In memory of those who "died suddenly" in the United States, April 5-11 (PART 2)
A chief justice, an NFL Hall-of-Famer, three runners, five killed in mysterious accidents, and all too many more
Beloved Sparta High School Grad, Johns Hopkins Research Technologist Dies Suddenly, 26
April 11, 2022
Baltimore, MD - "It is with deep sadness to tell you our Beautiful Erin passed away peacefully in her sleep," her mother, Charlene Beebe, said in a Facebook post.
Erin attended Reverend George A. Brown Memorial School and Pope John XXIII High School before graduating from Sparta High School in 2014, her obituary says.
She had recently been accepted into a PhD program with the University of Wisconsin and was scheduled to start her classes in the Fall.
A chief justice:
Todd Thornhill, chief justice of the Springfield Municipal Court, dies at 61
April 11, 2022
Springfield Municipal Court Judge Todd Thornhill died at his home Friday at the age of 61, according to a city spokesperson.
Thornhill had served the city of Springfield as the chief justice for the Springfield Municipal Division for nearly 30 years, beginning in 1994.
No cause of death reported in any of the articles about his passing.
Although his “vaccination” status is unknown to the public, Judge Thornhill signed this stringent COVID-19 order on February 1, 2021:
https://www.springfieldmo.gov/312/Municipal-Court
A lawyer:
Prominent Attorney From Briarcliff Manor Dies Suddenly At Age 51
April 6, 2022
A prominent attorney from Northern Westchester County died unexpectedly at the age of 51.
Michael Madden Jr., of Briarcliff Manor, died on Saturday, April 2, from a heart attack while gardening with his dog, according to his obituary.
Four mysterious accidents kill five:
‘A sudden loss’: Daughter says woman killed in tour boat incident had years of experience; the U.S. Coast Guard and Hawaii County police are investigating after a tour boat crew member died in a boating incident on Monday
April 5, 2022
Honolulu - The U.S. Coast Guard and Hawaii County police are investigating after a tour boat crew member died in a boating incident on Monday.
Family members identified the woman as 54-year-old Theresa Butts of Kailua-Kona. She was a mother of two daughters.
The Coast Guard said Butts was a crew member aboard a boat named the the Uhane Nui O Naia when the incident happened just after 6 p.m. near the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor.
Jeanette Butts said her mother had years of experience on boat tours before she lost her life.
“It’s a sudden loss that should have been avoided,” Butts said. “I just feel it so deeply because the ocean is missing a very passionate advocate. She loved every animal in the ocean — even the jellyfish.”
Authorities have not revealed what happened, but Butts said reports that her mother fell off the boat are not true.
“This was not negligence on her part or her deck hands. This comes down to negligence of ownership and the captain. This should not have happened,” she said.
2 Friends Missing Since Sunday Found Dead In Vehicle Submerged In Stanislaus River Near Ripon
April 6, 2022
Ripon, CA – Two Stockton women were found dead in a car that went into the Stanislaus River near the Spring Creek Country Club, authorities say.
Ripon police say, on Tuesday, an employee of the country club noticed a vehicle in the river near the southeastern part of the golf course.
Alyssa Ros, 23, and Xylona Gama, 22, were at the country club for a wedding on Sunday, but how they ended up in the river is still a mystery. The women were longtime friends from Stockton and had planned to drive back to Modesto where Ros’ father lives after the wedding.
But when they never showed, and their phones went straight to voicemail, Danny Ros says he knew something was wrong.
Both women were reported missing, and on Tuesday, Ros says a disturbing tweet surfaced from a country club employee about the bodies being found.
Exactly how the vehicle ended up in the water is unclear. An investigation is still underway, but Ripon police say there are no suspicious or criminal circumstances.
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2022/04/06/stockton-friends-found-dead-in-vehicle-stanislaus-river/
Deadly Army helicopter crash at Georgia's Fort Stewart not an accident: report
April 5, 2022
A crash involving two Army helicopters that killed a soldier at Georgia's Fort Stewart last month was not an accident and is under criminal investigation, according to a media report.
The Army Times reported a source with knowledge of the investigation into the March 30 crash that killed Capt. James Bellew said the incident "not an accident."
Bellew died during an incident involving two HH60 Black Hawk helicopters at Wright Army Airfield, which is used by the Army and the city of Hinesville, Georgia.
