In memory of those who "died suddenly" in the United States, May 3-May 9 (Part 1)
Three in the news media, five in law enforcement, a tattoo artist, a NASA scientist and all too many more
UNITED STATES
Kevin Samuels death news – Controversial YouTuber dies after having ‘chest pains’ as mother confirms ‘terrible’ news
May 7 2022
Controversial YouTube star and online "relationship guru" Kevin Samuels has passed away aged 56, his mother has confirmed.
His mother, Beverly Samuels-Burch, confirmed his death to NBC News but declined to release details about what happened.
She said she learned of her son's death from social media.
Samuels' mother declined to provide details about his death; however, according to an incident report by the Atlanta Police Department, first responders responded to a 911 call at Samuels' apartment after he experienced chest pain.
Earlier a close friend of self-proclaimed guru Samuels, Melanie King, revealed she'd received “family confirmation” that the Modern Women creator had passed away.
A Georgia officer, who goes by J. Figuereo, has opened up about how he responded to a call at to the apartment in which Kevin Samuels was living in. The officer said it was a call regarding an injured person.
He said: “Upon arrival, I Ofc.J.Figuereo observed the fire department engine # 21 performing C.P.R to a black male, unresponsive on the floor of his apartment."
Unverified reports shared on social media claim the YouTuber died after suffering a cardiac arrest. However, the circumstances or cause of Samuels' death are yet to be officially confirmed.
https://www.the-sun.com/tech/5276830/kevin-samuels-death-cause-rumour-true-dies-family-latest/
Mike Hagerty, Longtime Character Actor and Friends' Mr. Treeger, Dead at 67
May 6, 2022
Character actor Mike Hagerty, who most recently starred opposite Bridget Everett on the HBO comedy Somebody Somewhere, has died at the age of 67. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“With great sadness, the family of Michael G. Hagerty announced his death yesterday in Los Angeles,” Everett shared on Instagram Friday. “A beloved character actor, his love of his hometown of Chicago and his family were the cornerstones of his life. Mike, a devoted husband, is survived by his wife Mary Kathryn, his sister Mary Ann Hagerty [and] her wife Kathleen O’Rourke, and their daughter Meg. He will be sorely missed.”
Hagerty is perhaps best known for his recurring role as Mr. Treeger on the NBC comedy Friends. In the memorable Season 4 episode “The One With the Ballroom Dancing,” Joey reluctantly agreed to be the building superintendent’s dance partner after he threatened to have Monica and Rachel evicted.
https://tvline.com/2022/05/06/mike-hagerty-dead-friends-actor-mr-treeger-dies/
Mickey Gilley dead at 86
May 7, 2022
Mickey Gilley, who shot to country stardom with a string of iconic hits and helped launch the Urban Cowboy craze of the 1980s, has died.
According to a statement from his publicist, Gilley died "peacefully" on Saturday (May 7) in Branson, Mo., "with his family and close friends by his side." The country legend had just returned from the road, where he played 10 dates in April. He was 86 years old.
No cause of death reported.
https://tasteofcountry.com/mickey-gilley-dead-dies/
Memphis reacts after death of legendary DJ Bobby O’Jay
May 3, 2022
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis community is mourning the death of long-time radio personality Bobby O’Jay. Bobby died Tuesday at the age of 68. He died suddenly.
“Bobby said to us many years ago, ‘I’m never going to retire. I’m going to die doing what I do and he did that today,’” said Eileen Collier, who once worked with Bobby O’Jay.
No details on cause of death.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local/memphis-reacts-after-death-legendary-dj-bobby-ojay/SFYXYKSGO5C2ZPJHTFEIJYOXK4
Richard Neigre, founder of Primo Hoagies, has died at 67
May 8, 2022
Leaving a legacy of good food, generosity, and an extreme devotion to his family, Mr. Neigre, 65, died unexpectedly Thursday, May 5, at his home in Sewell, N.J. The family said it was most likely due to a blood clot from prior vascular problems.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/richard-neigre-primos-hoagies-obituary-20220507.html
Montana state senator and U.S. House candidate dies
May 7, 2022
Billings, Mont. — A Democratic Montana state senator and U.S. House candidate has died. The family of 62-year-old Mark Sweeney of Philipsburg in a statement Saturday said he died at home on Friday night. No cause was given.
