Debrina Kawam dies in fatal New York subway fire incident
Fatal New York subway fire death of Debrina Kawam – Obituary
Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from New Jersey, tragically passed away after being set on fire while she was asleep on a subway train in New York earlier this month. Authorities identified her on Tuesday, revealing that she had previously worked at the pharmaceutical company Merck from 2000 to 2002. At some point, her life took a difficult turn, and she had spent time in a New York homeless shelter after relocating to the city.
Kawam had an address in Toms River, New Jersey, where her family was notified of her death on December 22. The horrific incident has drawn sympathy from the public, including Mayor Eric Adams, who expressed his condolences. “Hearts go out to the family— a horrific incident to have to live through,” he said during a press briefing.
This tragic event occurred shortly before another violent incident on the subway system. A 45-year-old man was pushed onto the tracks by a suspect at a station in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, though he survived and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of Kawam’s death. Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old man, allegedly started the fire while Kawam was asleep on the train, then watched as she burned. He has since been charged with murder and arson. Federal immigration officials have reported that Zapeta entered the U.S. illegally from Guatemala and had been staying at a local shelter.
The case of Kawam’s death highlights the dangers faced by many homeless individuals, as New York’s subways have become an unofficial refuge for those unable to access other shelters. On the morning of the fire, temperatures had plummeted below freezing, adding to the urgency of providing support to vulnerable individuals.
Zapeta, who has not entered a plea, remains in custody with a court date scheduled for January 7.
