Donna Fagersten had taken refuge at a friend’s home on the top floor as Hurricane Helene tore through northern Florida, leaving a devastating trail of destruction and more than 100 casualties in the southeastern U.S.
As the storm appeared to calm, the 66-year-old teacher, just days away from her retirement, made a fateful choice to return home to rescue her cat.
When Hurricane Helene hit Florida on September 26, 2024, around 11 p.m., the Category 4 storm triggered flash floods, forcing residents to scramble for safety. One of the hardest-hit areas was Pinellas County, particularly in the Tampa Bay region, where at least 11 people lost their lives.
Among the victims was Donna Fagersten, a second-grade teacher from Ponce De Leon Elementary in Pinellas County.
According to her best friend Heather Anne Boles, Donna was set to retire the following week after dedicating 35 years to teaching. When the storm hit, Donna sought shelter with Boles and her partner, Mike Moran. As the storm surge rushed in, they retreated to the third floor of Boles’ mother’s home, across from the beach where Donna lived.
Boles recalled that as the storm seemed to settle, Donna insisted on going home to check on her cat, despite Boles’ pleas to stay. Tragically, another surge and high winds returned, battering the coastline.
A neighbor later came to their shelter, reporting that someone had been found floating in the parking garage. They quickly pulled Donna from the water and began CPR, but despite their efforts and the arrival of fire rescue by boat, they were unable to revive her.
Detectives later confirmed that Donna had drowned in her home, which had been flooded with water.
Family and friends have since remembered Donna as a “beautiful person” who was deeply committed to her students and community. In a Facebook post, Mary Gleason Lyons, a colleague and friend, described Donna as a dedicated teacher with a big heart, touching the lives of many students over her 35-year career.
Online tributes poured in, with former students and friends expressing their sadness at her passing and remembering her kindness and warmth.
While Boles and Moran are now left to clean up after the floods, which destroyed most of their belongings, the loss of their best friend is what hurts the most. “This is the worst we have ever seen,” Boles said, reflecting on the storm’s destruction compared to Hurricane Irma, where they managed to keep their home and belongings intact.
On a positive note, Donna’s cat survived, and her friends are working to find him a new home.
Hurricane Helene, which cut a destructive 800-mile path northward, left more than 2 million homes without power and claimed over 100 lives, according to USA Today.
“My Cousin Vinny”: A Timeless Comedy Gem
The 1992 legal comedy “My Cousin Vinny” is still making people laugh and cry over 30 years after it was first released. This picture, which has Joe Pesci’s iconic performance and stars Marisa Tomei as the iconic Mona Lisa Vito, is cherished for its classic moments and ageless wit.
Shining as Mona Lisa Vito, Marisa Tomei
A real gem is Marisa Tomei’s performance as Mona Lisa Vito in “My Cousin Vinny.” Her captivating performance ups the ante on entertainment value and elevates the already enjoyable film. It makes sense that this part is still among Tomei’s best-loved creations.
The Hidden Mysteries in the Scenes
Did you know that the producers had second thoughts about a few of the actors in “My Cousin Vinny”? This fascinating fact demonstrates how unanticipated choices can have extraordinary results. It reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected decisions might end up being the finest ones.
Real People-Inspired Characters
The fact that numerous characters in “My Cousin Vinny” drew inspiration from real individuals is another fascinating feature. Joe Pesci, who gained recognition for his genuine performances, took inspiration from his childhood in New Jersey. He gave his Vinny a lot of characteristics from different friends, which helped him create a character that people could relate to.
The Film’s Origins
“My Cousin Vinny” came to be as a result of a lucky meeting. Screenwriter Delauter disclosed that he was inspired by an accidental encounter he had in the early 1970s with a candidate for the bar test. The basis for the plot of the movie was established by this interaction and the candidate’s will to succeed on the test despite failing it several times. It’s amazing to consider how a straightforward incident might lead to the development of a well-loved comedy.
An Essential Video
Before we wrap up, we’d like you to watch this incredible sequence and enjoy the hilarity of “My Cousin Vinny.” It brings out the wonderful chemistry between the performers and the film’s clever humor to perfection.
To watch the scene on YouTube, click the link below. Have fun!
Leave a Reply