The Montana Democratic Party in a statement said Sweeny was "a dedicated, selfless and effective public servant who always put the good of all people before himself or politics. Mark was a lifelong advocate for Montana’s working families and all those who called the Last Best Place home.”
https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-senator-mark-sweeney-unexpectedly-dies
“Lost control of his truck,” due to “a medical emergency”:
Medical emergency suspected in fatal crash in Batavia
May 7, 2022
A single-vehicle crash in Batavia, NY, Saturday occurred when the driver apparently suffered a medical emergency and lost control of his truck, the Batavia Police Department reported. The man died at the scene.
The man was driving a black Dodge pickup on West Main Street near Tops Market when the truck suddenly crossed over all lanes of traffic, left the roadway, struck a fence and landed in a ditch, police said. City fire and Mercy EMS responded. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Genesee County Coroner John Peck said the man apparently suffered a medical emergency that led to the crash. No one else was injured in the accident.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine cause of death. The driver's identity is being withheld until family are notified.
A mysterious car accident:
Driver dies after head-on crash with tractor trailer in Green Lake County
May 9, 2022
GREEN LAKE COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - A 41-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash involving a car and a tractor trailer in Green Lake County.
The crash happened Friday, May 6, at about 3:04 p.m.
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls about a head-on crash on County Highway Q south of County Highway X in the Town of Mackford.
Investigators say a green sedan was traveling north on County Highway Q when the driver suddenly went into the southbound lane and hit the tractor trailer head on.
https://www.wbay.com/2022/05/09/driver-dies-after-head-on-crash-with-tractor-trailer-green-lake-county/
A NASA scientist:
Thomas Duncan Fairlie, 61
May 8, 2022
Duncan Fairlie, 61, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away suddenly on April 27, 2022. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons 1st class) degree in mathematics from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland in 1982 and became a research scientist at the UK Meteorological Office in Bracknell.
Thus began his life-long interest in understanding the physical and chemical processes in the Earth's atmosphere. He joined NASA Langley Research Center as a research scientist in 1987, where he remained until his retirement in 2021. While at NASA he also studied at Harvard University and was awarded a Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Science in 2009.
During his career he conducted research into atmospheric chemistry and dynamics using a combination of models and measurements from satellite, airborne, and ground-based instruments. He participated in field campaigns to help understand atmospheric ozone loss, global air pollution, and volcanic aerosols. His research took him to the far reaches of our planet where he always took time to explore the local landscape and to learn about the people that lived there.
Duncan was a devoted and much-loved dad to Hannah and James, husband of 17 years to Welby, brother to Hilary Spenceley, and a dear friend to many. He was a kind and gentle person, self-effacing with a wry sense of humor.
His interest in the environment was not limited to his work. He loved the outdoors; camping, hiking, and mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands, New Zealand, Rockies, Alps and Virginia, where he led numerous trips with the local Appalachian Trail Club. His other outdoor passions included soccer and kayaking, resulting in many friendships and his marriage to Welby. His fondness of dogs was well-known and another excuse to get outside. He was a very good golfer in his younger years and also an accomplished musician who played the piano, violin, and accordion.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailypress/name/thomas-fairlie-obituary?id=34622887
Three in the news media:
John Evans, longest-tenured member of Ch. 9 newsroom, dies unexpectedly
May 4, 2022
Charlotte, NC — The longest-tenured member of the Channel 9 newsroom, photojournalist John Evans, died unexpectedly Monday.