A spokesperson for the Army's 3rd Infantry Division told the Times the service’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the crash.
Bellew, 26, was on MedEvac duty on the night of the incident, Lt. Col. Lindsey Elder told the news outlet.
"Capt. Bellew was the only crewmember involved in the incident and he was the only one injured or killed in the incident," he said. "The initial indication is that all other crewmembers were asleep at the time of the incident."
"At this point, we cannot address the manner of the damage to the two aircraft, timeline of events, or the response from the tower and emergency services, as those details are still considered part of the active investigation," Elder added. "No further information will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation."
Elder said he couldn't address the damage to the two aircraft or the timeline of events surrounding the crash, citing an ongoing investigation.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/deadly-army-helicopter-crash-georgia-fort-stewart
Liberal media critic Eric Boehlert dies in bicycle accident
April 7, 2022
A liberal media critic who founded Salon magazine was fatally struck by a NJ Transit train while riding a bicycle, his family said Wednesday.
Eric Boehlert, 57, was riding a bicycle near the Watchung Avenue station in Montclair, NJ, at around 9:50 p.m. when he was struck and killed by a Hoboken-bound NJ Transit train, according to NorthJersey.com.
The seven customers and crew members on board the train were not injured. The NJ Transit Police were conducting an investigation into the crash.
https://nypost.com/2022/04/07/eric-boehlert-journalist-dead-after-nj-transit-train-strikes-him-while-riding-bike/
From the Washington Post, establishing that Boehlert was an experienced and cautious cyclist, and knew the area well:
While N.J. Transit would not confirm that Boehlert was the victim, the agency reported a passenger train struck and killed a cyclist at about 9:40 p.m. on Monday near Watchung Avenue station in Montclair. No other injuries were reported.
Breslin told the Record on Wednesday that she didn’t know specifics about her husband’s accident but said Boehlert often biked at night around Montclair, with lights and protective clothing.
She added that Boehlert was active in community organizations and “loved living in Montclair,” a town about 20 miles outside of New York City. “This was his spot,” she said.
The N.J. Transit Police Department is leading the investigation, which is ongoing.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/04/06/eric-boehlert/
Dallas Cowboys Star and NFL Hall of Famer Has Died at the Age of 76
April 8, 2022
According to an NFL Hall of Fame statement, Rayfield Wright, a long-time member of the Dallas Cowboys, died today after suffering a severe seizure a few days ago. He was 76 years old at the time.
“Over the past few weeks, the affection that so many Hall of Famers and people around the NFL felt for Rayfield, his wife, Di, and the entire Wright family has been painfully evident,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said.
Beloved NJ 6-Year-Old Dies Suddenly In Sleep
April 8, 2022
Beloved Morris County six-year-old Daniella Obiageli Tetteh died suddenly in her sleep and was pronounced dead at St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, NJ on Sunday, April 3.
Lovingly called “Princess Ella,” Daniella was born in Paterson before moving to Rockaway with her family, where she lived at the time of her death, her obituary says.
https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/hackensack/obituaries/beloved-nj-6-year-old-dies-suddenly-in-sleep/829712/
Donald Baechler, Maker of Pared-Down Paintings That Brought Him Fame in ’80s New York, Dies at 65
April 5, 2022
Donald Baechler, a New York artist whose painted collages received significant attention starting in the 1980s, has died at 65. A representative for his longtime New York gallery, Cheim & Read, said that Baechler died of a heart attack on Monday in Manhattan.
A representative for the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture said that Baechler had attended a benefit dinner for the school last night.
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/donald-baechler-dead-1234624176/
Former Michigan economic development leader Michael Finney, 65, dies in Florida
April 5, 2022
Miami – Friends and associates of former Michigan resident Michael A. Finney were stunned by his sudden death over the weekend in Florida.
Mr. Finney, who was president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, a nonprofit public-private economic development organization in Florida, died after suffering a heart attack Sunday, according to friend and business associate Eric Knowles, CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce.
Three runners:
Middle Half Co-Founder Miles Tate Dead At Age 62
April 5, 2022
Heart of Tennessee residents and the area's running community are shocked and saddened with the passing of Miles Tate on Monday (4/4/2022).
