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" …
Final Words Of Former Rutgers Star Shared By Twin Brother Final Words Of Former Rutgers Star Shared By Twin Brother
Final Words Of Former Rutgers Star Shared By Twin Brother Former Rutgers defensive lineman Jamil Merrell has died, his twin brother announced in an emotional social media post Tuesday, July 7. He was 36 years old. "As I write this, I'm sitting beside my twin brother, surrounded by our family, knowing that we're witnessing one of the hardest moments we'll ever have to face," Jamal Merrell wrote. "With tears in our eyes and love in our hearts, I want everyone to know that my twin brother, Jamil, is peacefully transitioning to be with God." Before his death, Jamil shared one final message with his family, according to his brother. "It's time fo…
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 Hudson Valley Dies At 76 Man Who Owned Iconic Saloon For Decades In Hudson Valley Dies At 76
Man Who Owned Iconic Saloon For Decades In Hudson Valley 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…
'Harry Potter,' 'Indiana Jones' Actor Michael Byrne Dies At 82 'Harry Potter,' 'Indiana Jones' Actor Michael Byrne Dies At 82
'Harry Potter,' 'Indiana Jones' Actor Michael Byrne Dies At 82 A British actor known in the US for his roles in the "Harry Potter" and "Indiana Jones" film franchises has died. Michael Byrne died at 82 years old on Saturday, June 20. The Guardian first reported Byrne's death on Wednesday, July 1. Byrne's cause of death wasn't immediately released. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Byrne," a representative for Byrne said in a statement to NBC News. "Michael will be remembered as an extraordinary actor whose talent, warmth, and sense of humour touched so many." "Harry Potter" fans knew Byrne as the older Gellert Gri…
Former Westchester Football Star, College Coach Lou DiRienzo Jr. Dies Suddenly Former Westchester Football Star, College Coach Lou DiRienzo Jr. Dies Suddenly
Former Westchester Football Star, College Coach Lou DiRienzo Jr. Dies Suddenly Louis DiRienzo, the defensive coordinator at Monmouth University, died at the age of 34, the university announced Wednesday, July 1. DiRienzo joined Monmouth as a linebackers coach in February 2025 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in January. A native of Yonkers, DiRienzo grew up in New Rochelle, attending New Rochelle High School, where his father, Lou DiRienzo, Sr. served as head coach. While playing for the Huguenots, he earned All-State, All-County, All-Section and All-League honors. He played college football at Southern Connecticut State University, getting a degree in…
NY Organ Transplant Recipient Who Spent Life Advocating To Help Others Dies At 26 NY Organ Transplant Recipient Who Spent Life Advocating To Help Others Dies At 26
NY 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…
Ann Blyth Dies: Hollywood Star From Mount Kisco Earned Oscar Nomination As Teen Ann Blyth Dies: Hollywood Star From Mount Kisco Earned Oscar Nomination As Teen
Ann Blyth Dies: Hollywood Star From Mount Kisco Earned Oscar Nomination As Teen One of Hollywood’s last links to the studio era has died. Ann Blyth, the actress and singer best known for her Oscar-nominated turn in "Mildred Pierce," died Wednesday, June 24, according to Entertainment Weekly and People. She was 98. Blyth died of natural causes at her home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, according to her obituary. Her career spanned radio and Broadway, film musicals, noir, television, and concert stages, making her one of the more versatile performers of her generation. Blyth became a star in the 1940s and remained one of the last surviving performers tied to Hollywood…
Girl From 'The Ring,' Star Of 'Lilo & Stitch' Dies At 35: Reports Girl From 'The Ring,' Star Of 'Lilo & Stitch' Dies At 35: Reports
Girl From 'The Ring,' Star Of 'Lilo & Stitch' Dies At 35: Reports The former child actor widely known as the psychic girl in "The Ring" and the voice of Lilo in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" has died, according to reports. Daveigh Chase, 35, died from complications of meningitis on Tuesday, June 16. Roy Hernandez, Chase's boyfriend, announced her death to TMZ on Wednesday, June 17. Hernandez reportedly created a GoFundMe page for Chase as her health worsened. "Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left," he wrote. "All she ever wanted was a place where we could live togethe…
