A series of powerful thunderstorms that swept through New Jersey on Thursday have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals and left thousands without power, as local authorities grappled with the aftermath of the storm’s destruction.
In the city of Plainfield, two men lost their lives when a tree fell on the car they were in on Myrtle Avenue. Local spokeswoman Jazz Clayton-Hunt confirmed that the victims were Rocco Sansone, 79, of North Plainfield, and Brian Ernesto Valladares, 25, a resident of Plainfield.
Plainfield city officials expressed their sorrow in a statement released on Friday, offering condolences to the families of the deceased: “The City of Plainfield extends our deepest condolences to the families of Mr. Sansone and Mr. Valladares. Their deaths are a heartbreaking reminder of the storm’s sudden and devastating power.”
More than 80 trees were reported down in the area, causing significant damage to multiple homes and vehicles. While the men’s connection remains unknown, it was indicated that their deaths occurred sometime between 6 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, although the exact time was not specified.
Clayton-Hunt recounted the lengthy rescue efforts, as it took considerable time to remove the tree from the car, which delayed confirmation of their fatalities.
Sansone, a military veteran who had retired from a trash hauling company, was en route to an Aldi grocery store when tragedy struck. His sister, Gigi Neal, expressed her disbelief and sorrow over his loss.
“I can’t get it through my head — he’s gone,
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