Norwich Couple Dies In FL Hurricane: Report

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich couple staying at their seaside home in Matlacha, FL died when Hurricane Ian struck the state, according to The New London Day. Catherine and Michael Yesenko, both in their early 70s, died in the Category 4 storm.

A friend called the couple Sept. 28, the day the hurricane hit, and found they were still at their home, where they spent three or four months a year. Their home in Matlacha, in Lee County, was under an evacuation order, and the area suffered some of the worst destruction.

The Yesenkos moved to Norwich decades ago, where they grew their real estate business, The New London Day reported. The couple and a related LLC own numerous properties in Norwich.

At least 94 people in Florida died due to Hurricane Ian, with the storm having a disproportionate impact on older residents. Of the 87 dead whose age or approximate age has been released, 61 were at least 60 years old. Eighteen were in their 80s, and five were in their 90s, according to a New York Times report.

Lee County, where the Yesenkos were staying, was the hardest hit, and almost all victims were 50 or older, according to The Associated Press.

Hurricane Ian was the deadliest since the Labor Day hurricane of 1935, which killed 409 people.

A total of 2.6 million residents lost power in the state, which was down to 56,500 as of Saturday.

See related: Hurricane Ian: 94 Dead, Storm's Toll On Elderly, 56K Without Power