Last Victim of Surfside Condo Collapse Identified

More than a month after the Surfside condo collapse, family members have identified the remains of the final victim.

Estelle Hedaya, 54, was the 98th and final victim to be removed from the debris. Her family describes her as outgoing with a love for travel. For the last six years, Hedaya worked as the director of operations for the Continental Buying Group and preferred Jewelers International. 

New York City Police Officers came to her family’s home in Brooklyn Monday to notify them that Hedaya had been located. Her brother, Ikey Hedaya, said the discovery concludes a torturous four weeks for the family. 

“She always mentioned God anytime she was struggling with anything,” Hideya told the Associated Press.

The discovery comes just days after rescue operations officially concluded search and rescue efforts at the Champlain Towers South collapse site. 

“Providing closure to families was the ultimate test of everybody here, and I think we did our best to do that, make sure that everyone knew that we were in it 1,000 percent,” Task Force 2 Leader Assistant Chief Scott Dean said.

Most of the rubble has now been moved to a Miami warehouse, where forensic crews will further examine the debris for any additional remains or personal belongings. No evidence was found during the search that suggested any of the victims that were found dead had survived the collapse. 

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed the discovery on Monday during a press conference. She did not identify the final victim by name.