Canarsie residents remember NYCHA worker fatally struck by tree during nor'easter
Sam Mills, of Canarsie, said he saw Leighton Brown while he was on his way to work - just hours before he died.
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Residents in Canarsie mourned the loss of their neighbor Leighton Brown, a NYCHA worker who was fatally struck by a falling tree during this weekend's nor'easter.
It happened Saturday at the Cypress Hills Houses in East New York.
A NYCHA spokesperson told News 12 on Monday that Brown "was working an extra maintenance shift to support the storm response efforts."
Sam Mills, of Canarsie, said he saw Brown while he was on his way to work - just hours before he died.
RELATED: East New York neighbors concerned after NYCHA worker killed by fallen tree
"I lost a good friend," said Mills. "We spent a lot of time together talking about life. He was just a nice person inside and out."
Mills said that when Brown wasn't busy fixing things, the handyman was a fixture, DJing at backyard gatherings.
"He would perform his craft by playing his music, showing his skills; and that was exciting for people who came by listening," said Mills.
Other neighbors said Brown would often lend a hand to make repairs on their block.
"[Brown] would come home from work, wave and do work for some people, painting and fixing," said Linda Guidice, a neighbor. "He seemed to be a very gentle person, kind and friendly."
"When I had a problem with my door, he did help me with that, my back door," said Nola Edwards, another neighbor.
Statement from Barbara Brancaccio, NYCHA Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, NYCHA Maintenance Worker Leighton Brown and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the NYCHA community. Leighton was beloved by all who knew him and brought cheer to his colleagues with his friendly demeanor and excellent sense of humor. Residents thought the world of him, praising his care, dedication, and positivity as well as his desire to always put NYCHA families first. We will remember Leighton fondly, along with his contributions and his concern for the NYCHA community."
