In memory of those who “died suddenly” in the United States, August 14-August 21, 2023
Drummer Gary Young (Pavement); guitarist Bobby Eli (MFSB); rappers Magoo (50), Dopeboy Ra (33); soprano Renata Scotto; WSJ editor Chris Carduff; TikToker Pope the Barber (34); & more
UNITED STATES
Pavement Share Statement On Death Of Drummer Gary Young
August 17, 2023
Pavement have shared an official statement on the passing of Gary Young [70], the band’s original drummer and producer from 1989 to 1993. “Garrit Allan Robertson Young put Pavement on the map,” the note begins. “He recorded all of our records from the Slay Tracks 7″ through to the Watery, Domestic EP. He did it all in his garage, a studio called Louder Than You Think. Stephen and Spiral knew him from the Stockton punk rock scene and got his phone number from the yellow pages. He made all of their early songs happen as tried to grasp their youthful mayhem and, make sense of it all. That, he did.” He was made to play drums in rock and roll bands. He came from the “Keith Moon school of drummers.” It’s an unofficial school. But, Gary graduated from it with honors. We’ve had the great pleasure of seeing insanely talented drummers. He drummed very hard from a different planet despite being born and raised in Mamaroneck, New York, on the easiest birthdate ever to remember (5/3/53).
No cause of death reported.
MFSB Guitarist Bobby Eli, An Architect Of Philly Soul, Has Died
August 17, 2023
Bobby Eli, 77, producer and lead guitarist of Philly studio band MFSB, has died. The news was confirmed by the Spinners’ official Instagram account — Eli famously played on recordings with the Spinners, among many other acts. Born Eli Tatarsky, Eli worked with numerous artists as a musician, arranger, composer, and producer. Some of them include the Jacksons, David Bowie, Jay-Z, Hall and Oates, Patti LaBelle, Elton John, B.B. King, Wilson Pickett, George Clinton, the Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, and Shaggy. He was also a session player for Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International label in the ’70s. MFSB, standing for “Mother Father Sister Brother,” was a collective of more than 30 studio musicians based at Philadelphia’s Sigma Sound Studios. Their most successful single was “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia),” which was also the theme to Soul Train and is widely thought to have helped establish the disco sound. MFSB released seven studio albums, from 1973’s self-titled and Love Is The Message to 1980’s Mysteries Of The World.
No cause of death reported.
Hip-Hop sensation Magoo's sudden death at 50 leaves fans devastated & wondering, ‘how did he die?’
August 14, 2023
Melvin 'Magoo' Barcliff, an integral part of the celebrated rap duo Timbaland & Magoo since 1989, is dead. On August 13, the sad news of Magoo's demise was confirmed, sending shockwaves of grief throughout fans and the music industry. Magoo's notable tracks include 'Up Jumps Da' Boogie' from 1997, 'We at it Again' from 2000, and 'Party People' in 2001, among others, all of which became cherished tunes for fans to groove to. The unexpected passing of Magoo at the age of 50 has prompted tributes from fans around the world, mourning the loss of the singer and rapper from Norfolk, Virginia. According to sources, Magoo's death is believed to be due to a suspected heart attack at the young age of 50, as reported by Kossy Derrick Ent. Despite the news of his passing on August 13, more details about Magoo and the circumstances of his death remain undisclosed.
ATL rapper Dopeboy Ra dead at 33
August 16, 2023
On Monday, Atlanta up and comer DopeBoy Ra’s name was trending in the blogosphere as the rapper went missing during a trip to Chicago. The “I Am What I Am” rapper’s death was confirmed the following day, with his friends sending him posthumous tributes the following day. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Ra’s friend and fellow artist Runway Richy paid tribute to the 33-year-old slang spitter, saying, “I hate to say this but Rest in peace my n***a @gxdsxlldxpe @dopeboyra 🖕🏽 what they talking bout we dropped a classic on dese 🥷🏽 ah #DopeRun we been stamped the Eastside and u was a real one my brudda I ain’t even think I was gone get this phone call but Fly High brother u was a Legend on my side.”
No cause of death reported.
