his death was not made public.  “Jim left our …
Former Police Chief Who Led 2 Departments In Hudson Valley Dies: 'Legacy Of Service' Former Police Chief Who Led 2 Departments In Hudson Valley Dies: 'Legacy Of Service'
Former Police Chief Who Led 2 Departments In Hudson Valley Dies: 'Legacy Of Service' Two Orange County police departments are mourning the loss of a respected law enforcement leader who once served two communities in the region. The Town of Warwick Police Department and the Village of Washingtonville Police Department both announced the death of retired Chief of Police Frank Corkum on Saturday, March 28.  Corkum led the Washingtonville Police Department in the late 1980s before later becoming chief in Warwick, where officials say he left a lasting impact on the department.  The Warwick Police Department praised Corkum’s lifelong commitment to public service, noti…
After Longtime Rockland Restaurateur's Death From Sudden Stroke, Community Rallies For Family After Longtime Rockland Restaurateur's Death From Sudden Stroke, Community Rallies For Family
After Longtime Rockland Restaurateur's Death From Sudden Stroke, Community Rallies For Family Community members are coming together to support the family of a New Jersey man who owned an Italian restaurant in Rockland County for decades before his death from a sudden stroke.  Bergen County resident Brett Kelly, owner of La Terrazza restaurant and catering facility in New City, died at the age of 58 on Wednesday, March 18, after suffering a stroke that led to severe bleeding on the brain.  Kelly, a resident of Saddle River, underwent emergency surgery and fought through multiple procedures before passing away 14 days later, according to those who knew him. For more than th…
Family Of Rockland Native Who Died While Deployed In Kuwait Left With 'Deep Void': Help On Way Family Of Rockland Native Who Died While Deployed In Kuwait Left With 'Deep Void': Help On Way
Family Of Rockland Native Who Died While Deployed In Kuwait Left With 'Deep Void': Help On Way The family of a Rockland County native and NYPD officer who died while deployed overseas in Kuwait for Operation Epic Fury is receiving an outpouring of support from community members as they mourn the loss of a husband, father, and lifelong public servant.  Major Sorffly Davius, 46, of Clarkstown, died Monday, March 9, after suffering a medical episode while assigned to Kuwait in support of Operation Epic Fury, part of the joint US-Israeli military campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, as Daily Voice previously reported.  Davius served as a Major in the US Army Natio…
'Radiant Soul', Daughter Of Restaurant Owners From Rockland County Slayed In PA Homicide 'Radiant Soul', Daughter Of Restaurant Owners From Rockland County Slayed In PA Homicide
'Radiant Soul', Daughter Of Restaurant Owners From Rockland County Slayed In PA Homicide A Hudson Valley, NY community is grieving the loss of the 27-year-old daughter of the owners of a local restaurant, who was killed in a homicide at her Pennsylvania apartment late last month.  Anne Tso, 27, of Philadelphia, originally from the Rockland County hamlet of Pearl River, was found with a gunshot wound to the head inside a residence on the 2600 block of South 9th St. just after 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.  Responding medics pronounced Tso dead at the scene at 4:42 p.m., police said.  Investigators said the killing …
Ramapo Police Dispatcher Dies Suddenly Just Days After Son's Second Birthday Ramapo Police Dispatcher Dies Suddenly Just Days After Son's Second Birthday
Ramapo Police Dispatcher Dies Suddenly Just Days After Son's Second Birthday The first responder community in Rockland County is mourning the sudden loss of a longtime police dispatcher and volunteer firefighter whose career was devoted to helping others in times of crisis.  Dominick J. D’Alisera, 47, of Orangeburg, died on Tuesday, March 3, according to his obituary.  D’Alisera most recently served as a dispatcher with the Ramapo Police Department, where he had worked since 2022. According to the department, he brought with him decades of experience in emergency communications and public safety.  Before joining Ramapo, D’Alisera spent more tha…
Bard College Music Teacher's Family Gets Wave Of Support After Fatal Taconic Crash (UPDATE) Bard College Music Teacher's Family Gets Wave Of Support After Fatal Taconic Crash (UPDATE)
Bard College Music Teacher's Family Gets Wave Of Support After Fatal Taconic Crash (Update) In the weeks since the death of a beloved music teacher and conductor in a crash on the Taconic State Parkway in Dutchess County, countless community members are rushing to the aid of his family as they grapple with their massive loss.  The help has been pouring in for the family of Shutong Li, a Bard College Conservatory of Music faculty member from Chappaqua who died on Friday, Feb. 13, following an incident on the Taconic State Parkway in Clinton two days earlier.  As previously reported by Daily Voice, the crash happened around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the southb…
Fatal NY Shooting Victim, 43, Had Heart 'Big And Full Of Love,' Felt Home In Nature Fatal NY Shooting Victim, 43, Had Heart 'Big And Full Of Love,' Felt Home In Nature
