Tragic Death of Donna Fagersten in Hurricane Helene

Tragedy Strikes as Hurricane Helene Claims the Life of Donna Fagersten

Donna Fagersten, 66, had sought refuge at a friend’s two-story condo in Indian Rocks Beach to escape the wrath of Hurricane Helene. However, her attempt to retrieve her beloved cat proved fatal as she never made it back to safety, according to her son, John Runner.

Fagersten is among the nine individuals identified by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office who lost their lives due to the devastating hurricane. Most of the victims were older adults residing on Florida’s barrier islands, where the majority of the fatalities occurred. The sheriff’s office confirmed that all the victims were located within mandatory evacuation zones.

Runner shared that his mother’s home was inundated with water, leading to her tragic drowning. Despite initial reports suggesting she was found inside her condo, Runner clarified that she was discovered in the parking lot, unable to reach the safety of her friend’s residence.

As a high school art teacher in West Virginia, Runner and his firefighter brother are preparing to travel to Florida to assess their mother’s property and address the aftermath of the storm. Reflecting on their last conversation, Runner expressed regret for not being more vigilant about the approaching hurricane, unaware of the imminent danger facing his mother.

Fagersten, who had been on medical leave following a hip injury, was looking forward to retirement and cherished time spent with her five grandchildren. Known for her love of travel and the outdoors, she had explored various countries with her late husband and enjoyed the coastal lifestyle in Indian Rocks Beach.

The heartbreaking loss of Donna Fagersten serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of heeding evacuation warnings to ensure the safety of loved ones. As the community mourns her passing, her memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.