A Miami mother was identified as the first victim who died during the high-rise collapse that took place on Thursday.
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54-year-old Stacie Fang was identified as the first victim of the devastating collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condo in Surfside. Her son, 15-year-old Jonah Handler, was captured on video being rescued from the rubble, and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Fang’s family said in the following statement, “There are no words to describe the tragic loss of our beloved Stacie. The members of the Fang and Handler family would like to express our deepest appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy, compassion, and support we have received. The many heartfelt words of encouragement and love have served as a much needed source of strength during this devastating time. On behalf of Stacie’s son, Jonah, we ask you now to please respect our privacy to grieve and to try to help each other heal.”
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After Fang was found in the rubble, she was transported to the Aventura Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. As reported by NBC Miami, 159 people are still unaccounted for as search and rescue teams are still digging through the rubble to find more victims.