Evans spent much of his time at Channel 9 working as the photographer in our South Carolina bureau alongside former reporter Greg Suskin, and then Tina Terry. Evans, from behind his lens, helped bring you countless stories over 37 years as part of the Channel 9 team. He worked side by side with Suskin for 20 years.
“I used to joke with him,” Suskin said. “I saw him more than I saw my wife and kids. I was with him 9-10 hours, five days a week for 20 years. Most of the time, just the two of us. driving to a story, working and editing together. John was just, he was like a mentor to me. He was like a big brother to me but more importantly, he was a godly man.”
No age or cause of death reported.
WSOC Photojournalist John Evans Dies Suddenly
WSOC photojournalist John Evans died unexpectedly on Monday.
Evans had worked at Charlotte’s ABC affiliate for 37 years and was longest-tenured member of the newsroom. He mainly worked in the South Carolina bureau.
https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/wsoc-photojournalist-john-evans-dies-suddenly/240975/
'There will never be another': Traffic Jam Jimmy remembered as a symbol of Baltimore
May 9, 2022
BALTIMORE, Md. (WBFF) - — From the City to the Counties, Marylanders are mourning the loss of James “Traffic Jam Jimmy” Uhrin.
He was a beloved member of the FOX45 morning news team with an iconic Baltimore twang in his voice.
Jimmy died suddenly over the weekend. He was 65 years old.
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/there-will-never-be-another-traffic-jam-jimmy-remembered-as-a-symbol-of-baltimore
Remembering Friceida
May 9, 2022
Family of an 8-year-old Woodburn girl who died of a stroke shares her story on a GoFundMe page.
Friceida Montar was a Washington Elementary School student. Her father, Gabino Montar, established the fundraising page. He said of his beloved daughter:
"Friceida was a normal, happy and curious 8-year-old. She was an intelligent and sweet girl as described by her teacher. Friceida was a shy and innocent soul, liked by all of her friends at school and loved dearly by us. "She is leaving behind a heartbroken mother, father and 3- and 9-year-old sisters. We are all still in disbelief of her sudden passing and are trying to make sense of this tragedy on a daily basis."
https://pamplinmedia.com/wbi/152-news/545063-436365-remembering-frecieda-pwoff
The communities of Jamestown and Carrick-on-Shannon have been mourning the sudden death of Sean McKenna who passed away at the weekend and who has been described as "a great character and loved by all who knew him."
May 4, 2022
Sean McKenna of Yonkers, New York, Connecticut and Jamestown, Co. Leitrim died suddenly on Friday, 29th April in New York.
Predeceased by his father Pat. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his heartbroken mother Eileen, brother Kevin, sister Eileen McKenna, brother-in-law Trevor McNamara (Roscommon Town), sister-in-law Siobhan, nephews Patrick, Andrew and Brian, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, neighbours and his many friends in Yonkers, New York, Connecticut and Ireland.
No age or cause of death reported.
Myers Park HS mourns loss of teacher David Hudspeth
May 4, 2022
Charlotte, NC — The Myers Park High School community is mourning the loss of one of its teachers. The school posted on Facebook that David Hudspeth died unexpectedly Tuesday. He taught biology at the school for more than 10 years and was a swim coach.
No age or cause of death reported.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools encourages “anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated”:
https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/families/Pages/Covid-Safety.aspx
Two students:
Southern University mourns loss of freshman cheerleader
May 7, 2022
A university in Louisiana is mourning the loss of a freshman cheerleader who died unexpectedly this week.
On Thursday, Southern University and A&M College announced the death of Arlana Miller, who was a member of the school's cheerleading team.
"Our entire campus community is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Arlana Miller, a freshman who was majoring in agriculture on the Baton Rouge campus," the school said in a statement.
It was not immediately known how the Texas native died.
https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/national/southern-university-mourns-loss-of-freshman-cheerleader
Southern University “vaccination” requirement:
As you are aware, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approved the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19, and it is anticipated that the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be approved by the FDA in the near future. Due to these recent changes, the Southern University System will add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of immunizations required for admission to any Southern University System campus.
