Category: Uncategorized

Sydney Surfer Killed in Rare Shark Attack Remembered as a “Good Bloke”

Sydney’s Northern Beaches community is in mourning after Mercury Psillakis, 57, was killed in a rare shark attack while surfing at Long Reef in Dee Why on Saturday morning.

Psillakis, a devoted father and experienced surfer, was bitten by what police described as a “large shark” about 100 metres offshore. Despite the efforts of fellow surfers and first responders, he suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene. His wife, daughter, and brother arrived at the beach shortly after receiving the devastating news.

Inspector Stuart Thomson of the Northern Beaches Police described the tragedy as “particularly critical and tragic,” noting that Father’s Day was just one day away. Authorities have since closed beaches from Narrabeen to Manly while lifeguards and drone operators continue to monitor for shark activity.

Friends remembered Psillakis as a kind and adventurous man who lived life to the fullest—traveling, surfing, working, and spending time with family. “He was a good bloke to everyone. You couldn’t find someone to say a bad word about him,” said close friend Sean Pearce.

Premier Chris Minns called it an “awful tragedy” and extended condolences to the victim’s loved ones, praising first responders and the surf community for their efforts.

Shark attacks in Sydney remain extremely rare, with this being the first fatality in more than 60 years at the city’s beaches. Authorities and Surf Life Saving NSW have urged locals to follow lifeguard advice and avoid entering the water in affected areas until further notice.

Remembering Laura M. Lane

Laura M. Lane, 64, of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on September 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and children after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Born November 16, 1960, in Kingston to LeRoy Lane and the late Mary Anne Lane, Laura lived a life defined by family, faith, and creativity.

She shared her journey with her husband, Reginald Rifenburgh II, raising three children: Tara Lane (William “Bill” VanWagenen), Deirdre Lane-Rifenburgh, and Reginald Rifenburgh III (Alexandria Rifenburgh). Laura’s proudest role was being “Grandma” to Keira, Mary Anne Rose, Laurance, Leif Marin, and Lane, who will always cherish her love and gentle guidance.

A graduate of SUNY New Paltz College, Laura earned her Master’s in Special Education and began her career as a teacher. Yet her true passion lay in raising her family, where her dedication, brilliance, and courage shaped the next generations.

Her Catholic faith, rooted in her baptism at St. Francis de Sales Church in Phoenicia, sustained her through life’s challenges. Beyond her devotion to family and faith, Laura expressed herself through art and antiques, leaving behind works that reflect her eye for beauty and creativity.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings—Valerie Mills, Paul Lane, Victor Lane, Jennifer Jewett, LeRoy Lane, and Bridget Lane—who admired her passion and spirit.

Laura’s memory endures in the hearts of those she touched. She leaves a lasting legacy of love, resilience, and faith, one that will guide her family and friends for generations to come.

Police-Involved Shooting in Jersey City Leaves Community Shaken

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A tense and tragic situation unfolded Friday afternoon along John F. Kennedy Boulevard when a man allegedly opened fire on Jersey City Police Department vehicles, striking them with multiple rounds before being confronted by officers.

According to officials, police returned fire, injuring the suspect. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, no officers were physically injured during the exchange. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that its Special Investigations Unit is reviewing the incident, as is standard in police-involved shootings.

Witnesses in the area described a scene filled with fear and uncertainty, as families and bystanders sought safety while the sound of gunfire echoed through the neighborhood. “It was something we never expect to see so close to home,” one resident said, reflecting the shock many Jersey City residents felt.

While authorities continue to investigate, community members are left grappling with the emotional toll such violence brings. Leaders and neighbors are emphasizing the importance of healing and unity in the wake of the incident.

This event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced daily by law enforcement, as well as the fragile nature of life. In moments like this, our hearts turn toward compassion—for the suspect, the officers, their families, and all who were shaken by the day’s events.

The investigation remains ongoing, and more details are expected to be released as authorities complete their review. In the meantime, the community is urged to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers.

23-Year-Old Motorcyclist Dies After Fiery Crash in South Tulsa

TULSA, Okla. — A 23-year-old motorcyclist, identified as Ashton Meyer, has died following a multi-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in south Tulsa, according to Tulsa Police.

The crash happened around 4:50 p.m. near 71st Street and Canton Avenue. Witnesses reported that Meyer was driving recklessly, weaving through traffic, speeding, and performing wheelies before the deadly collision.

Police say Meyer attempted to avoid hitting a vehicle turning in front of him by laying his motorcycle down on its side. Despite the maneuver, the motorcycle collided with another vehicle, and its gas tank ignited on impact. The force of the crash threw Meyer under a separate vehicle.

Emergency crews transported Meyer to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The drivers of the two other vehicles involved sustained no serious injuries, authorities said.

Tulsa Police’s Advanced Traffic Investigators are analyzing the evidence, but officials noted that no charges are anticipated in the case.

This tragedy comes just a day after another fatal crash involving a school bus and truck shut down part of U.S. 169, though students were unharmed in that incident.

The investigation into Meyer’s crash remains ongoing.

Family of Teen Killed by Cincinnati Police Demands Accountability, Holds Vigils and Rallies

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The family of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, who was shot and killed by Cincinnati police in May in East Price Hill, is speaking out against what they call a lack of accountability in the case.

Police released video showing Hinton running from a stolen car with a gun, and Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich ruled the officer’s use of deadly force justified, saying he “reasonably believed he was in danger.” The decision not to bring the case before a grand jury left Hinton’s family devastated.

