NYCHA worker Leighton Brown killed by falling tree in Brooklyn nor'easter
Leighton Brown, a 56-year-old New York City Housing Authority employee, died after a tree fell on him in East New York, Brooklyn, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, during a powerful nor'easter. The incident occurred near the Cypress Hills Houses complex, where Brown was working. He was transported to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The storm caused widespread damage across New York City, including multiple other tree-related injuries and coastal flooding. Officials urged residents to report hazards and stay indoors as cleanup efforts continued.