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.
This “Angelic” Child Star Stayed under the Radar, He Looks “Unrecognizable” & Grew Beard to Hide from the Public
Having risen to fame as a beloved child star, Haley Joel Osment has undergone a significant transformation throughout his Hollywood journey. Osment’s evolution in the industry has been noteworthy, transitioning from his early days as a youthful actor with a cherubic face to his present-day distinguished persona.
Even in his youth, Osment displayed a remarkable talent for portraying deep emotions early in his career. His performances garnered acclaim from both critics and fans alike, who admired his ability to blend a cherubic appearance with an innocent boyish charm that captivated audiences.
Following the release of “The Sixth Sense” in 1999, Osment’s career took a significant turn. The film catapulted him to international fame and earned him widespread praise for his portrayal of a troubled young child, establishing him as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents.
As Osment matured, both his roles and his appearance underwent noticeable changes. Nominated for prestigious awards, he graced the Academy Awards stage and continued to challenge himself with complex characters that showcased his versatility as an actor.
During the mid-2000s, Osment faced personal challenges, notably a high-profile incident involving drunk driving. However, he viewed this period as an opportunity for personal growth, and he emerged from it with a renewed perspective on his career.
Today, Osment remains a thriving presence in the entertainment industry, starring in a variety of films and television series that highlight his versatility as an actor. Sporting a tidy beard and exuding an adult demeanor, he continues to be admired for his transformative performances and steadfast dedication to his craft.
From his early days as a prodigious young talent to his current status as a seasoned actor, Haley Joel Osment’s journey in Hollywood has been defined by growth, transformation, and perseverance. His enduring skill and enduring presence in the industry stand as a testament to his remarkable career, which continues to evolve both professionally and personally.
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