Starting Friday, the family and community supporters began a series of events demanding justice and reform. A march and rally kicked off at Washington Square Park in Over-the-Rhine, with participants walking to Police Headquarters in the West End and later to the Hamilton County Courthouse.

Hinton’s cousin, Ryant Jackson, voiced the family’s frustration:

“An injustice was served. No one’s being held accountable for the death of my cousin, for the death of a son. They always say, ‘Wait for the justice system,’ but it’s not working.”

Jackson emphasized that Hinton had just turned 18, describing him as a young man often misunderstood.

“Although a lot of people depict him as this certain thing, he was not that. He was not the thief of that car. He was just hanging with friends.”

The family says this summer has been filled with grief and trauma, especially for Hinton’s mother, who Jackson says relives the tragedy daily.

The remembrance events continue this weekend:

• Saturday: A vigil will be held at Hawaiian Terrace at 7 p.m.

• Sunday: A Community Day for Hinton is planned at Mount Airy Park beginning at 12 p.m.

The family says their fight is not only for Ryan but also for broader police accountability and justice reform in Cincinnati.

Chickasaw Man Killed in Baldwin County Crash Remembered as Beloved Community Member

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — A devastating accident along Interstate 65 has claimed the life of 65-year-old Thomas Oliver Swindle Jr. of Chickasaw, leaving family, friends, and community members heartbroken.

The fatal crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, near the 35-mile marker. According to investigators, the Jeep Cherokee carrying Swindle suddenly veered off the interstate and struck a tree. Emergency responders arrived to find Swindle trapped in the overturned vehicle. Despite their immediate efforts, he could not be saved.

The driver, identified as Leila M. Clevland of Selma, survived the crash and was transported to University Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Authorities with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) spent hours at the scene, examining skid marks and collecting evidence as they continue investigating the circumstances of the accident, including the possibility of speed, mechanical failure, or distraction.

Swindle’s passing has left a deep void in the Chickasaw community, where he was known as a man who brought people together with warmth and kindness. Friends and neighbors have described him as someone whose presence left lasting impressions, always ready with a smile and a helping hand.

As the investigation continues, the community is uniting to honor his contributions and support his loved ones. Many have offered prayers, sympathy, and heartfelt condolences to the Swindle family, emphasizing that he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

“Our community has lost more than a neighbor—we’ve lost a friend, a mentor, and a light in our lives,” one community member shared.

Authorities have not released further updates on the investigation.

Motorcyclist Killed in Salisbury Township Crash Identified as 24-Year-Old Brandon Gehris

SALISBURY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities have identified the victim of a deadly crash in Lehigh County as 24-year-old Brandon Gehris of Northampton Borough, who died following a collision between his motorcycle and a car late Tuesday night.

The crash occurred around 11:05 p.m. on September 2 at the intersection of South Cedar Crest Boulevard and Fish Hatchery Road. Investigators said Gehris was operating a 2011 Yamaha R6 motorcycle when he collided with a 2019 Nissan Sentra driven by a 28-year-old Salisbury woman.

Despite wearing a helmet, Gehris suffered multiple blunt force injuries in the impact. He was rushed to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where doctors pronounced him dead at 12:44 a.m. on September 3, according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, which ruled his death accidental.

Debris was scattered across the busy intersection as first responders worked to save Gehris’s life. The crash forced an extended shutdown of the area while Salisbury Township Police, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, and the Lehigh County Crash Team conducted their investigation.

The cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and authorities have not said whether charges will be filed.

Gehris is being remembered as a young man whose life was tragically cut short. “Our thoughts remain with Brandon’s family during this difficult time,” officials said in a statement.

Suspect Shot, Killed After Reported Knife Attack in Southwest Houston

HOUSTON, Texas — A man was shot and killed by police Saturday morning after allegedly attempting to stab multiple people in southwest Houston, authorities confirmed.

According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), officers responded around 11:24 a.m. to reports of an assault in progress at the 12600 block of Westheimer at Dairy Ashford, near a cemetery. Callers reported that a man armed with a knife was threatening bystanders and attempting to stab an individual at the scene.

When officers arrived, the suspect fled on foot across the street and entered the cemetery. Police said they attempted to de-escalate the confrontation, issuing multiple commands for the man to drop the weapon. However, the suspect refused to comply.

During the standoff, one officer discharged his firearm, striking the knife-wielding man. Paramedics were called, but the suspect—described by police as a Hispanic male in his early 20s—was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities confirmed that no victims or bystanders were injured. Three HPD officers were involved in the incident, but none sustained injuries.

The case will now be reviewed by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, per standard protocol for officer-involved shootings.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect pending notification of next of kin.

Man Accused of Firing at Jersey City Police Vehicles; Gunman Taken to Hospital

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A chaotic scene erupted Friday afternoon when a man allegedly opened fire on two Jersey City Police Department vehicles, riddling them with bullets before being subdued by officers, authorities confirmed.

According to officials, the incident began when the suspect approached two marked police units and opened fire, striking both vehicles multiple times. Officers on the scene quickly responded, confronting the gunman and ending the immediate threat.

The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was injured during the confrontation and transported to a local hospital for treatment. His condition has not been disclosed.

Police confirmed that no officers were injured, though they described the attack as a brazen and deliberate act of violence against law enforcement.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Jersey City Police Department have launched a joint investigation into the shooting, including whether the suspect had targeted officers specifically or if other motives were involved.

Officials urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has video footage to come forward as detectives work to piece together the sequence of events.