New York cop drowns saving seven members of his family

Artur Kasprzak, 28 helped his family, including father, his girlfriend and their baby to the attic of their Staten Island home when the storm surged into the house. He then told them he needed to go and check on the basement but did not return.  

The family called 911, but electrified power lines in the water prevented rescuers from reaching the house until the next morning, reports the Daiy Mail.

It wasn't until 12 hours later that officers were able to access the basement of Mr Kasprzak's home and he was pronounced dead at the scene by medics.

The death toll in New York City rose to 22 early Wednesday, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities from the superstorm.

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