Michael HoganLeighton BrownNew York City Fire DepartmentParks and Recreation (New York City)New York City Police DepartmentNew York City Housing Authority

NYCHA worker killed by falling tree in East New York, Brooklyn; victim identified as Leighton Brown, 56, during nor'easter winds

A NYCHA worker, identified as 56-year-old Leighton Brown, was killed by a falling tree in East New York, Brooklyn, during nor'easter winds on Saturday. The incident occurred at 700 Euclid Ave., where Brown was walking through a parking lot when the tree struck him, police said.

ABC7 New York ABC7 New York+2 sources27 September 2026 · 07:50 UTC
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Leighton Brown, a 56-year-old NYCHA employee, tragically lost his life when a tree fell on him in East New York, Brooklyn, during a nor'easter on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3:24 p.m. at 700 Euclid Ave., near the Cypress Hills Playground.12

Brown was walking through a parking lot when the tree struck him. He was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. NYCHA expressed their condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the NYCHA community.”56

Witnesses described the moment the tree fell, with one resident, David Ortiz, recalling, “It was like a loud noise, sort of like thunder.” Another neighbor noted the continuous winds leading up to the incident, saying, “It was just nonstop since probably last night.”

The Parks Department reported receiving 979 service requests for damaged or fallen trees during the storm, with crews working 12-hour shifts to address the damage. Four other individuals were also injured by falling trees in separate incidents across Brooklyn. The community mourns the loss of Brown, who was known for his kindness and dedication to his work.78

As the city continues to deal with the aftermath of the storm, officials emphasize the importance of safety in public spaces.

Key Insight
“The Parks Dept. received 979 service requests for damaged or fallen trees by 6 p.m., with 356 for downed trees, and deployed crews on 12-hour shifts. Separately, four people were injured by a falling tree in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.”
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CuriousCats studied:
1
ABC7 New YorkABC7 New York
“EAST NEW YORK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A NYCHA employee was killed after being struck by a falling tree in Brooklyn on Saturday.”
ABC7 New York →
2
NBC 4 New YorkNBC 4 New York
“A New York City Housing Authority worker died Saturday when a tree fell on him in East New York, near Cypress Hills Playground,”
NBC 4 New York →
3
New York Daily NewsNew York Daily News
“A beloved New York City Housing Authority worker was killed by a tree that fell on him Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn as heavy winds from a whipped the city.”
New York Daily News →
Ask CuriousCats
Who was the victim in the East New York incident?
What caused the death of the NYCHA worker?
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Are other boroughs experiencing similar issues with fallen trees?
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