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 Photo courtesy of Facebook
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As first reported by Gothamist, MTA police made a tragic discovery during the early morning hours this past Saturday morning, Aug. 6. Just before 6 am, an unconscious man—later identified as 29-year-old Dorian Pippa of Katonah—was found in the bathroom of a 5:37 am Southeast-bound Metro-North train departing from Grand Central Station as it approached the Harlem-125th St. stop. He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
It is as yet unclear when Pippa had boarded the train, which was the first Harlem Line departure that morning. Westchester contacted an MTA spokesperson for further information, but no additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death have been disclosed at this time.
What is evident by scrolling through Pippa’s Facebook profile is that his loss has come as devastating news to the music lover and skateboarding enthusiast’s family and friends, especially given that Dorian—who, according to his social media, graduated John Jay High School, attended SUNY New Paltz and had at one point resided in Boulder, CO, where he worked as a cook—had just celebrated turning 29 the day prior to his passing. His Facebook wall has been flooded with loving sentiments, such as, “You were a shining star and no one will ever let your candle burn out.”
Pippa himself appeared deeply spiritual, finding inspiration in the desire to help others lead better lives. On the morning before his passing, Dorian wrote, “Focusing on practicing a deeper sense of appreciation and gratitude today. I’m truly grateful for the wonderful people that continue to support and enrich my life, on this continent and across the world. Thank you all so much, and count your blessings every day!”
A heartfelt letter from his mother, which accompanied information about his memorial this coming Saturday, highlights his generosity and how touched he was by the support of those around him. “The other day, you said that you were going to make me proud,” she shared. “You said, ‘You’ll see, mom, I’m going to do something wonderful in this world to help’. I loved that you were so sure and determined. But I want you to know I’ve been proud of you since the moment I saw your beautiful face, those astonished wide eyes taking in this world the day you were born. I have loved you stronger every day since.”
Dorian Pippa’s memorial will take place this Saturday, Aug. 13 from 3-8 pm at his family home on 43 Barrett Road in Katonah. If you knew or encountered Dorian and want to share your thoughts and reminisces, you’re welcome to do so below.
UPDATE: The train Mr. Pippa boarded departed Grand Central at 5:37 am. An MTA spokesperson confirmed that he was last observed via surveillance cameras at the 42nd Street entrance to Grand Central at 5:08 am, and on the Track 17 platform at 5:15 a.m Additionally, the MTA had directed Westchester to the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner for more information on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Pippa’s death, and we are awaiting more information, and will provide it when it is made available to us.
UPDATE: Julie Bolcer, Director of Public Affairs for the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner, tells Westchester that details regarding the cause of Pippa’s death are pending further studies, as well as toxicology results, and may not be disclosed for a number of weeks.
