A New York City Housing Authority employee lost his life on Saturday after a tree struck him in East New York, close to Cypress Hills Playground, during the nor’easter that swept through the region that weekend.
The victim, identified by a source to NBC New York as 56-year-old Leighton Brown, was hit by the tree as he crossed a parking lot at 700 Euclid Avenue, the site of the NYCHA Cypress Hills Houses complex.
Housing Authority Press Secretary Michael Hogan stated, “We can confirm that this individual was a NYCHA employee. We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the NYCHA community.” Authorities had not yet determined whether Brown was on duty at the time of the incident.
Emergency responders transported Brown to One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to the New York City Police Department.
The City’s Parks Department deployed inspectors and crews on 12-hour shifts throughout the weekend to manage tree damage caused by the storm.
The Parks Department reported, “As of 6 p.m. today we have received 979 service requests for damaged or fallen trees, 356 of which are for downed trees. Many of these reports may be duplicates.”
The city urges residents to report hazardous tree conditions through the NYC Parks website, the NYC Tree Map, or by dialing 3-1-1. In cases of immediate danger or emergencies, residents should call 9-1-1. The Parks Department confirmed that its forestry crews remain “working to ensure that NYC’s streets and parks are safe and clear.”
Also late Saturday, the New York City Fire Department confirmed that four people sustained injuries after a falling tree struck them. That incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. near Kelly Park Playground at East 14th Street and Avenue S in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Paramedics transported the victims to Maimonides Medical Center, where they received treatment for minor injuries.
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