Donna Fagersten had taken refuge at a friend’s home on the top floor as Hurricane Helene tore through northern Florida, leaving a devastating trail of destruction and more than 100 casualties in the southeastern U.S.
As the storm appeared to calm, the 66-year-old teacher, just days away from her retirement, made a fateful choice to return home to rescue her cat.
When Hurricane Helene hit Florida on September 26, 2024, around 11 p.m., the Category 4 storm triggered flash floods, forcing residents to scramble for safety. One of the hardest-hit areas was Pinellas County, particularly in the Tampa Bay region, where at least 11 people lost their lives.
Among the victims was Donna Fagersten, a second-grade teacher from Ponce De Leon Elementary in Pinellas County.
According to her best friend Heather Anne Boles, Donna was set to retire the following week after dedicating 35 years to teaching. When the storm hit, Donna sought shelter with Boles and her partner, Mike Moran. As the storm surge rushed in, they retreated to the third floor of Boles’ mother’s home, across from the beach where Donna lived.
Boles recalled that as the storm seemed to settle, Donna insisted on going home to check on her cat, despite Boles’ pleas to stay. Tragically, another surge and high winds returned, battering the coastline.
A neighbor later came to their shelter, reporting that someone had been found floating in the parking garage. They quickly pulled Donna from the water and began CPR, but despite their efforts and the arrival of fire rescue by boat, they were unable to revive her.
Detectives later confirmed that Donna had drowned in her home, which had been flooded with water.
Family and friends have since remembered Donna as a “beautiful person” who was deeply committed to her students and community. In a Facebook post, Mary Gleason Lyons, a colleague and friend, described Donna as a dedicated teacher with a big heart, touching the lives of many students over her 35-year career.
Online tributes poured in, with former students and friends expressing their sadness at her passing and remembering her kindness and warmth.
While Boles and Moran are now left to clean up after the floods, which destroyed most of their belongings, the loss of their best friend is what hurts the most. “This is the worst we have ever seen,” Boles said, reflecting on the storm’s destruction compared to Hurricane Irma, where they managed to keep their home and belongings intact.
On a positive note, Donna’s cat survived, and her friends are working to find him a new home.
Hurricane Helene, which cut a destructive 800-mile path northward, left more than 2 million homes without power and claimed over 100 lives, according to USA Today.
Rare, Unseen Photographs of Princess Diana, One of the World’s Most Photographed Icons
Princess Diana, affectionately known as “Lady Di,” was admired for her compassionate and nurturing spirit. She had a genuine love for people, always reaching out to those in need. Her rise to fame began with her engagement to Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, thrusting her into the global spotlight. Sadly, her untimely death is often attributed to the relentless pursuit by paparazzi.
While the world is familiar with many posed photographs of the late Princess, the images that follow reveal rare, candid moments of Lady Di, capturing her authentic and unique character.’
Rare, Unseen Photographs of Princess Diana, One of the World’s Most Photographed Icons
byBrowse Feed–September 02, 20240
Princess Diana, affectionately known as “Lady Di,” was admired for her compassionate and nurturing spirit. She had a genuine love for people, always reaching out to those in need. Her rise to fame began with her engagement to Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, thrusting her into the global spotlight. Sadly, her untimely death is often attributed to the relentless pursuit by paparazzi.
While the world is familiar with many posed photographs of the late Princess, the images that follow reveal rare, candid moments of Lady Di, capturing her authentic and unique character.
During a ski trip with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, Diana was seen enjoying precious moments with her boys.
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother’s iconic 12-carat sapphire ring, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in white gold. This ring, originally ordered from a Garrard jewelry collection catalog, marked Diana’s unique style among British royals.
On her wedding day, Princess Diana was so excited that she accidentally called her future husband “Philip Charles Arthur George” instead of “Charles Philip.”
Princess Diana had a tough time adjusting to her royal duties.
Her brother, Charles Spencer, revealed that wearing the tiara initially gave her severe headaches. “She had a cracking headache,” he recalled, “as she wasn’t used to wearing a tiara all morning.”
The 25-foot train on Diana’s wedding dress, though stunning, proved difficult to manage, leaving it crumpled as she entered the horse-drawn carriage.
When asked if they were in love during their engagement interview, Charles responded with, “Whatever ‘in love’ means,” while Diana confidently replied, “Of course.”
Princess Diana was hands-on in the planning of her wedding.
The dress design papers were destroyed after her approval to prevent any leaks to the press.
Among the many gifts received, the Reagans gifted the couple a handcrafted porcelain centerpiece and an engraved Steuben bowl, while other presents included gloves made from 100-year-old silk and a diamond and sapphire timepiece.
On their wedding day, it was revealed that Charles and Diana shared a common ancestor—Henry VII of the Tudors—making them 16th cousins once removed.
A honeymoon where sleep was the real treat.
When photographed on their honeymoon, a lip reader mentioned that it seemed during
their conversation, the newlyweds said, “The honeymoon was the ideal time to
catch up on sleep…”
A photograph taken in 1980 shows Diana before she entered royal life.
Diana’s visit to Angola in 1997, where she met landmine victims, showcased her compassion.
Diana is seen with her son Harry in matching outfits, playfully sticking out his tongue to the crowd.
A photo of Diana with her stepmother, whom the media labeled the “wicked stepmother” due to their turbulent relationship.
Diana was captured enjoying a holiday with her partner, Dodi Fayed, just days before her tragic death.
Diana is pictured having fun at the beach in an animal print bathing suit.
Beloved ‘People’s Princess’
Dubbed “The People’s Princess” for her love, generosity, and big heart, Diana captured the world’s affection.
Photographed in Alice Springs, Australia’s Northern Territory.
Leaving the hospital with her husband after giving birth to their first son, William.
One of the most famous photos of Diana and Charles was taken at Buckingham Palace after announcing their engagement on February 24, 1981.
Charles and Diana first greet the crowds as a married couple.
Their first kiss as a married couple.
A family photo taken on October 6, 1984, at Kensington Palace, along with moments from Prince William’s christening.
Family time!
Prince William’s christening.
The princess lovingly addresses a supporter.
Photo of the happy couple and their son William.
In this particular image, Diana’s breathtaking beauty is evident, making it perhaps the most iconic photo of the late princess ever taken.
Princess Diana was a mother, a leader, and an inspiration. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Share this article with your loved ones and keep the memory of Princess Diana alive!
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