NY Assistant AG Richard Schwartz killed in Thursday's storm

Posted at: 07/27/2012 12:27 PM | Updated at: 07/27/2012 1:45 PM

News10NBC has learned of the first death in New York State from Thursday night’s storms. It happened in Brooklyn.

The man killed was an Assistant Attorney General Richard Schwartz.

According to our NBC affiliate in New York City, the 61 year old was walking home Thursday night when lightning struck a church. A piece of the scaffolding fell off the church hitting Schwartz.

He was taken to the hospital where he died.

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a statement today saying, "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to express my sympathy to the loved ones of Assistant Attorney General Richard Schwartz, who tragically lost his life during last night's severe storm. Richard was a dedicated public servant and attorney who served the State of New York in the Office of the Attorney General for over 25 years. His commitment to placing the needs of New Yorkers above all else will be remembered and cherished. His work ethic and his passion were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues with whom he worked during his many years in State service."

Have a story you want our news team to investigate? Call us at 585-232-1010, click here to send us an e-mail or leave us a Facebook post or tweet.

Print Story