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In Memoriam: Lieutenant Brian Jay Hatt
Raywick Fire Department, Raywick, KY
Age: 51
Date of Line-of-Duty Death: August 25, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lieutenant Brian Jay Hatt of the Raywick Fire Department. On August 22, 2025, while responding to assist the Loretto Fire Department on a fire call, Lieutenant Hatt was involved in a tragic accident on KY 537. The fire department tanker truck he was driving veered off the road, overturned after striking an embankment, and Lieutenant Hatt was ejected from the vehicle.

He was immediately transported by air to UofL Health Hospital in Louisville, where he succumbed to his injuries on August 25, 2025. His passenger, Leonard Winkler, was also airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital and remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

Lieutenant Hatt was a dedicated public servant who bravely answered the call to protect and serve his community. His loss is deeply felt across the firefighting and first responder community, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this heartbreaking time.

May Lieutenant Brian Jay Hatt rest in peace.

That’s a deeply respectful and powerful tribute. Here’s a slightly polished version that keeps the tone solemn and supportive, if you’d like to use it as is or share it publicly:

Chief Joe Sullivan and everyone at the Wichita Police Department join the law enforcement community in mourning the tragic loss of Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic, who passed away this morning after being struck by a vehicle while serving his community.

We grieve alongside his family, friends, and fellow officers. No words can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, but we stand united in support.

Rest easy, Officer Simoncic. We’ll stand with your partners as they carry the watch forward and continue protecting the Kansas City community.

That’s such a heartfelt and compassionate message. Lauren is lucky to have someone who sees her strength and kindness so clearly, especially in such a difficult time.

If you want, I can help you polish or expand this message for a condolence note, a social media post, or a workplace tribute. Here’s a slightly refined version to consider:

I work closely with Lauren, and she is truly an amazing coworker, friend, and mother. She always goes out of her way to lend a hand to anyone in need. No mother should ever have to face such a heartbreaking situation. My heart breaks for her and her family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

That’s really tragic news. The death of Samantha Okinyi at High Bridge Trail State Park sounds like a deeply concerning and sad situation, especially given her young age.

If you want, I can help you draft a clear news summary or a sensitive announcement regarding this investigation. Or if you’re looking for more information about the case or how to support the community, I’m here for that too.

Victoria “Tori” Marie Morris, aged 22, of Princeton, Texas, passed away on August 22, 2025 Legacy.

Here are the confirmed details:

• Full Name: Victoria “Tori” Marie Morris

• Date of Passing: August 22, 2025

• Age: 22

• Place: Princeton, Texas Legacyechovita.com

Funeral Arrangements:

• Visitation: August 29, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 P.M. at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home – Lavon, Texas

• Celebration of Life / Funeral Service: August 30, 2025, starting at 2:00 P.M., followed by interment at Wilson Chapel Cemetery at approximately 3:30 P.M. Legacyechovita.com

This obituary warmly highlights Tori’s compassionate nature, her laughter, adventurous spirit, and the joy she brought to her family and friends—capturing how deeply she was loved and how much she will be missed Legacy.

Would You Like Help with a Tribute?

If you’d like, I’d be honored to help you craft a heartfelt tribute or announcement celebrating Tori’s memory—whether it’s an obituary, social media post, memorial speech, or a message to friends and loved ones. I can help you draw on the official obituary details and the beautiful sentiment about her relationships and warmth.

Here’s a draft tribute to start with—feel free to adapt it as you’d like:

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Victoria “Tori” Marie Morris of Princeton, Texas, who left us on August 22, 2025, at the age of 22.

Though her professional journey was just beginning, Tori’s most profound impact was found in the love she shared and the connections she forged. With a joyful and adventurous spirit, Tori brought laughter, compassion, and warmth to all who knew her. She leaves behind treasured memories that will forever live in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Lavon, Texas, with a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, August 30 at 2:00 P.M., followed by interment at Wilson Chapel Cemetery.

Her love for family, her kindness to others, and her indomitable spirit will continue to be a guiding light. She will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever cherished.

What We Know

• According to reliable biographical records, Mort Todd (born Michael Delle‑Femine on November 9, 1961) passed away on August 24, 2025, in Portland, Maine. He was an influential writer, artist, editor, publisher, animator, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur, best known for his work as editor-in-chief of Cracked magazine and founding the Marvel Music line, among many other accomplishments Wikipedia.

Professional Legacy & Community Impact

Mort’s career spanned decades and mediums—he worked on comic book projects involving icons like Superman, Spider-Man, Barbie, and Looney Tunes, collaborated with legendary creators, and later built his own media ventures like Comicfix and ACE Comics WikipediaAnimeCons.

He returned to Maine and deeply influenced the local creative community—painting murals, launching the humor magazine Vex, producing films, and encouraging other artists and writers through collaboration and support Press HeraldLewiston Sun Journal.

Tribute Draft

Here’s a thoughtful tribute that honors both Mort’s professional legacy and his enduring impact on fellow creators and community:

In Loving Memory of Mort Todd (Michael Delle‑Femine, 1961–2025)
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Mort Todd, who left us on August 24, 2025, in Portland, Maine. Mort was an extraordinary creative force—a multi‑talented writer, artist, editor, publisher, animator, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur.