As such, all students will have to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination prior to the Spring 2022 pre-registration period. Students may be eligible to opt out by completing and submitting the necessary forms. In the coming days, you will receive instructions on how to submit proof of vaccination or to opt out.
https://www.subr.edu/news/presidentchancellor-belton-announces-covid19-
Deceased C.E. Byrd student to be honored at graduation after community outcry
May 6, 2022
Mackenzie Jewitt died from a medical condition on March 24. She was set to graduate from high school on May 26. The petition, started by Raylette Pinkston, says Mackenzie had a heart transplant seven years ago, but that it didn’t hold her back from being an active kid; she even played basketball for the Lady Jackets.
The petition goes on to say the principal of the school, Jerry Badgley, denied Mackenzie’s parents’ request to have her honored at graduation by leaving a seat open for her and calling her name, followed by a moment of silence. Badgley’s reported reason for denying the request: it would be a distraction.
As of noon on Friday, nearly 15,000 people had signed the petition to have Mackenzie included in the graduation ceremony.
Caddo Parish Public Schools starts vaccinating students against COVID-19
April 29, 2021
https://www.ksla.com/2021/04/29/caddo-parish-public-schools-starts-vaccinating-students-against-covid-/
Five in law enforcement:
Hamilton Police Lieutenant died unexpectedly, department says
May 3, 2022
HAMILTON, N.J. - The Hamilton Police Department is mourning the death of Lieutenant Mark Horan.
On Monday, the department announced Horan's unexpected passing, which took place in his home on Saturday.
He was a devoted husband and father of five, the department said.
Age not reported.
https://www.fox29.com/news/hamilton-police-lieutenant-dies-unexpectedly
Two cops in the same NC police department died of cancer a few weeks apart. The death of Officer Cameron Lemmons was duly noted in the compilation posted for the week April 15-21, although back then there was no cause of death reported, while a later article attributed his passing to “a seizure.”
Veteran officer with the Whiteville Police Department has died
May 3, 2022
Whiteville, NC — The Whiteville Police Department is mourning the loss of another officer.
Whiteville Police announced on Facebook on Monday night that officer Ron Guyton has died.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of another officer, brother, and friend. Ron Guyton dedicated his life to his community and his country. Please keep his family, along with his Whiteville PD family, in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” the post said.
Close friend, Whiteville Emergency Services Director Hal Lowder, says Guyton was affectionately called ‘Boomerang’ because he’d retire and keep coming back.
Lowder says Guyton was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago and died Monday afternoon.
In mid-April, another Whiteville police officer, Cameron Lemmons, died suddenly of an undiagnosed brain tumor.
No age reported.
https://www.wwaytv3.com/veteran-officer-with-the-whiteville-police-department-has-died/
2 Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s deputies who died in 2021 being honored with golf events
May 4, 2022
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Playing 18 holes of golf this summer can support two Kalamazoo County Sherriff’s Office deputies who died in 2021.
One golf fundraiser is in memory of Ryan Prozmire, who was shot during a police chase and died Aug. 15. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant.
The other fundraiser is for Deputy Eric West who died suddenly of a heart attack Oct. 25 [2021]. He also worked as the Vicksburg police chief for seven years.
https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2022/05/2-kalamazoo-county-sheriffs-deputies-who-died-in-2021-being-honored-with-golf-events.html
Widow reflects on life, loss, family 1 year after West Fargo police officer's sudden death
May 7, 2022
WEST FARGO — It’s been a very long year since the sudden and heartbreaking death of 40-year-old West Fargo Police Lt. Adam Gustafson. A year filled with grief, loss, adjustment and enormous community support.
“Adam was always smiling,” said Amber Gustafson, Adam’s widow. “He didn’t get riled up about much. He was so funny. He could take difficult situations and find the humor in them.”
On May 18, 2021, Adam was working at the West Fargo police station when he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed by ambulance to Sanford Hospital.
