Four New Yorkers were killed in an explosion in Athens, Greece, on Friday Sept. 25, including two Eastchester residents. Authorities believe the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak.
The victims were identified as Florin Hoxha, his wife, Eris Cani, Hoxha's sister, Florida Hoxha, and her husband, Ian Kirkpatrick.
Florida Hoxha had worked on Vedat Gashi's campaign. Gashi, chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, remembered her for her commitment to public service.
"She did have that passion and drive," Vedat Gashi said. "When that passion and drive is oriented toward public service, you really, you know, are excited to see that in somebody who's young and capable and it makes this all the more heart wrenching, the tragedy of her passing."
The Eastchester town supervisor said the town was heartbroken by the tragedy and is committed to helping the family with anything they may need.
"I am devastated to hear of the fatal building explosion in Greece that took the lives of four Americans, including two from our Westchester County Community. I extend my gratitude to the first responders who responded to the scene with bravery, and my prayers remain with those impacted by this tragedy. We have lost two Westchester neighbors and we grieve with their families," said Rep. George Latimer.
And the CEO of New York Legal Assistance Group, where Florida worked, said in part:
"New York Legal Assistance Group is devastated by the tragic passing of Florida Hoxha, a long-time Senior Staff Attorney on our Homeownership Protection and Preservation Project. Her colleagues and clients called her a bright light of hope and will miss her fierce advocacy fighting predatory scams and preventing foreclosures."