Year in Review: Tragedies of 2009
(WKTV) - Often times news we cover can be hard to handle. many times, it's sad, unbelievable or even tragic. We look back at some of the stories of 2009 that truly changed the lives of those involved.
The start of the new year for one local family turned tragic when their six-year old girl got trapped in their burning home. The fire, on Heller Road in Salisbury, happened on January 3rd. Firefighters ended up finding the young child by a bedroom door but it was too late. In the middle of February, an airliner crashed just outside of Buffalo, killing 50 people on board and one person on the ground. Just this month-- the federal government determined the crash was pilot error. The National Transportation Safety Board concluding the pilot failed to follow safety rules. On April 3rd, a nightmare comes to life in Binghamton, when a gunman walked into the American Civic Association building and opened fire on a room full of immigrants who were taking a citizenship exam. When it was over, 14 people were dead, including the shooter. Back in Utica, the i790 on-ramp off of Route 12 became the scene of a horrific car accident, that killed a five-year old girl. It was later determined little Makiah Johnson's body was thrown from the vehicle hitting a beacon on the bridge killing her instantly. Her body was found a few hours later in the canal below. Police claim speed caused the accident. It's still an active case, with the child's mother's lawyers still working to clear her name. Nearly a full month later, fire strikes an apartment building along James Street in Utica. The blaze on September 20th was so intense, four people got trapped inside and all were killed. Authorities cited the landlord, Timothy Klotz, for not keeping the building up to code. Just this month, Klotz filed a notice of claim stating the city of Utica and the fire chief are at fault for those deaths. Fallen Heroes In February, Corporal Michael Mayne, 21, of Burlington Flats was killed in Iraq during combat operations. Beyond a soldier, friends say Mayne was a dedicated Eagle Scout, tireless worker, and friendly face. A month later, on march 19th, Lance Corporal Daniel Geary of Rome was killed by an explosion in Afghanistan. Family and friends say the 22-year old Marine was an avid bowler, dedicated family man and fun-loving character. On April 8th, Lance Corporal Blaise Oleski, of Holland Patent was killed in action while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan. Since his death, there are been several benefits in his name and even a highway named after him. Finally, Lance Corporal Jeremy Lasher was killed in Afghanistan on July 23rd while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lasher's younger brother Ryan is also a Lance Corporal in the Marines. Aside from family, Jeremy Lasher had a passion for landscaping, drawing, musical instruments and his favorite football team, the New York Giants. He was also a firefighter in Verona. |
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