Young Red Hook, NY Firefighter Dies in Dominican Republic

A Hudson Valley volunteer firefighter has died while visiting the Dominican Republic.

Dutchess County Resident Dies While Visiting The Dominican Republic

24-year-old Jeffrey Somang Kiluba passed away on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 according to a GoFundMe page. Kiluba grew up in Dutchess County attending Red Hook High School and SUNY Ulster.

GoFundMe

Tim Kiluba, Jeffrey's brother, shared that his younger brother passed away while on vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Tim writes:

He had called on Friday expressing excitement to see Mom and Dad again on Sunday. Sadly, on Saturday morning His body was found lifeless. We are in absolute shock and no words can describe what my parents, my sisters Stephanie & Elizabeth, and my youngest brother Simon are going through right now.

The Kiluba family is still waiting for more information about the cause of Jeffrey's death. In the meantime, the family was looking to raise $25,000 to bring Jeffrey home. As of Monday, October 9th, 2023, they have raised over $29,000. If you would like to donate you can find more information on Jeffrey's GoFundMe page.

Red Hook Fire Co. Releases Statement

Google Maps

After news spread of Kiluba's passing a local fire department, with which Kiluba recently started volunteering, released a statement. The Red Hook Fire Company shared the following on their Facebook page:

Members of the Red Hook Fire Company are terribly saddened to learn of the passing of one of our members, Jeff Kiluba. Jeff recently joined our fire department family and was already making it known that he was going to dedicate his heart and soul to the department and the members of our community.

They add that the family is "understandably devastated" by the passing of their son and brother Jeff, and "need us to surround them with our love and support."

Red Hook Fire Co. is made up of 100% volunteer firefighters and serves over 10,000 people in their Red Hook community.

Firefighter Rescue Man Trapped in New York Mine

Brewster Fire Department

Gallery Credit: CJ

Take a Look Inside the Abandoned Bowling Ally in the Staatsburg Firehouse

The Old Staastburg Firehouse (now Roosevelt Engine Co 5.) houses an abandoned bowling ally. Local Hudson Valley firefighters tell us that they believe the bowling ally was created back in the 50s and was used until the early 90s.

Gallery Credit: Kurt Burns