The 62-year old community leader constantly encouraged those with whom he came in contact, and he set a positive example for others.
Miles was well into training for the marathon, and according to a post a few days ago on FaceBook he noted, "A 19-miler's in the books, 10 weeks down and 8 weeks to go. Gotta run, gotta train."
https://www.wgnsradio.com/index.php/article/74184/middle-half-co-founder-miles-tate-dead-at-age-62
Colleagues honor memories of 6 River Systems’ Dan Winkler, 46
April 7, 2022
Winkler was a veteran of the Waltham, Massachusetts-based warehouse robotics vendor 6 River Systems, and died unexpectedly on Sunday while competing in an Ironman triathlon race in Galveston, Texas. According to published reports, Winkler, 46, was found unconscious on the racecourse, but ambulance and hospital staff were not able to revive him. The Arlington, Massachusetts, resident leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.
https://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/54341-logistics-community-loses-two-technology-leaders
Arlington man dies during Ironman triathlon in Texas
April 6, 2022
An Arlington man who was competing in an Ironman triathlon in Texas died Sunday during the race, the Galveston County Daily News reports.
Daniel Winkler passed away after being found unconscious and not breathing during the swim portion of the annual Memorial Hermann IRONMAN 70.3 in Galveston, Texas, according to the newspaper. He was 46.
Arkansas town mourns beloved school employee
April 6, 2022
LEPANTO, Ark.– The community of Lepanto, Arkansas is mourning the loss of a woman who touched the lives of almost everyone in the small Poinsett County town.
Kissy Turner is mourning the death of her big sister Tammy Turner, a woman deeply loved by her family and it seems the entire town of Lepanto.
Turner, who was just 44 years old, died unexpectedly overnight Saturday just days after planning a family reunion and trip to Florida.
https://wreg.com/news/local/she-was-their-biggest-advocate-lepanto-community-mourns-beloved-school-employee/
Long-Time DCYF Staffer Kim J. Sande of Cumberland Dies at 52
April 7, 2022
Kim J. Sande, 52, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at home.
Born in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of James DeWire and Lucille (Tessier) DeWire of Cumberland
She was employed as a Federal Grants Manager, by the State of Rhode Island, Department of Children, Youth and Families for the past 28 years.
https://www.golocalprov.com/obituaries/long-time-dcyf-staffer-kim-j.-sande-of-cumberland-dies-at-52
DCYF “vaccination” requirements:
Fully vaccinated employees who voluntarily show their vaccination card at their offices will receive a sticker for their badge and will no longer be required to complete a daily health screening.
Employees (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) who do not wish to voluntarily disclose their vaccination status must continue to complete a daily health screening using the State’s Self-Screening Portal or complete a verbal screening from a screening captain.
https://dcyf.ri.gov/covid-19-updates
Lower Mills neighbors mourn civic leader, activist Terry Dolan
April 6, 2022
A funeral Mass will be said at St. Gregory Church next Tuesday for Theresa “Terry” Dolan, 73, a longtime Dorchester civic leader and environmental activist, who died suddenly April 4 at her home in Lower Mills.
https://www.dotnews.com/2022/lower-mills-neighbors-mourn-civic-leader-activist-terry-dolan
Chief Michael Steven Riley Brelsford, 60
April 7, 2022
Athens, OH - Chief Michael Steven Riley Brelsford, 60, unexpectedly died of a heart attack on Thursday, February 10, 2022. He lived in Athens, Ohio.
He joined the US Army in 1979, then switched military branches, to the US Navy in 1981. He served 2 tours in Afghanistan before retiring as a Chief from the US Navy in 2011. After retirement, he returned to work, traveling the globe as an Industrial Electrician.
Adam John Ocker, 35
April 5, 2002
Lititz, PA - Adam John Ocker, 35, died unexpectedly at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy, PA on April 2, 2022. Adam died in his mother's arms, with his father by his side, after a valiant 2-week battle following a sudden cardiac event.
Adam had a great wit and sense of humor, and a smile that could light up any room he was in. Despite being restricted in many ways by a body that was afflicted with cerebral palsy, he was a happy, fun loving joyous young man. It is not possible to express how much his beautiful smile and spirit will be missed by all who loved him, particularly his adoring parents.