Man, 28, Killed In Skid Steer Incident In Hudson Valley Remembered Man, 28, Killed In Skid Steer Incident In Hudson Valley Remembered
Man, 28, Killed In Skid Steer Incident In Hudson Valley Remembered A 28-year-old father known for his immense work ethic and love for music is being remembered after his death in a farm machinery accident in Putnam County.  Patterson resident Tyler Robert Pfister died on Sunday, June 14, after suffering severe injuries in an accident involving farm machinery, as previously reported by Daily Voice.  Emergency responders were called to Tri State Hay on Cornwall Hill Road in Patterson at around 6:20 p.m. after a skid steer fell on top of Pfister. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Authorities later said the incident appears to have bee…
Founding Member Of Iconic Rock Band Chicago Dies Founding Member Of Iconic Rock Band Chicago Dies
Founding Member Of Iconic Rock Band Chicago Dies A key architect of one of rock’s most unmistakable sounds has died. Walter Parazaider, a founding member of Chicago and the saxophonist, flutist, and woodwind player whose vision helped define the band’s horn-driven style, died Wednesday, June 17, at age 81, according to multiple reports. Chicago announced his death in a statement posted to Facebook on Wednesday: "Chicago is heartbroken to share the sad news of Walter Parazaider's passing this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and countless Chicago fans who are all grieving his loss today. "A Rock & Ro…
NY Native Gene Shalit Dies: Colorful 'Today' Show Personality NY Native Gene Shalit Dies: Colorful 'Today' Show Personality
NY Native Gene Shalit Dies: Colorful 'Today' Show Personality A familiar face from morning television, movie reviews, and decades of pop culture has died. Gene Shalit, the longtime NBC "Today" show film and book critic known for his bushy mustache, bright bow ties, wild hair, and pun-filled reviews, died Friday, June 12, NBC News reported. He was 100. His family told NBC News that Shalit died peacefully after what they described as an amazing life. Shalit joined "Today" as a book reviewer in 1970 and became the program’s full-time film and book critic in 1973. He remained on the morning show until retiring in November 2010. For generations of v…
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…
Jim Wooten Dies: ABC News Remembers Senior Correspondent Jim Wooten Dies: ABC News Remembers Senior Correspondent
Jim Wooten Dies: ABC News Remembers Senior Correspondent A veteran voice in American journalism is being remembered for a career that stretched across continents, wars, politics, and human stories. Jim Wooten, a former ABC News senior correspondent, died on Thursday, June 4. He was 88. ABC News honored Wooten in a video tribute available here, noting that he joined the network in 1979 and spent decades reporting around the world. Show co-host Martha Raddatz remembered Wooten on ABC’s "This Week" on Sunday, June 7, saying he had long been a key part of the broadcast and had a distinctive command of language. Wooten reported from more than 40 cou…
Parents Share Heartbreak After Missing 20-Year-Old Found Dead During Family Vacation In Japan Parents Share Heartbreak After Missing 20-Year-Old Found Dead During Family Vacation In Japan
Parents Share Heartbreak After Missing 20-Year-Old Found Dead During Family Vacation In Japan A search that stretched across continents is now giving way to grief. The family of James "Weston" Higginbotham, the 20-year-old US college student found dead in Japan, shared its heartbreak in a Facebook post on Saturday, June 6. "Our family is heartbroken to share that Weston was found deceased by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto," parents Nancy and Keith Higginbotham wrote. "The grief we feel is impossible to put into words. "We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what lif…
Cause Of Death Released For Jamie Lee Curtis' Sister, Actress Kelly Curtis, 69 Cause Of Death Released For Jamie Lee Curtis' Sister, Actress Kelly Curtis, 69
