Nov. 16, 2018 By Laura Hanrahan
A man was found dead along Ridgewood’s Forest Avenue Friday morning, according to police.
Police found the 44-year-old unconscious and unresponsive in front of 66-95 Forest Ave. after receiving a 911 call at around 9:10 a.m.
EMS pronounced the man dead at the scene.
While police were unable to release the deceased’s name at press time, Ridgewood’s All Saints Church identified the 44-year-old as Arkadiusz “Arek” Jasinski, a homeless man who frequented the church and its Hungry Monk Rescue Truck service.
Near 66-95 Forest Ave., where a 44-year-old man was found dead on Nov. 16 (Google Maps)
The non-profit rescue truck said on Facebook that Jasinki apparently froze to death during Thursday’s storm.
“This morning we got notice that one of our beloved homeless street partners died on the street last night,” the Friday Facebook post said. “Arek froze to death in the rain, on the corner under the train. The place that he called Home.”
Council Member Robert Holden also took to social media to to offer his condolences for Arek’s death.
“I was very sad to learn that Arek was found unconscious on Forest Avenue this morning,” Holden wrote on Friday. “This is a tragic reminder that there are less fortunate who desperately need our help. R.I.P. Arek. As we draw closer to the colder months, please be mindful of any homeless who may be in danger. There are city agencies and nonprofits who can help them.”
The council member said it was disheartening to hear that the homeless prefer to stay on the streets rather than go to shelters, and made the case for running small-faith based shelters.
The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
11/19 1:39 p.m. – Article updated with information on the victim’s identity and comments from All Saints Catholic Church and Council Member Robert Holden.
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