“Died unexpectedly of natural causes,” at 71:
James Hiram Plummer
April 6, 2022
James Hiram Plummer, 71, died unexpectedly of natural causes on March 23, 2022, at his home in Dallas, Oregon.
https://www.polkio.com/obituaries/james-hiram-plummer/article_0ecdd864-b5c5-11ec-bf34-9b42e26496e4.html
“Died unexpectedly of natural causes,” in her late fifties:
Julie Hostak
April 11, 2022
Julie Hostak of St. Paul, died unexpectedly, on March 30, of natural causes. Born in Michigan she moved to Rochester at age 2. She graduated from Mayo High School in 1979, from University of North Dakota in 1985 and earned a master’s from U. of Texas in 1997. She is survived by Jack and Gloria and brothers Chris, Matthew, John M.[Diane] and nephew John C. Private burial in Wisconsin.
https://www.postbulletin.com/obituaries/obits/julie-hostak-5ecfe7691e6ee72e56b8942b-624c4aeca4bdc775bce94dfe
Matthew A. "Matt" Miller, 31, RIP
April 9, 2022
Matthew "Matt" A. Miller, 31, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2022.
He graduated from Dixon High School in 2009. Matt then went on to graduate from the University of Illinois in 2013, and then received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in December of 2017, from St. Ambrose University.
Matt loved to be on the golf course. He also loved to tell of his expeditions hiking and camping at the National Parks with his best buddies. Trips to the Boundary waters and Quetico Park with his Uncle John and friends were the most relaxing and comforting times.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/saukvalley/name/matthew-miller-obituary?id=34135763
Jody R. Meader, 46
April 9, 2022
TEMPLE — Jody R. Meader, 46, died unexpectedly at his home in Temple and was found by his significant other, Carrie Hatch, with whom he lived, upon her return home from work on Monday afternoon, April 4, 2022..
Jody was committed to physical fitness and wellness and could often be found in his free time working out at the UMF Fitness Center. He was a faithful member of Red Sox Nation and had a passion for collecting, trading and selling antique sports cards.
He was a true outdoorsman, preferring to be hiking, kayaking, camping, hunting, fishing, snowshoeing and spending time exploring with his family and friends.
https://dailybulldog.com/obituaries/jody-r-meader-46/
James J. Harris, 68
James J. “Jim” Harris died suddenly of a heart attack on February 24, 2022 at the age of 68.
Jim studied to become an EMT and later a paramedic and worked at Fallon Ambulance for over two decades. He spent many years developing and running Fallon’s IT department and became its vice president of communications and technology.
Frances Joie Henry, 45
April 6, 2022
Frances Joie Henry, age 45, of Russell, Kansas, died unexpectedly on March 29, 2022, at the Russell Regional Hospital, Russell, Kansas. Her loss was completely unexpected and the family is shocked and deeply saddened.
https://hayspost.com/posts/b5f587c1-a607-46c0-bcac-a9c1a30d5d74
Kenneth W. Pierce, 71
April 3, 2022
White River Jct., VT — This past Thursday, March 31, 2022, Kenneth W. Pierce, 71, unexpectedly passed away at a job site where he was working as a carpenter. He was rushed to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center where his death was pronounced.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/vnews/name/kenneth-pierce-obituary?id=34018978
Emily Throckmorton, 44
April 6, 2022
Santa Barbara, CA - Emily Louise Throckmorton, an artist, fashion designer and entrepreneur who defined herself as “Mommy to the best human being I’ve ever met,” died unexpectedly of heart failure on March 31, 2022. She was 44.
She ran marathons, composed piano ditties and created works of art on the canvas, in the garden and in the kitchen.
https://www.independent.com/obits/2022/04/06/emily-throckmorton/
May God grant their souls eternal rest.
What on earth are "natural causes" the story writers imply caused these sudden, unexpected deaths? Completely contradictory meanings. The subversion of the language continues.
I am not sure how much longer I can read these. So disheartening.
From my perspective, the one area that is under reported is the sudden rise in cancers. My father in law was in remission for years and is now battling 4 cancers: skin, bone, lymph and stomach. But he keeps getting every jab he can as soon as they are authorized. If he had any toll like receptors slowing his cancer down, he doesn’t now.
I not sure these will ever get connected in the public’s mind.