Long Branch, NY "Syracuse" Tornado, Sept 1912 - Fifth Victim

A Fifth Victim of the Tornado

Motorman Pinned Beneath His Car at Long Branch Dies of His Injuries

His Skull was Fractured

Victim Remained Unconscious for Several Days After Injuries Were Received

Patrick L. Devin, the Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern motorman who was pinned beneath his car when it was swept off its tracks during the tornado that passed over Long Branch on the afternoon of September 15th, died shortly after 8 o'clock this morning at St. Joseph's hospital.

This brings the list of tornado victims up to five. Devin was removed to the Genesee hospital after the tornado and two days following taken to St. Joseph's hospital. His skull was fractured and three ribs and his hip broken. Physicians at the hospital expected his death.

Devin was motorman on a car which ran between Long Branch and Syracuse. The car was at the Long Branch station when the tornado hit the resort. The body of the car was torn from its trucks and thrown to the side of the tracks, fifteen feet away. Devin was pinned beneath the debris.

Devin was brought to this city in an unconscious condition and he was not revived for several days. Physicians were surprised at Devin living the length of time that he did. They have expected him to die at any minute.

Mr. Devin was a lifelong resident of the First ward, where he was well known. He is survived by his wife, Celia, and three children, Agnes, Dorothy and Edward; his father, Matthew; four brothers, Matthew jr, James, John and Kirk Devin; and a sister, Mrs. William Closs. Hew was as member of Branch No. 64, C. M. B. A., and the Loyal Order of Moose. The funeral will be held from the father's home, No. 719 Second North street.

Syracuse Herald, Syracuse, NY 21 Oct 1912