Famous soprano Renata Scotto dies in her sleep in New York, age 89
August 16, 2023
Farewell to Renata Scotto, world-famous soprano, the legend of opera music died at 89. The opera singer died suddenly in her sleep at her home in New York. She died suddenly in the night in her New York home, Renata Scotto, one of the most famous sopranos in the world and opera legend. The woman who apparently did not suffer from any pathology, fell asleep yesterday and never woke up again, the hypothesis is that she suffered a sudden illness in her sleep.
No cause of death reported.
Kristin Chenoweth pays emotional tribute as she announces death of ‘angel’ birth mother
August 20, 2023
Kristin Chenoweth has announced the sudden death of her ‘angel’ birth mother, saying she will ‘miss her till the end of my days’. The Tony and Emmy Award winning actress, 55, has been open in the past about being adopted as a baby, explaining how her adoptive parents – Junie and Jerry Chenoweth – said her biological mother ‘gave you life, but we get to give you a life’. In a post on Instagram on Saturday night, the Broadway star paid tribute to her birth mother Lynn, nicknamed Mamalynn, sharing an emotional tribute to her. The pair had become close following their reunion in 2012, and Kristin shared a slew of photographs of them spending time together, including one of them pulling ‘the same pose without knowing’, as well as pictures from Lynn’s younger years.
No age or cause of death reported.
A correction to an item we ran in March:
NYPD Blue Alum’s Cause of death Revealed
August 7, 2023
NYPD Blue star Austin Majors’ death was the result of an accidental fentanyl overdose, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. Majors, best known for his role as the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz, died on Feb. 11. At the time, the 27-year-old was living at a homeless shelter, where he was photographed by the Los Angeles Daily Times a week before he died. In addition to playing Theo Sipowicz on NYPD Blue , Majors’ resume included guest stints on According to Jim, Desperate Housewives, NCIS and How I Met Your Mother.
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A journalist “died suddenly”:
Christopher Carduff, 66
August 18, 2023
Usually the words introducing this weekly summary of Wall Street Journal book reviews would be signed “C.C.” That was Chris Carduff, who edited our Books section for six years until he died on Monday after a brief illness at age 66. Chris usually focused on one of the book reviews in the newsletter and reflected on its importance, or perhaps on the author. He was always instructive. When I offered Chris the job as Books editor in 2017, I knew he had long experience as an editor at the Library of America and other places. I also knew he had a vast store of literary knowledge, having nurtured the publication of many classics. He was the publishing consultant to the John Updike literary trust and was shepherding the publication of Updike’s letters when he died. What I didn’t know then, but came to appreciate, was the tremendous dedication he would bring to the job. He literally let no sentence go uninspected. He took pride in every review. Chris also had a generous and collaborative spirit that made him a pleasure to work with. He made a great contribution to the Journal and its readers, and my colleagues and I will do our best to carry on his considerable legacy.
No cause of death reported.
Pope the Barber: TikTok star Adonis Beck passes away aged 34
August 14, 2023
The TikTok star Adonis Beck, also known as Pope the Barber, has reportedly died aged just 34. Beck had more than 110,000 followers on TikTok and was best known for his hair styling tips and skills hence the nickname 'Pope the Barber.' The hairstylist was also known for his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Lisa Brezinski, also known as @lkbphotography_ Brezinski confirmed Adonis's untimely passing on Saturday. In a heartfelt Instagram post she wrote: "My heart is shattered "You were my best friend, my true love, my partner and my other half. Truly my missing puzzle piece. Life made sense with you. You changed millions of peoples lives with your bright light and love. You were unlike anyone I’ve ever met. The most amazing human. I’ll forever cherish our time together. I miss you and I love you". The duo had more than 7 million followers on social media and were considered to be amongst the top LGBT+ influencers on TikTok. The last video Beck shared on TikTok was on April 12th.
No cause of death reported.
Dr. Nathaniel Horn, the husband of US Rep. Robin Kelly, has died at 68
August 18, 2023
Dr. Nathaniel Horn, the husband of U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, died Friday, according to a statement from the Illinois Democrat. Horn was 68. No cause of death was given. “My husband was a remarkable man. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and loved him,” Kelly said in a statement posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Whether he was ‘ Dad ,’ ‘Grandpa,’ or “Nate,’ his impact on all who knew him and loved him will never be forgotten." In addition to his widow, Horn is survived by two daughters, two stepchildren and two grandchildren, with another grandchild arriving soon.
