Pair Killed by Fallen Tree in Ditmas Park (Update)
Tragedy struck last night in the Ditmas Park section of Brooklyn, as the daughter of a prominent local activist and her friend were crushed by a fallen tree and killed.
The female victim was Jessie Streich-Kest, the daughter of Jon Kest, executive director for New York Communities for Change, according to a spokesman for the family. Council Member Mathieu Eugene identified the male victim as Jacob Vogelman of First Street in Brooklyn.
Neighborhood residents said the victims were out last night walking a dog when a tree was uprooted from the sidewalk and trapped the pair beneath its weight. They were discovered on Ditmas Avenue near East 18th Street early this morning.
“Jessie was an amazing young woman who was known and loved by many NYCC members, staff and allies,” said Jonathan Westin, the spokesman for the Kest family, in an emailed statement. “Jessie loved life and was deeply devoted to social justice.” Read More
