Pinellas Hurricane Death Toll Increases To 12, Victims' Names Released

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — As of Wednesday afternoon, the death toll in Pinellas County from Hurricane Helene has increased to 12, officials said.

Most of the victims appeared to have drowned in their homes in mandatory evacuation areas, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

The following are the names of the four victims recently released by PCSO on Tuesday and Wednesday:

Steven Boelsche, 95, of 5771 92nd Terrace, Pinellas Park

Boelsche was found face down in the pool in the backyard. He appeared to have drowned and might have been electrocuted.

Dominic Dewitt, 60, of 713 E. Gulf Blvd., #1, Indian Rocks Beach

Dewitt was found in his home surrounded by debris. It was apparent that water had entered the home and He appeared to have drowned.

Joseph Galinski, 67, of 156 44th Ave., St. Pete Beach

Galinski was found on the floor of his home. All of his belongings were waterlogged and scattered with water still evident on the floor. He appeared to have drowned.

Margaret McGarigle, 93, of 10116 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island

McGarigle was found face down in the home. It was apparent that water had entered the home and she appeared to have drowned.

Below are the names of victims that were released on Saturday:

Aiden Bowles, 71, of 121 12th Ave., Unit B, Indian Rocks Beach

Bowles was found in a bedroom in his residence. He appeared to have drowned from the rising water that entered the residence.

Rachel Burch, 37, of 7801 West Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island

Detectives say it was apparent water entered the residence, and Burch was found dead inside.

Donna Fagersten, 66, of 326 Windrush Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach

Fagersten was located in several inches of water inside her residence. It was apparent that water entered the residence and Fagersten appeared to have drowned.

Marjorie Havard, 79, of 265 40th Ave., St. Pete Beach

Havard was found inside the residence surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence, and she appeared to have drowned.

Patricia Mikos, 80, of 1100 Curlew Road, Lot 213, Dunedin

Mikos was in her residence when water rushed inside, and a possible electrical fire started. The Dunedin Fire Department attempted to get to the residence, but could not because of the rising water. Once the water receded, Mikos was found dead in the residence, covered by a large amount of debris.

James Thompson, 55, of 155 175th Terrace Drive, Unit B, Redington Shores

Thompson was found in his residence in several inches of water, surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and Thompson appeared to have drowned.

Jerome Waite, 89, 9101 Oak Street NE, St. Petersburg

Waite was located in his garage surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and he appeared to have drowned.

Francis Wright, 71, of 15473 First St. East, Madeira Beach

Wright was found on the floor of the residence surrounded by debris. It was apparent he drowned after water entered the residence.

These storm-related deaths will be investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Indian Shores Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Treasure Island Police Department.