Cause Of Death Released For Jamie Lee Curtis' Sister, Actress Kelly Curtis, 69 A Hollywood family loss now has new details. Kelly Lee Curtis, the older sister of Jamie Lee Curtis, died of natural causes after spending the week before her death in hospice care, according to multiple reports citing the Blaine County coroner’s office in Idaho. Us Weekly reported Monday, June 1, that the coroner’s office said Curtis died at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30. E! News also reported the cause of death and hospice details. Curtis was 69. Jamie Lee Curtis, 67, announced her older sister’s death in an Instagram post Saturday, saying Kelly died at home. Earlier report: Jam…
McDaniel’s Winningest Coach Kevin Curley Dies At 54 After Cancer Battle That United Community McDaniel’s Winningest Coach Kevin Curley Dies At 54 After Cancer Battle That United Community
McDaniel’s Winningest Coach Kevin Curley Dies At 54 After Cancer Battle That United Community For months, Coach Kevin Curley’s community followed every update. The Johns Hopkins stays. The feeding tube. The chemotherapy. The hopeful return home. The prayers, donations, letters, and messages from the people he spent more than 30 years coaching, mentoring, and shaping. On Wednesday, May 27, that fight came to an end. Curley, the winningest men’s basketball coach in McDaniel College history, died at 54 after a battle with metastatic esophageal cancer, according to his obituary and a GoFundMe campaign created for his family. He was surrounded in his final hours by his wife, Alliso…
Jamie Lee Curtis Mourns Death Of Older Sister, Actress Kelly Curtis, 69 Jamie Lee Curtis Mourns Death Of Older Sister, Actress Kelly Curtis, 69
Jamie Lee Curtis Mourns Death Of Older Sister, Actress Kelly Curtis, 69 A Hollywood family with deep roots on screen is mourning one of its own. Kelly Curtis, an actress and the eldest child of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, died Saturday, May 30, at her home, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Click here for a new, updated story: Cause Of Death Released For Jamie Lee Curtis' Sister, Actress Kelly Curtis, 69 She was 69. A cause of death was not immediately released. Her younger sister, Jamie Lee Curtis, announced the death in an Instagram post on Saturday morning. "A warm aloha to my older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis. She passed away this morning. I…
'Extraordinary' Pastor, Former Westchester Correction Officer Dies At 61 'Extraordinary' Pastor, Former Westchester Correction Officer Dies At 61
'Extraordinary' Pastor, Former Westchester Correction Officer Dies At 61 The Dutchess County community is mourning the loss of a longtime pastor and former correction officer who was known for his comforting presence and wisdom.  Michael Hargraves, of Poughkeepsie, died on Thursday, May 21, just days after his 61st birthday, according to his obituary.  Born in Yonkers on May 18, 1965, Hargraves devoted much of his life to public service and ministry. According to his obituary, he spent many years working as a correction officer in Westchester County before retiring and continuing his work as a pastor.  He was known as a comforting and familiar pr…
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…
Sonny Rollins Dies In Hudson Valley: Groundbreaking Jazz Icon For Over Half A Century Sonny Rollins Dies In Hudson Valley: Groundbreaking Jazz Icon For Over Half A Century
Sonny Rollins Dies In Hudson Valley: Groundbreaking Jazz Icon For Over Half A Century One of jazz’s most towering voices has gone silent. Sonny Rollins, the tenor saxophonist known as the "Saxophone Colossus," died Monday, May 25, at his home in Woodstock, New York, in Ulster County in the Hudson Valley, his family announced on social media. He was 95. It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Sonny Rollins. The Saxophone Colossus died this afternoon at his home in Woodstock, NY at the age of 95. 1/2 https://t.co/6AGmFrB7x4 pic.twitter.com/OA0PzpPfGR — Sonny Rollins (@sonnyrollins) May 26, 2026 Rollins had stopped performing more than a de…
Actor Grizz Chapman Dies At 52: Fan Favorite Best Known For Role On '30 Rock' Actor Grizz Chapman Dies At 52: Fan Favorite Best Known For Role On '30 Rock'
Actor Grizz Chapman Dies At 52: Fan Favorite Best Known For Role On '30 Rock' A familiar face from one of TV’s sharpest comedies is being remembered for more than the laughs. Grizz Chapman, the actor best known for playing Grizz on NBC’s "30 Rock," died Friday, May 22, at age 52. TMZ first reported Chapman’s death, citing his longtime representative, Saideh A. Brown. A cause of death was not disclosed by his representative. Chapman’s cousin, Harlem Globetrotter Donte "Hammer" Harrison, wrote on Instagram that Chapman died in his sleep after years of illness and dialysis. View this post on Instagram Chapman, born Grizz…