No cause of death reported.
A state lawmaker “died suddenly”:
South Carolina state Sen. John Scott, longtime Democratic lawmaker, dies at 69
August 13, 2023
Columbia, S.C.— State Sen. John Scott, a longtime South Carolina lawmaker who served for more than three decades, died Sunday after a stint in the hospital, according to Democrats across the state. He was 69. Scott had been at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, since Friday, when he was hospitalized for an undisclosed medical issue, according to Senate officials. In a statement released by Senate President Thomas Alexander, Scott’s family said he “passed away peaceably while surrounded by family and close friends.”
No cause of death reported.
A high school athlete “died suddenly”:
‘A Christian who played football:’ Family, friends remember Dalton Gay
August 1, 2023
China Grove, NC — Dalton Gay, a rising senior at Carson High School, died on Saturday. He was 17. Family and friends remember a young man who was hard-nosed on the gridiron, dependable on the diamond, but even more steadfast in his faith. “As they said (Sunday), he was a football player that played baseball,” said Michelle Payne, Dalton’s mother. “I think that accurately describes him.” Friend Carson Furr added, “He was a football player that played baseball, but more than that, he was a Christian who played football.” According to his mother, faith meant everything to Dalton, who was a summer intern at Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis. The medical condition that claimed Dalton’s life remained a mystery as of Monday. His parents said they were waiting for the autopsy to confirm what caused his cardiac arrest.
A toddler “died suddenly”:
Medical examiner rules cause, manner of death ‘undetermined’ in death of toddler at daycare in Island Lake
August 14, 2023
The medical examiner has ruled the cause and manner of death as undetermined in the death of a toddler who was found lying unresponsive on a toy bin at a daycare center in Island Lake. The Island Lake Police Department was called around 8:46 a.m. on April 25 to Lots of Tots ChildCare, 202 West Burnett Road in Island Lake. Island Lake Police Chief Jennifer Paulus said at the time that officers received a 911 call for an unresponsive toddler inside the facility. Officers arrived to find a 23-month-old boy, who was an Island Lake resident, unresponsive and not breathing. A staff member was performing CPR on the child and officers took over lifesaving efforts, Paulus said. The Wauconda Fire Department arrived and rushed the child to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in McHenry. The toddler was later transferred to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. The boy was pronounced dead around 8:50 a.m. on April 29. An autopsy was later performed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The child was identified as Calum Wells Dudakiw-Warrick of Island Lake and the medical examiner said the child’s organs were donated to Gift of Hope. This past week, almost four months after the incident, the medical examiner’s office ruled Dudakiw-Warrick’s cause of death as undetermined. Paulus told Lake and McHenry County Scanner in April that the police department did not suspect the death to be a homicide but was awaiting the medical examiner’s investigation.
No cause of death reported.
Two teenagers “died suddenly”:
14-year-old from Encinitas dies while paddleboarding in Minnesota
August 15, 2023
The community of Encinitas is grieving the horrific loss of a 14-year-old star athlete, son, and all-around "kind-hearted teenager." 14-year-old Stanley Wilson was pronounced dead on August 9 at Star Lake in Minnesota after experiencing cardiac arrest and falling off his paddleboard while fishing. “He was paddle boarding at his favorite spot in the world when he suddenly collapsed into the water. We got to him after 3-4 minutes under the water and pulled him up to give him desperate CPR, but he did not look good," Eric Wilson, Stanley's father, shared in a Facebook post. Several first responding agencies in Minnesota, such as Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, and Breezy Lake police officers, responded to the scene alongside Crosslake Fire Department, according to the Crow Wing County Sheriff's office. “They tried so hard - and I'll love them forever - but with tears in their eyes, you could tell it was not going well," Eric Wilson continued. Stanley's father said he died right in his arms. Medical officials told Stanley's family that they found a hereditary, undiagnosed heart condition and he likely suffered a cardiac arrest-like event while on his paddle board.
