UPDATE as of 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024

An additional storm-related death has been reported. The death toll is now twelve. The following victim has been identified:

Margaret McGarigle (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 10/18/1930
Address: 10116 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island
Synopsis: Margaret McGarigle was located face down inside the residence. After further investigation into her death, it became apparent that water had entered the residence, and McGarigle appeared to have drowned. Next of kin was notified.

END OF UPDATE

Previous News Releases:

UPDATE as of 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The ninth victim’s next of kin has been identified (from previous news release) and two more storm-related deaths have been reported. The following victims have been identified:

Dominic Dewitt (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 6/27/1964
Address: 713 E Gulf Boulevard #1, Indian Rocks Beach
Synopsis: Detectives say Dominic Dewitt was located in a residence on Indian Rocks Beach surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and he appeared to have drowned.

Joseph Galinski (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 12/8/1956
Address: 156 44^th Avenue, St. Pete Beach
Synopsis: Detectives say Joseph Galinski was located on the floor of his residence. The entire contents of the home were waterlogged and scattered, with water still evident on the floor. Galinski appeared to have drowned. Next of kin was notified.

Steven Boelsche (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 4/19/1961
Address: 5771 92^nd Terrace, Pinellas Park
Synopsis: Detectives say Steven Boelsche was found deceased, face-down in a pool in the backyard of the residence. It was apparent that Boelsche drowned and was possibly electrocuted. Next of kin was notified.

END OF UPDATE

Original News Release:

PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announces an updated death toll as a result of Hurricane Helene.

Detectives are investigating a total of nine deaths related to Hurricane Helene. All of the deaths occurred in areas of mandatory evacuation Zone A.  The following victims have been identified:

Donna Fagersten (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 1/28/1958
Address: 326 Windrush Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach
Synopsis: Detectives say Donna Fagersten was located in several inches of water outside her residence. It was apparent that water entered the residence and Fagersten appeared to have drowned. Next of kin was notified.

Patricia Mikos (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 6/12/1944
Address: 1100 Curlew Road Lot 213, Dunedin
Synopsis: Detectives say Patricia Mikos was in her residence when water rushed inside, and a possible electrical fire started. The Dunedin Fire Department attempted to get to the residence initially but could not due to the amount of rising water. Once the water receded, Mikos was located in the residence deceased, covered with a large amount of debris. Next of kin was notified.

Aiden Bowles (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 5/5/1953
Address: 121 12th Avenue Unit B, Indian Rocks Beach
Synopsis: Detectives say Aiden Bowles was located in a bedroom in his residence. Bowles appeared to have drowned from the rising water that entered the residence. Next of kin was notified.

Marjorie Havard (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 2/6/1945
Address: 265 40th Avenue, St. Pete Beach
Synopsis: Detectives say Marjorie Havard was located inside the residence surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and Havard appeared to have drowned. Next of kin was notified.

Francis Wright (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 9/13/1953
Address: 15473 1st Street East, Madeira Beach
Synopsis: Detectives say Francis Wright was located on the floor of the residence and was surrounded by debris. It was apparent he drowned after water entered the residence. Next of kin was notified.

Jerome Waite (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 8/12/1935
Address: 9101 Oak Street NE, Saint Petersburg
Synopsis: Detectives say Jerome Waite was located in his garage surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and Waite appeared to have drowned. Next of kin was notified.

James Thompson (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 6/9/1969
Address: 155 175th Terrace Drive Unit B, Redington Shores
Synopsis: Detectives say James Thompson was located in his residence in several inches of water surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and Thompson appeared to have drowned. Next of kin was notified.

Rachel Burch (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 6/25/1987
Address: 7801 West Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island
Synopsis: Detectives say it was apparent water entered the residence, and Rachel Burch was located deceased inside. Next of kin was notified.

Until the ninth victim's next of kin is notified, his information will not be released.
Synopsis: Detectives say an adult male was located in a residence on Indian Rocks Beach surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and he appeared to have drowned.

These storm-related deaths will continue to be investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Indian Shores Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Treasure Island Police Department.

No further information is available at this time.