Amber was at the Clay County Courthouse participating in a Zoom meeting with her close judicial colleagues. Her cellphone rang. West Fargo Police Lt. Jason Anderson was calling. Amber didn’t think anything of it. She silenced her phone. Anderson called again. This time, Amber called him back.
“He told me, ‘We found Adam unresponsive. We’re doing CPR. You need to get to Sanford as soon as possible,’” Amber said.
She ran out of her office, and a co-worker drove her to the hospital. Amber called Adam’s dad and brother.
“I ran into the Sanford emergency room,” Amber said. “They were working on him. He was already gone when I got there. He looked dead.”
A doctor asked Amber about Adam’s medical history. She told him that he’s healthy and not taking any medications.
“I am holding Adam’s hand. My dad makes it in,“ Amber said. “The doctor then told me, ‘We’re gonna call it.’
“I said, ‘Are you sure? Do you have to do it?’
“The doctor said, ‘Yes, I have to do it.’ They were very kind.”
The machines in the room stopped running. The room became very quiet.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Amber said. “The shock of an unexpected death was so stunning.”
Adam died of a heart attack. It turned out he had a severe heart ailment that had gone undetected.
https://www.inforum.com/news/west-fargo/widow-reflects-on-life-loss-family-1-year-after-west-fargo-police-officers-sudden-death
Funeral Services Begin Thursday For Beloved Philadelphia FOP Chaplain Father Steven Wetzel, 64
May 4, 2022
Philadelphia — Funeral services begin Thursday for Father Steven Wetzel. The FOP chaplain provided counsel and comfort to Philadelphia police officers and those they are sworn to protect and serve.
Always on a mission: he visited sick children with a sea of red and blue lights at his back. And he ministered to those down and out. His tools: peace and compassion.
His name was Father Steven Wetzel, a Catholic priest with the Oblates of Saint Francis DeSales.
The chaplain of the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police died last week after a brief but sudden illness. His loss for many is hard to sum up.
“Father was a humble man, he always put everybody before himself,” said Mike Cerruti with the Michael the Archangel Society.
No cause of death reported.
Love of a lioness. Southborough firefighter recalled for fierce loyalty
May 7, 2022
MEDWAY — St Joseph Church was filled with the sounds of sniffling and quiet sobs — but also a bit of laughter — as James Moulton offered words of remembrance about his daughter, Lisa Thompson, during her funeral Mass Friday.
“The outpouring of words over the last week just cemented in my mind that people knew and loved the Lisa I knew," Moulton said in his eulogy. "An amazing woman, wife, mother and daughter, sister, coworker and friend, but most of all my daughter, who was taken away too soon."
Thompson, 38, of Medway, died unexpectedly April 29, as result of a medical condition. Hired by Southborough in November, she was six months into fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time firefighter.
https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2022/05/07/southborough-ma-firefighter-lisa-thompson-mourned-funeral-mass/9644316002/
Art Beat: Artist, mother paints a portrait in tribute to her late friend and colleague
May 7, 2022
Known internationally as a premiere button artist, Sylvia Liszka Durell of Spring Hill created a piece called “Pink Button Fish” that is currently part of The City of Tarpon Springs Illuminated Art Boxes Project along the Sponge Docks’ Dodecanese Boulevard. In addition, Durell created seven button craft tutorials for the National Button Society Creativity YouTube channel. Yet this renowned member of the Nature Coast Art League and various button collecting groups also excels at acrylics, watercolor pencils, oils and markers. She also recently created a very special work of art in service of an even more special person, her daughter Marisa Johnson.
When a friend and co-worker of Marisa passed away suddenly, she called upon her mother to paint a likeness of her friend, one set to be presented to her family this month. Sylvia stated, “Marisa is a very busy person. As a school psychologist, she works for 3 or 4 schools. She has three children ages 8, 11, and 15. The kids are in sports and activities and are always going here and there. I am amazed with how she continues to get involved in the lives of others and how she adds special extras to all that she does. It doesn’t surprise me that she is so involved in creating a wonderful tribute to her friend.”