‘She was like sunshine' | Katy ISD cheerleader dies days after suffering cardiac arrest at camp
August 12, 2023
Houston, Texas — Callie Marie Mitchell would have been a junior at Morton Ranch High School this year but in a heartbreaking turn of events, she recently died. Her parents are devastated by the loss but determined to tell her story. "She was like sunshine," Callie's mother, Michelle Donahue, said. She's also an assistant principal at Morton Ranch. "Always wanted to be a friend to anyone and everyone," Callie's father, Scott Donahue, said. She died doing what she loved. "She left for cheer camp on a Monday (July 24) and she was super excited," Michelle said. The 16-year-old was at a cheer camp at Texas A&M University when a coach called her parents to ask them a question about their daughter. "She said, 'Hey, does Callie have a problem waking up in the morning?' And I said, 'No never,'" Michelle said. Her parents jumped in the car and headed to College Station. Once they got there, they learned that the same coach that called them performed CPR on Callie. "If it wasn't for (Coach) Eberly, we would have never had the chance to say goodbye," Michelle said. Callie was airlifted from College Station to Texas Children's in Houston. She died on Aug. 1. "Probably what happened was a cardiac arrest that was caused by Long QT syndrome," Scott said. That's a genetic disorder that affects the electrical system that controls your heart. Michelle and Scott want other people to know about it. "For any other parents out there, you know they do physicals every year ... EKGs are not part of a physical ... get an EKG," Scott said. Callie's parents told KHOU 11 they're now doing genetic testing for Long QT on their other children as a precaution.
A doctor “died suddenly”:
Southern Arizona doctor dies while hiking in New Mexico with other physicians, authorities say
August 15, 2023
Taos, N.M. — A southern Arizona doctor has died after suffering an apparent heart attack in New Mexico while on a hike with other physicians. Taos County sheriff’s officials said 61-year-old Renhick Guyer of Marana, Arizona, died Sunday close to the summit of Wheeler Peak near Taos. They said Guyer was hiking the steep trail with his wife and a group of friends who are all medical doctors. Authorities said Guyer collapsed and fell off the trail and the other party members were unable to resuscitate him. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator will determine the cause of death.
A lawyer “died suddenly”:
Jason Cantrell died following heart attack, family says; services at Gallier Hall planned
August 15, 2023
Jason Cantrell, the husband of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, died following a heart attack, according to his father, who shared the cause of death publicly Tuesday as New Orleans officials made preparations for a public memorial next week at Gallier Hall. Former Orleans Parish Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell, who swore in his daughter-in-law as the city's first female mayor in 2018, relayed the circumstances of his son's death in a brief interview Tuesday. Cantrell's death was announced in a news release Monday by city spokesperson Gregory Joseph, stunning New Orleans' political and civic leaders and prompting an outpouring of condolences to the mayor and her daughter, RayAnn. A lawyer by trade, Jason Cantrell had dealt with health problems over the years, according to former colleagues. Derwyn Bunton, the former chief of the Orleans Parish Public Defender's Office, said that Cantrell, a former contract attorney for the office, took a health-related leave from work over a year ago. “We just didn't see him for a bit, and then he reemerged. He talked about how he was ready to get back to work in the courts," Bunton said on Monday, adding that Cantrell was a reliable colleague and hard-working lawyer.
No age reported.
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In 2021 Cantrell’s wife, Mayor [LaToya] Cantrell, mandated that all those eating in restaurants over the age of 5 must have at least one “vaccine,” increasing to two doses by February 2022. Given their high profile in the city it’s unlikely (but possible) that Jason Cantrell was unvaccinated:
https://fb.watch/ms3HYKRplu/?mibextid=qC1gEa
A soldier “died suddenly”:
US National Guard soldier dies and another is hospitalized at Mississippi’s Camp Shelby after reporting symptoms associated with heat-related injuries
August 15, 2023
One US National Guard soldier at Mississippi’s Camp Shelby died on Friday and another has since been sent to the hospital after both reported symptoms associated with heat injury amid sweltering regional temperatures, the military agency said. The deceased soldier experienced a medical emergency on Friday after completing a two-mile run as part of a fitness test, the Mississippi National Guard said in a statement. Though the official cause of death is still unavailable, a spokesperson told CNN that on-site medics “reported symptoms associated with heat-related injuries” for both the dead soldier and the one injured on Saturday. The soldier was immediately assessed by an on site medic and then transported to Forrest General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, spokesperson Deidre D. Smith said in a statement. The National Guard did not identify the soldier but said he was a member of the Illinois National Guard completing a training at Camp Shelby. The area around Camp Shelby was experiencing triple-digit temperatures on the days the soldiers’ symptoms were reported. The nearby southern Mississippi city of Hattiesburg reached record-setting temperatures of 104 and 105 degrees on Friday and Saturday, respectively. The heat index reached at least 110 degrees both afternoons.
