Damani Alexander dies in fatal New York City creek incident
Damani Alexander dies in fatal New York City creek incident
Fatal New York City creek death of Damani Alexander – Obituary
Damani Alexander, a 30-year-old man, was discovered deceased in Newton Creek, a waterway that divides Brooklyn and Queens, on July 30. His death mirrors the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two other young men, Karl Clemente and John Castic, who were also found in the same polluted creek last year after attending nearby nightlife venues.
The NYPD reported that Alexander’s body was located around 12:15 a.m. on July 30 following a 911 call for a water rescue. He was declared dead at the scene.
Alexander’s mother, Desiree Nicholson, shared with Pix11 that her son had attended the Knockdown Center in Queens on July 28 for a Tiki Disco event. She noted that Alexander had expressed concern about his safety to a friend on the same day.
Details remain unclear about the two days between his visit to the event and the discovery of his body. Investigators found his wallet but not his phone, and there were no signs of trauma. Authorities believe drowning is unlikely but have yet to determine the exact cause of death.
The NYPD is investigating the case, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will provide a final ruling. Nicholson described her son as someone who “loved life.”
Council Member Robert Holden, representing the area around the Knockdown Center, expressed condolences and emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent future incidents. He highlighted that the proximity of nightlife establishments to bodies of water increases the risk of such tragedies.
The deaths of Alexander, Clemente, and Castic, though not officially linked, share unsettling similarities. Clemente, 27, was last seen near the Brooklyn Mirage on June 11, 2023, and was found dead on June 16. Castic, also 27, was discovered on August 1, 2023, after being seen leaving a venue.
City officials have acknowledged the need for better safety measures in the area, citing inadequate lighting and security around nightlife spots. Despite efforts to address these issues, including improved lighting and cell service, the specifics of any new safety implementations remain unclear.
The Knockdown Center has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing safety concerns.
Damani Alexander dies in fatal New York City creek incident Fatal New York City creek death of Damani Alexander – Obituary Damani Alexander, a 30-year-old man, was discovered deceased in Newton Creek, a waterway that divides Brooklyn and Queens, on July 30. His death mirrors the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two other young men,…
Damani Alexander dies in fatal New York City creek incident Fatal New York City creek death of Damani Alexander – Obituary Damani Alexander, a 30-year-old man, was discovered deceased in Newton Creek, a waterway that divides Brooklyn and Queens, on July 30. His death mirrors the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two other young men,…