His career was nothing short of remarkable. At just 23, he became editor‑in‑chief of Cracked magazine, breathing new life into its pages. Later, he launched Marvel Music, bridging rock icons like Kiss, Rob Zombie, and Elvis Presley to the world of comics. Through Comicfix and ACE Comics, Mort continued to innovate—reviving legends, developing new stories, and collaborating with fellow creatives.

But Mort’s true gift was not just in what he created, but in the people he lifted up. In Maine, his art murals, local magazine Vex, and numerous mentorships reflected the encouragement and inspiration he so freely shared. He believed in community—built it, nurtured it, and made it a better place for artists and writers of all walks.

His love for the “weird, wonderful, and wild” wasn’t just an artistic sensibility—it was a view of life. Mort Todd’s legacy lives on through the stories he told, the art he shared, and the countless creators who carry his encouragement forward.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. May his memory continue to inspire.

Next Steps

• Let me know if you’d like help tailoring this tribute—perhaps for a local newspaper, online announcement, memorial service program, or social media.

• If you have any personal stories or details you’d like to include, I’ll help weave them into a meaningful tribute.

• I can also assist with suggestions for memorial events, or community outreach in his honor.

I attempted to find a published obituary or memorial for Dale Heinecke, the founder of Heinecke Wood Products (established in 1995), based on the link you shared. Unfortunately, I haven’t found any widely accessible memorial or obituary matching that description in publicly indexed sources.

I did find an obituary for Dale Arthur Heinecke, age 86, of Madison, Wisconsin, who passed away May 25, 2025—but this individual’s background does not appear to align with the founder of Heinecke Wood Products, and no connection to that business was indicated in the obituary Legacy+1.

What You Can Do Next (If You’d Like Further Assistance)

1. Share Additional Details (If Available)

If you have any more specifics—such as:

• Full name including middle names/initials,

• His location (city, state, or region),

• Exact date of passing,

• Name of the funeral home or local publication handling the obituary,

• Or an excerpt from the memorial page—

those could help narrow down searches and possibly locate an obituary or local tribute.

2. Create a Tribute or Obituary Draft

If the memorial isn’t publicly available or is on a private platform, I’d be honored to help you draft a heartfelt tribute, obituary, or social media announcement that honors Dale’s life—highlighting his role in founding Heinecke Wood Products and the legacy he built.

Sample Tribute Draft (Feel Free to Modify)

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Dale Heinecke, founder of Heinecke Wood Products. In 1995, Dale transformed a small venture into a thriving enterprise known for [quality craftsmanship/exceptional service—adapt as appropriate]. His greatest legacy, however, was the community he built—both personally and professionally—and the difference he made in the lives of those around him.

A devoted [husband/father/friend—adapt to his roles], Dale found his greatest pride not only in his business achievements but in the relationships he treasured. He led with integrity, warmth, and a deep dedication to those he loved. His impact will endure through the lasting work of Heinecke Wood Products and the memories of all who knew him.

[Funeral service or memorial details, if available]

We extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his presence.

I found a memorial post titled “Jeff Neal Lexington, South Carolina: Celebrating A Beloved Husband” published on August 26, 2025, on the memorialledger website. It describes Jeff Neal as a dedicated professional and deeply devoted husband from Lexington, South Carolina, who passed away at 7:47 a.m.. The post highlights his integrity, warmth, and the unwavering love he brought to his family and community memorialledger.cfd.

This appears to be a heartfelt tribute, although it may not have been indexed by more widely used obituary databases yet.

— What You Can Do Next:

1. Share Additional Details (if available)

If you have more specifics—such as Jeff Neal’s middle initial, age, funeral home name, or local news coverage—we can try to locate additional confirmation or tributes from local sources or funeral homes.

2. Draft a Tribute or Obituary

If you’d like, I’d be honored to help you craft a meaningful tribute—whether it’s an obituary, eulogy, or social media message—that captures the profound love, support, and joy Jeff brought to his family and community.

3. Notify Others

I can help you create a thoughtful message to share with friends, colleagues, neighbors, or community groups—something that honors his memory and gives others the opportunity to offer condolences.

• A Jesse J. Terry, born December 18, 1957, passed away November 14, 2024, in Millington, Tennessee Legacy. However, this appears to be a different individual and likely not the person you’re referring to.

• A Preacher Jesse Terry (age 61) passed away April 18, 2020, in Carrollton, Georgia Legacy—again, probably unrelated to your announcement.

——

Since the memorial page you mentioned appears not to be widely indexed, it may be a private or newer posting. If you’d like, you can share any additional details—such as a full name (including middle or maiden names), city or state, funeral home, or snippet of the content from the memorial page—that would help me help you verify or locate more information.

In the meantime, if you’d like assistance:

• I can help draft a heartfelt tribute or announcement to share with friends, colleagues, or the community.

• I can also support you in preparing a formal obituary, speech, or social media message that honors Jesse Terry’s unique talents and ability to connect with others.