No cause of death reported.
A firefighter “died suddenly”:
Highland fire chief dies suddenly Monday morning
August 15, 2023
Highland, IN — Firefighters and the Highland community are mourning the death of Fire Chief William "Bill" Timmer, who died unexpectedly at his home Monday morning, according to a statement from the Town of Highland. Timmer served as the department chief for 30 years. Timmer brought both "excellence and distinction" to Highland’s team of volunteer firefighters through his "dedication to training and safety" and desire to bring messages about fire safety to the community, the statement said.
No age or cause of death reported.
Two chefs “died suddenly”:
Italian chef dies at home in NY
August 19, 2023
From Cassina De' Pecchi, a small town on the outskirts of Milan, Riccardo Zebro conquered New York, becoming chef of one of the most famous Italian restaurants, the Sant Ambroeus restaurant in the West Village: a life of satisfaction, the American life of the 34-year-old, who is ended suddenly in recent days right in the Big Apple. The young Lombard chef was supposed to return to Italy in a few weeks for the holidays, and instead was found dead in his apartment in Queens. According to reports from the police, on the afternoon of August 14, a friend of Zebro, unable to contact him, asked the police to carry out a check, and once they arrived at Astoria's home, the agents found him dead in bed. No signs of violence or overdose were found on his body, but the causes of death are still to be ascertained. Born on January 5, 1989, Zebro had approached the world of catering at a very young age as an intern at the Sheraton Diana Majestic Hotel in Milan. After graduating from the Carlo Porta hotel institute in 2008, he continued to work at the Diana for another four years, arriving at the role of party manager in Paolo Croce's brigade. So the experience in Bermuda began, and in 2016 he moved to New York where he worked as chef at the San Carlo Osteria Piemonte restaurant, in the Soho district, before landing as executive chef at Sant Ambroeus in the West Village, where was currently working.
Burlington Restaurant Owner Ahmed Omar Dies Unexpectedly
August 16, 2023
Burlington, Vermont - Ahmed Omar, chef-owner of Kismayo Kitchen in Burlington, died on Sunday at his New North End home, according to his brother-in-law, Madey Shegow, who found him deceased in his bed early in the afternoon. Shegow said it appeared that Omar, who was 35, died in his sleep. Shegow said he went to Omar's house to check on him after the chef failed to show up at Kismayo on Sunday morning to prepare for a catering job for several hundred guests. Omar's wife, Anisa Mohamed, and the couple's two young daughters were out of the country in Africa, Shegow said. It was a shock to find his brother-in-law dead, Shegow said. Omar had been at the home of Shegow and his wife, Omar's sister, Asha Omar, until around 11 p.m. Saturday evening. "He was a healthy guy," Shegow said. "When I saw him still in bed, I lost my mind."
No cause of death reported.
The coroner has identified a 62-year-old man who died after he collapsed while water skiing
August 16, 2023
Lake County [IL] Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton identified the man as Michael Ruggles, 62, of Antioch. A preliminary investigation shows Ruggles was water skiing on Lake Marie for approximately 20 minutes. The operator of the boat that was pulling Ruggles saw him let go of the rope and become unresponsive in the water. An obituary for Ruggles said he “lived his life to the fullest” and “always at full throttle.” “Michael loved the outdoors, whether it was flying, waterskiing, snowmobiling, or being in the mountains or on the lake with his family. Michael was the proud owner of many businesses, enjoyed learning new skills, and believed, the bigger the challenge, the better,” his obituary said.
No cause of death reported.
