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.
How Chaz Bono Would Look Today Without Gender Transition: A Glimpse Via AI
Chaz Bono, formerly known as Chastity Bono, has inspired many with his gender transition journey. But imagine an alternative reality where Chaz never transitioned. Thanks to AI-generated images, we can see how he might look today, bearing a striking resemblance to his iconic mother, Cher.
Cher, renowned singer and actress, is a proud mother of two. She welcomed her first child, Chaz Bono, on March 4, 1969, with her ex-husband Sonny Bono. Chaz surprised his mom by making a guest appearance on her TV show “Cher,” showcasing their special bond.
Cher prioritized honesty and understanding throughout Chaz’s upbringing, always treating him with respect and allowing him to choose his own path. Chaz developed a unique style, favoring simplicity, which Cher embraced. When Chaz came out as a lesbian in 1995, Cher initially struggled but ultimately accepted him.
In 2009, Chaz transitioned to a transgender man. AI-generated images now show a glimpse of Cher’s daughter as she might have appeared at 55 years old, without transitioning. Cher’s initial reaction to Chaz’s transition was challenging, but she emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting transgender children.
Chaz appreciates his mother’s unwavering support. He no longer dwells on who he could have been before transitioning, instead focusing on his present journey and sharing his success with Cher.
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