Winter Storm Fern Causes Tragedy Across the U.S.

Winter storm Fern has brought severe weather to the United States, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including two teenagers who tragically lost their lives in a sledding mishap.

The first reported fatality involved a 16-year-old girl in Texas. She was riding on a sled being towed by a 16-year-old boy driving a Jeep when the sled hit a curb and crashed into a tree. Both girls were quickly taken to a local hospital, but, sadly, one passed away from her injuries while the other remains in critical condition. The police are still investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made yet.

This tragic event marks the first confirmed death linked to the historic snowstorm, which has impacted more than 235 million Americans.

In Arkansas, another sorrowful incident occurred when a 17-year-old boy died in a sledding accident involving an ATV that struck a tree.

In New York City, Mayor Zoran Mamdani reported five fatalities discovered outdoors, but the specific causes of death are still being determined, with no indications that any of the deceased were homeless.

Additionally, a former police officer in New York, Roger McGovern, age 60, was killed while shoveling snow at a church in Floral Park. Meanwhile, three others lost their lives in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, while clearing snow. Their ages ranged from 60 to 84 years old.

In Massachusetts, a couple was struck and killed by a snowplow in a parking lot, although the husband survived and is recuperating in the hospital.

Another victim was found outside a gas station in Austin, Texas, having succumbed to hypothermia.

Further fatalities were reported in Tennessee and Louisiana, contributing to the growing toll from the storm.

In a separate incident during the snowstorm, a private jet carrying eight people crashed while taking off in Bangor, Maine. The injuries sustained by those on board are not yet clear.