Man found dead in car as Westchester County's Ida-related death toll rises

WABC logo
Friday, September 3, 2021
14 feet of water in Mamaroneck; 3 dead in Westchester
Ida caused historic flooding throughout the Tri-State Area, and one of the hardest hit areas was Mamaroneck in Westchester County, with some neighborhoods reporting as much as 14 f

YONKERS, Westchester County (WABC) -- A 33-year-old man was found dead inside a car in Mount Vernon early Friday as Westchester County's death toll linked to Ida's historic flooding rose to five.

Police say it appeared Alan Dorsainvil drove into deep standing water on South Columbus Avenue, and his vehicle became inoperable. As the water flooding the roadway became deeper and deeper, it appears Dorsainvil became trapped in his vehicle, which quickly filled with water.

When the waters receded, a passerby observed Dorsainvil unconscious inside of his car and called police.

The cause of death is currently unknown pending results from the medical examiner's office.

RELATED | How much rain fell in NY, NJ amid historic Ida flooding?

Also Friday, a White Plains man reported missing during the storm was found at Saxon Woods Park. Authorities believe he may have drowned after getting out of his stranded car and was swept away by flood waters.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer confirmed three other fatalities Thursday, including in Harrison where a car got stuck on the guardrail of the Hutchinson River Parkway.

A husband and wife were swept away by rushing water when they tried to get out of the car.

One of the hardest hit areas was Mamaroneck, where some neighborhoods reported as much as 14 feet of water.

Several people, including an 86-year-old woman, were rescued from their homes.

Displaced residents were being taken to the high school, while others were transported to higher ground to be picked up by relatives.

Many were still without power Friday, and the damage was expected to take days if not weeks to clean up.

The county has set up shelters in Mamaroneck and Pelham.

----------

* More Northern Suburbs news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a News Tip