In drawing inspiration for the requested portrait, Sylvia worked with a single photo of the departed Teacher’s Assistant Patty Amorine and the knowledge that she loved the color yellow and was a fan of Michigan State University (whose official school colors are blue and gold).
https://www.hernandosun.com/2022/05/07/art-beat-artist-mother-paints-a-portrait-in-tribute-to-her-late-friend-and-colleague/
3 Americans Mysteriously Found Dead at Sandals Resort in the Bahamas, Another Woman Hospitalized
May 6, 2022
Three Americans are dead and a fourth is hospitalized in the Bahamas on Friday due to unknown causes. Two men and one woman were found dead at the popular Sandals Emerald Bay resort on Exuma Friday, PEOPLE confirms.
"It is with deep sadness that we can confirm the passing of three guests at Sandals Emerald Bay on May 6, 2022," a representative for Sandals tells PEOPLE.
"A health emergency was initially reported and following our protocols we immediately alerted emergency medical professionals and relevant local authorities," the statement continues. "We are actively working to support both the investigation as well as the guests' families in every way possible during this difficult time.”
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said Friday that detectives are investigating the "sudden death of two males and a female."
Police at the George Town station were informed on Friday morning that three bodies were found in two separate villas at Emerald Bay.
"On their arrival at the scene they were directed to the first villa. On entering a bedroom, they found a caucasian male laying on the ground unresponsive. An examination of the body was conducted, there was no signs of trauma found. The local doctor later pronounced the victim dead," the RBPF said in a statement.
"The officers were then directed to the second villa, where they found a caucasian male slumped against the wall in a bathroom unresponsive. A caucasian female was also found in a bedroom on a bed. She too was unresponsive. Both individuals showed signs of convulsion," the release continued. "The officers examined the bodies and found no signs of trauma. The local doctor later pronounced both persons dead."
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/3-americans-mysteriously-found-dead-014919281.html
The deceased were identified on May 9:
https://www.theepochtimes.com/3-american-citizens-found-dead-at-bahamas-resort-are-identified_4455177.html
‘Beautiful Soul:’ Lehigh Valley Native Dies Suddenly, 31
May 9, 2022
Beloved Lehigh Valley native and Northampton High School graduate Kevin Scott Benton, Jr. died unexpectedly on Monday, March 28. He was 31.
Born and raised in Easton, Kevin graduated from Northampton Area High School in 2011, his obituary says.
https://dailyvoice.com/pennsylvania/northampton/obituaries/beautiful-soul-lehigh-valley-native-dies-suddenly-31/832025/
‘A lot of people looked up to him.’ Well-loved NoDa tattoo artist dies
May 8, 2022
From an early age, it was clear Logan McAdams was going to be an artist. Art ran in the family, graphic artist father Mel McAdams said.
But even in a talented family, Logan was different: “He took off,” McAdams said about his son’s art. “He was better than I ever was.”
McAdams, a tattoo artist at NoDa’s 510 Expert Tattoo & Body Piercing, died unexpectedly at age 30 on April 30.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article261163192.html#storylink=cpy
Police: No foul play suspected after sudden death in Arlandria
May 5, 2022
Alexandria (VA) Police do not suspect foul play behind a sudden death last week in the city’s Arlandria neighborhood. On April 27 (Wednesday), a 55-year-old man was found dead in the doorway of a building in the 3900 block of Mount Vernon Avenue at around 6:45 a.m. The area from Executive Avenue to Russell Road was temporarily shut down while police investigated. The man was identified as Julio Rivera, and police said that there was no trauma on his body indicating foul play.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.alxnow.com/2022/05/05/police-no-foul-play-suspected-after-sudden-death-in-arlandria/
I know this takes time. Thank you for giving honor to these lives lost.
Mark, thank you for this. My plan is to start compiling all of the aircraft accidents and incidents since the rollout, and see if they could be related.