Huntington newlywed among those killed in Athens suspected gas explosion
Ian Kirkpatrick died alongside his wife Florida, her brother Florin Hoxha and his partner Eris Cani Hoxha at an Airbnb.
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A recently-wed Huntington man is among four Americans killed in a suspected gas explosion in Athens, Greece, last week.
Ian Kirkpatrick died alongside his wife Florida, her brother Florin Hoxha and his partner Eris Cani Hoxha at an Airbnb.
The blast was believed to have been caused by a massive gas leak, according to Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.
The family had been preparing to return home the day the tragedy occurred.
Clyde Hoxha, Ian's brother-in-law, says they just celebrated Ian and Florida's wedding on Long Island this summer.
"Florida was my best friend she raised me, she gave me all the purest parts of my soul, she showed me how to love, she showed me how to say 'I love you,'" he told News 12.
He spoke of Ian saying, "I couldn't have asked for a better brother in law and every time I knew he was visiting or nearby, my heart was full of glee and I just wanted to talk to him."
The family says the U.S. Embassy is working to find out exactly what caused the deadly explosion.
Ed Smyth, the Huntington Town Supervisor released the following statement about the incident:
"What an incredible tragedy. To take a special occasion like your honeymoon and to have it end so tragically, is something no one should ever experience. On behalf of the entire town of Huntington, I want to express our sincere condolences to the entire Kirkpatrick family, their friends, and loved ones. To lose Ian and his bride and her brother and his wife is an unimaginable loss."
