Woman killed by flying solar panel during New York City nor'easter
A 76-year-old woman died in Brooklyn after being struck by a solar panel dislodged by high winds from a carport during a nor'easter.
October 13, 2025 - 02:14 PM ET • 2 min read
A nor'easter storm battering the New York City area resulted in the death of a 76-year-old woman in Brooklyn on Sunday, officials reported. The woman was struck and killed by a solar panel that detached from a carport structure.
The incident occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m. near Ocean Parkway. According to the Department of Buildings, the solar panel was propelled approximately 20 feet through the air before hitting the woman.
She was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The incident is currently under investigation. At the time of the incident, a wind advisory was in effect for New York City due to the severe weather.
Following the fatality, authorities implemented several safety measures in the vicinity. One of the nearby entrances to the Q train was temporarily closed, and a partial vacate order was issued for the parking lot where the incident took place.
The storm has caused widespread disruption across the city, with high winds bringing down more than 100 trees. In Queens, a large tree fell and crushed a car in Laurelton.
As of Monday morning, peak wind gusts in Brooklyn were unofficially recorded at 42 mph. Wind and coastal flooding remain significant concerns, with a Coastal Flood Warning in effect for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County until 8 p.m. Monday.