Justin Bullock, FISM News
[elfsight_social_share_buttons id=”1″]
The last victim was identified in the Seaside, Florida condo collapse on Monday ending the recovery efforts that have lasted more than a month. Estelle Hedaya was the last of 98 victims to be found in the rubble. Police say that all missing persons have now either been found or identified from the June 24th tragedy. In a news conference announcing the discovery, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said she prays that this will begin the process of healing for all of the victims’ families.
Today marks one month since this heartbreaking and unimaginable tragedy. So many came together, as one, in a relentless pursuit to save lives. We honor the precious lives lost and pay homage to loved ones and all those that have suffered immensely. #SurfsideStrong pic.twitter.com/03HcTdtMHY
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) July 24, 2021
Cava also told the press that the search and rescue operation at the Champlain Towers South collapse was “the largest non-hurricane emergency response in the history of our state.” Cava went on to say that rescue personnel are now sifting through the remaining debris in order to find any further remains or especially personal effects that might have value for the victims’ families.
In addition, an investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing but expected to conclude soon and deliver its report to the public. As part of the investigation, surrounding towns, cities, and counties are all conducting extensive building inspections in order to prevent another tragedy like this one from happening again. All told, 97 people were killed in the collapse and an additional person died in the hospital. This brings the total death toll to 98 with dozens more injured to various degrees of severity.