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…
Former Congressman Barney Frank Dead At 86: Liberal Icon, Gay Pioneer Led Wall Street Reform Former Congressman Barney Frank Dead At 86: Liberal Icon, Gay Pioneer Led Wall Street Reform
Former Congressman Barney Frank Dead At 86: Liberal Icon, Gay Pioneer Led Wall Street Reform Former US Rep. Barney Frank, one of the most influential Democrats of his generation and a key architect of Wall Street reform after the 2008 financial crisis, has died at 86. Frank died Tuesday night, May 19, after spending recent months in hospice care at his home in Ogunquit, Maine, where he was being treated for congestive heart failure, according to The New York Times. The Massachusetts Democrat served in the House of Representatives from 1981 to 2013. He chaired the House Financial Services Committee from 2007 to 2011 during the nation’s financial crisis. Frank became nationally know…
Woman Killed By Passing Car After Westchester Crash Was Loving Mother To 2: Help Now Pouring In Woman Killed By Passing Car After Westchester Crash Was Loving Mother To 2: Help Now Pouring In
Woman Killed By Passing Car After Westchester Crash Was Loving Mother To 2: Help Now Pouring In Friends and loved ones are mourning the loss of a 28-year-old mother killed by a passing car following a crash on the Bear Mountain Parkway in Westchester County over the weekend — and raising funds for her children as they face an unexpected future.  Yorktown Heights resident Darly G. Bravo Coello, 28, was killed following a crash on Saturday, May 16, on the Bear Mountain Parkway in Cortlandt, as previously reported by Daily Voice.  Bravo Coello had been driving west in her Subaru on the parkway between Locust Avenue and Arlo Lane at around 5 a.m. when the vehicle crossed ov…
Longtime Westchester Village Employee Dies At 58 After Illness: Flags To Fly At Half-Staff Longtime Westchester Village Employee Dies At 58 After Illness: Flags To Fly At Half-Staff
Longtime Westchester Village Employee Dies At 58 After Illness: Flags To Fly At Half-Staff Flags across a Westchester County village will be lowered to half-staff later this week in honor of a longtime village employee and beloved lifelong resident remembered as an "all-around great guy."  Port Chester Mayor Luis A. Marino announced Monday, May 18, that all flags within the village will fly at half-staff from dawn on Thursday, May 21, through Sunday, May 24, following the death of Frank “Channy” Ciancuillo III. Ciancuillo died at the age of 58 on Monday, May 11, after what village officials described as a “prolonged, yet courageous battle with a long-term illness.” …
Westchester Firefighter Dies From 9/11-Related Illness After 45 Years Of Service Westchester Firefighter Dies From 9/11-Related Illness After 45 Years Of Service
Westchester Firefighter Dies From 9/11-Related Illness After 45 Years Of Service A Westchester County fire department is mourning the loss of a longtime firefighter who died following a battle with illnesses linked to his service at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.  Harrison Firefighter Kenneth J. Fusco died on Monday, May 18, after suffering from what the department described as “9/11 related illnesses” connected to his work at the World Trade Center site following the attacks in 2001.  In a statement released Monday, Harrison Fire Chief John Masciola Jr. called Fusco’s death a “line-of-duty death” and said his death is “another pai…
Westchester Rec Superintendent Dies Months After Medical Crisis While 36 Weeks Pregnant Westchester Rec Superintendent Dies Months After Medical Crisis While 36 Weeks Pregnant
Westchester Rec Superintendent Dies Months After Medical Crisis While 36 Weeks Pregnant A town in Westchester County is mourning the sudden loss of its Recreation Superintendent, who died just months after giving birth to her daughter following a serious medical crisis while 36 weeks pregnant. Pound Ridge Recreation Department Superintendent Andrea "Drea" Russo died on Friday, May 15, at the age of 41, Pound Ridge Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan announced on Monday, May 18. Russo, who joined the town in March 2023 and quickly became a central figure in the community, suffered a medical crisis earlier this year while pregnant, Hansan said. According to those who kn…