Wayne Alan Breitbarth, 40
August 16, 2023
Wayne Alan Breitbarth, age 40 of Waseca [MN], passed away at his home on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Wayne worked for over seven years at Media Comm, and was most recently employed as a dispatcher in law enforcement. He made many lasting friends in the Waseca Sheriff’s Office, Waseca Police Department, as well as other police departments around southern Minnesota. He was a member of the Minnesota Police Dispatcher’s Association, and was recently the recipient of a professional service award for his exemplary service to the police department during several high-pressure, high stress moments in our community’s history.
No cause of death reported.
Someone on Twitter posted this obit with a note that Breitbarth was “vaccinated.”
https://twitter.com/FarmgirlRebel/status/1692249848982979025
Taylor Swift fan with cancer who was discharged just in time for show has died
August 16, 2023
Tampa, FL - Earlier this year, Tessa Wiseman was ecstatic for Taylor Swift to come to Tampa for her “Eras Tour.” So much so that Wiseman and her healthcare team at Moffitt Cancer Center made it their mission to get her well enough to attend the star’s April 15 concert. Wiseman, who grew up in Tampa, fell ill earlier this year. Ahead of Swift’s concert, Wiseman’s family told Nexstar’s WFLA that she was rushed to the hospital in early April after developing a life-threatening infection following chemotherapy treatment. Wiseman and her team of doctors never gave up, and she recovered from sepsis just in time to see Swift take the stage. However, her family said her battle with cancer was far from over. Wiseman was previously scheduled to undergo a liver transplant in February, but it was canceled mid-surgery after doctors with the Mayo Clinic discovered her cancer had progressed. At the time of the concert, Wiseman was receiving care at Moffitt Cancer Center to get healthy enough for the transplant. Sadly, Wiseman passed away on Sunday, just a few months after the Taylor Swift concert. She was 28.
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Father of Two Found Dead After Attending LIV Golf Tournament: Jarred Schultz Discovered in Wooded Area
August 15, 2023
A father of two from West Virginia was found dead two days after he went missing from the LIV Golf Tournament, according to the New York Post. Jarred David Schultz was reported missing by a friend who last saw him on Aug. 5 at the two-day event in White Sulphur Springs. His body was found later that afternoon in a wooded area off a highway close to multiple hotels, Lewisburg Police said in a social media post. "There is no foul play suspected in this incident at this time," Lewisburg Police Chief Chris Teubert said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Schultz's family and friends in this very difficult time." According to Golf Digest, he was last spotted at the Brier Patch Bar & Grill near a Super 8 in Lewisburg before he disappeared. Megan Copley shared more details about the disappearance via Facebook.
No age or cause of death reported.
Jason Stricker dies at age 47
August 14, 2023
Raymore, MO - Jason Stricker, vice president of sales and marketing for Shick Esteve North America, Kansas City, died suddenly Aug. 11 at the home in Raymore. He was 47. A second-generation Shick employee, Mr. Stricker held a series of sales positions during his 16 years at Shick. He was introduced to the baking industry by his father, David A. Stricker, a 17-year veteran at Shick Tube-Veyor. Jason Stricker spent many summers during his childhood in the Shick offices reorganizing production order boards and other tasks.
No cause of death reported.
Killed in a “vaxxident”:
1 dead, 2 injured After Car Flips Off I- 395 Ramp
August 17, 2023
Washington, DC - YouTube video of a car flipping off an on-ramp onto I-395; 1 killed, 2 injured.
No age reported.
Woman dies after infection by brain-eating amoeba from swimming in lake
August 1, 2023
Georgia - After a spate of drownings in lakes and ocean hotspots across the country and a flurry of beach closures because of bacterial overgrowth, the world was just reminded of another water-borne danger: brain-eating amoebas. A Georgia woman died from a Naegleria fowleri infection. Doctors say it's a rare infection that destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and usually death. This is the sixth case of the infection in Georgia since 1962. But there have been a handful of other similar cases reported in the United States so far this year, according to NBC News. Higher-temperature water brought about by climate change is thought to be enhancing the risk. Deaths from this infection have also been reported in Nevada and Florida this year.
Ryan Patrick McDaniels, 45
August 19, 2023
Utica, NY - Ryan Patrick McDaniels died at the age of 45. He was born in Utica on July 21, 1978 and died in Utica on August 13, 2023. Ryan was proud to be working at Utica Brewery and appreciated the camaraderie of his coworkers; he looked forward to producing quality beverages and felt like Norm from the sitcom Cheers. Above all else he was a drummer. His passion for music was extraordinary.
