NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A New Jersey family is saying their goodbyes to one of their loved ones, who was a victim of the Surfside, Florida, condo collapse. That woman was laid to rest Sunday in New Brunswick.
Stacie Fang, 54, was the first victim of the collapse to be identified, one of at least nine dead, according to officials. Officials say 156 others are still missing. Her remains were brought back home for her funeral.
Fang, an event organizer for retailers, reportedly died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Her 15-year-old son Jonah Handler was also in the building when it crumbled, but he survived.
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Nicholas Balboa helped first responders rescue Handler.
"He said that his mom was in there with him. His arm was pinned. There wasn't really a whole lot of conversation, there was just sheer panic," recalled Balboa.
"He was yelling, 'Please don't leave me,' so we tried to stay with him and then I used my phone to flash the light on the backside of my phone to signal fire and rescue to come over."
A statement from Handler's school sent condolences to the family. It also read in part, "We ask you please keep Jonah and all those affected in your prayers as search and rescue efforts continue. The family has asked to please respect their privacy at this time."