Suffolk County man with cancer loses nearly everything in recent storm surge
Family members called 911 several times, but they say they were put on hold. Firefighters arrived two hours later.
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The recent record rainfall caused a terrible situation for an East Setauket man who has pancreatic cancer.
The rain ruined nearly everything in Edmund Murphy’s basement apartment, including his medications and heirlooms that belonged to his wife who died unexpectedly last year.
“I skipped a couple of days of medication, and I’m having problems because of that," said Murphy.
Family members said storm drains behind their property overflowed. The deluge of water then traveled through the backyard and poured into a basement apartment window where Murphy and his daughter ended up trapped inside. Murphy’s son-in-law, John Coppi, ran to the front door of the apartment.
“I don't know how, but somehow, I kicked in that door. I busted through that door, and I went in and got them out," said Coppi.
Family members said they called 911 several times but were put on hold. Firefighters arrived two hours later.
Seven feet of water ended up filling the apartment.
Murphy’s daughter, Kellie Coppi, said she and her father nearly drowned. She believes her mother was looking down on them. “My mom, she was that kind of person. She was the guide of our family, so I mean, if there was anyone who could have gotten us out of this, it definitely, definitely was her," said Kellie Coppi.
News 12 reached out to Suffolk Fire Rescue about the family's 911 calls and is waiting to hear back.
Insurance will reimburse $5,000, but the family needs a lot more to rebuild. Murphy’s daughter set up a GoFundMe page.