No cause of death reported.
Baby Leevi Gaut
August 19, 2023
Leevi Gaut, son of Codi and Kayla Gaut of Richland, NY; passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Leevi was already so loved by his whole family.
No age or cause of death reported.
Ryan Joseph Keller, 45
August 18, 2023
Gonzales, La.—Ryan Joseph Keller died at home unexpectedly on August 8, 2023. Ryan was born on January 16, 1978. Ryan graduated from Christian Life High School in 1996 and at‐tended Southeastern University for a year, before enlisting in the United States Army. He achieved the rank of Staff Sargent and earned an associate's degree while in the Army, where he specialized in bio medical instrument services. He served two tours in Iraq, and received The Army Commendation Medal for Exceptional Service while serving there in the First Cavalry Division. Ryan worked at various hospitals in Texas in medical equipment services, then moved back to Louisiana. He worked in the marine coating industry for several years before returning to medical equipment services at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, and lastly at St Elizabeth's Hospital in Gonzales. Ryan loved golf and working out. And despite a brain injury three years ago, he was resuming both of those activities. Getting back on snow skis was to be next. Ryan was active in Wounded Warriors Project events.
No cause of death reported.
Heath Harry Rawls, 47
August 18, 2023
Prairieville, LA - With the heaviest of hearts, our family has suffered yet another unimaginable loss with the unexpected passing of our beloved son, Heath Harry Rawls, who departed this life on August 1, 2023, due to a heart condition. Heath was forty-seven. Heath lived life to the fullest and touched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. He is beloved by his nieces and nephews, whose affection grew out of an understanding of the greatness of their uncle's love, compassion, and gentleness of his kindly disposition. More than anything, Heath's life is truly defined by his relationship with family and friends. He loved nature and the outdoors; he was an avid catch-and-release fisherman and listened to all genres of music.
No cause of death reported.
Kerry 'Mark' Varisco, 72
August 18, 2023
A devoted husband, father, Papa, friend, and man of God, Kerry 'Mark' Varisco passed suddenly on August 9th, 2023 in his hometown of Baton Rouge, LA. As the oldest of four children in a large Italian family, he grew into a gentle and optimistic man who loved family to the fullest extent possible. He always had a smile on his face, and loved playing games of any kind. He was quick to break out horseshoes, darts, or cornhole games at family gatherings – though he was occasionally known to bend the rules in his favor. He was an avid golfer, even turning a backyard hill into a chipping green (flag and all).
No cause of death reported.
Judith A. “Judy” (Nicknish) Pezdek, 73
August 16, 2023
New York Mills, NY - A retired nurse and longtime senior clerk at the Oneida County Sherrif's Department, Judith A. “Judy” (Nicknish) Pezdek, 73, passed away unexpectedly, August 14, 2023, at MVHS, St. Elizabeth Campus. (Mohawk Valley Health System). Judy loved all animals, especially her dogs. She was an animal advocate and passionately supported the animal rescue community. She also enjoyed gardening, and walking the dogs. Her favorite times were spent with her family, especially her grandchildren
No cause of death reported.
Steven "Steve" A. Connell, 62
August 16, 2023
Utica, NY – Steven "Steve" A. Connell, age 62, of Coventry Ave., Utica, passed away unexpectedly, on Sat., Aug. 12, 2023, with his wife Heather, by his side.
No cause of death reported.
Lawrence Thomas "Tom" Rose, 57
August 14, 2023
Lawrence Thomas "Tom" Rose, 57, of Liverpool, NY, passed away unexpectedly on July 30th, 2023. Tom enjoyed a prosperous career with General Electric and Lockheed Martin for 33 years before his retirement.
No cause of death reported.
This is nothing compared to our local paper in Milwaukee Wi they are dropping like flies and young!! So sad 😢 Pray for these souls 🙏❤️
The pile of bodies grows higher with each passing minute… while the murderers who killed them walk free and enjoy their lives. How high does the bodies have to get before we see the criminals who did this hanging from trees?