Fatal NY Shooting Victim, 43, Had Heart 'Big And Full Of Love,' Felt Home In Nature A 46-year-old Orange County man who was fatally shot this week is being remembered by loved ones as a devoted family member with a big heart and a love for the outdoors. Jason Allan Finch, 43, died on Sunday, Feb. 15, following a shooting on Hammond Street in Port Jervis, as previously reported by Daily Voice.  Finch was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body after a disturbance outside a residence shortly after midnight on Feb. 15, according to Port Jervis Police. He was taken to Bon Secours Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. A 26-year-old Port J…
Cornell Hall Of Famer, Mom Who Documented Cancer Battle, Dies At 50 Cornell Hall Of Famer, Mom Who Documented Cancer Battle, Dies At 50
Cornell Hall Of Famer, Mom Who Documented Cancer Battle, Dies At 50 A former collegiate All-American and corporate executive died after a four-year battle with cancer, her family said. She documented her journey on YouTube to inspire others.  Molly Kauffman West, of Easton, Connecticut, died Feb. 10. She was 50. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Brian, and their son, according to her obituary. Her loved ones said she will be remembered for her determination and compassion. A native of Ithaca, New York, West grew up in Pennsylvania before returning to study at Cornell University, where she was an All-American goalkeeper on the school's field h…
Monsey Native, First Responder Ari Lifschitz Dies Suddenly, Teaneck Ambulance Corps Says Monsey Native, First Responder Ari Lifschitz Dies Suddenly, Teaneck Ambulance Corps Says
Monsey Native, First Responder Ari Lifschitz Dies Suddenly, Teaneck Ambulance Corps Says The Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps is mourning the untimely loss of longtime member Ari Lifschitz, the organization announced Tuesday, Feb. 17 on Facebook. He was 49 years old. Lifschitz was a TVAC member for more than 22 years and served as a permanent fixture on the Sunday evening shift since 2004, according to the corps. He ran the crew as its Crew Chief for more than 10 years and supervised the training of dozens of probationary members, the statement said. Lifschitz also personally served in leadership roles as First Lieutenant and as a member of the Board of Trustees, the l…
'Wonder Woman', NY School Board Chair Who Championed Cancer Awareness Dies At 49 'Wonder Woman', NY School Board Chair Who Championed Cancer Awareness Dies At 49
'Wonder Woman', NY School Board Chair Who Championed Cancer Awareness Dies At 49 A Westchester County school community is mourning the loss of its longtime Board of Trustees co-chair, a devoted alumna and nationally recognized cancer advocate who died after a nearly four-year battle with Stage IV colorectal cancer. Elizabeth “Liz” Healy, the Co-Chair of The Ursuline School's Board of Trustees in New Rochelle, died on Sunday, Feb. 8, at the age of 49, according to her obituary.  A member of Ursuline’s Class of 1994, Healy was remembered by the school as someone who embodied its mission “To Learn, To Lead, and To Serve,” living with “passion, generosity, and purpose”…
Soldier, 21, Killed In Route 1 Crash In NY — Support Now Pouring In For Her Family Soldier, 21, Killed In Route 1 Crash In NY — Support Now Pouring In For Her Family
Soldier, 21, Killed In Route 1 Crash In NY — Support Now Pouring In For Her Family An outpouring of support is growing for the family of a 21-year-old US Army service member killed in an early morning crash in Westchester County.  Amy Josabeth Munguia, 21, of Port Chester, died after her car struck a utility pole on Boston Post Road near Olivia Street around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, as Daily Voice previously reported.   Authorities said the impact caused her to be ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.  Now, friends and loved ones are rallying around her grieving family.  A GoFundMe campaign created by Jessie Pineda t…
'Absolutely Devastated': NY Family Farm Patriarch Who Supplied Food To NYC Dies Suddenly At 55 'Absolutely Devastated': NY Family Farm Patriarch Who Supplied Food To NYC Dies Suddenly At 55
'Absolutely Devastated': NY Family Farm Patriarch Who Supplied Food To NYC Dies Suddenly At 55 The owner of a family farm in Orange County who immigrated to the US and spent decades supplying local residents with fresh produce died suddenly earlier this month, prompting an outpouring of support for his grieving family as they pick up the pieces.  Crisostomo Angel Hernandez, a longtime farmer and co-owner of Angel Family Farm in Goshen, died on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the age of 55, according to his family.  Angel Family Farm was founded in 2006 by Ana and Crisostomo Angel, who were originally from Progreso and Pueblo Nuevo, Mexico. Both grew up farming and later immigrated to…
NY Cop, Decorated Marine Dies At 45, Remembered As 'Loving Husband, Devoted Father' NY Cop, Decorated Marine Dies At 45, Remembered As 'Loving Husband, Devoted Father'
NY Cop, Decorated Marine Dies At 45, Remembered As 'Loving Husband, Devoted Father' Support is swelling for the widow and four children of a Long Island police officer who spent his life serving others. Sean Ledwith, 45, of Malverne – a member of the Nassau County Police Department Bureau of Special Operations – died unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, Jan. 11, according to his obituary. A cause of death was not given. A Life Of Service Ledwith joined the Nassau County Police Department in 2014, leaving behind a successful career in software sales to pursue what his family described as a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, according to his obituary. Over a 12-y…