file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Little Falls NJ, More than a week after the tragic death of Debrina Kawam, new details about her life have come to light. The 57-year-old woman, who perished in a horrific incident on a New York City subway, was a New Jersey native with deep ties to her community.
Who Was Debrina Kawam?
Born and raised in Passaic County, New Jersey, Kawam graduated from Passaic Valley High School in 1985. In her yearbook, she expressed dreams of becoming a flight attendant and humorously listed her “secret ambition” as “TO PARTY FOREVER!”
Kawam was active in school life, participating in the cheerleading squad during her freshman and sophomore years. She fondly recalled trips to the Jersey Shore with friends and expressed heartfelt gratitude to her parents, thanking them “for everything.”
Later in life, Kawam resided in Toms River, NJ, with her last known address on Waterberry Court. She also pursued studies in business and marketing at Montclair State University and worked at pharmaceutical giant Merck for a time.
A Glimpse Into Her Family Life
Kawam’s love and admiration for her father, William T. Kawam, were evident in a tribute she wrote after his passing in 2009. Describing him as “truthful, honest, hardworking, and the best father a daughter could have,” she expressed her regret at realizing the depth of his influence later in life. Her father was a retired assembly line worker at General Motors and a Vietnam War Air Force veteran.
The Tragic Incident
Kawam’s life came to a devastating end on December 22, 2024, when she was set on fire aboard a Brooklyn subway train. According to NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the suspect, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, is accused of approaching Kawam on the train at approximately 7:30 a.m. and intentionally igniting the blaze.
Zapeta-Calil, who remained on the platform bench near the train as the fire raged, has been charged with first-degree murder and arson.
Kawam’s identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis, according to Julie Bolcer, a spokesperson for the New York City medical examiner’s office.
A Community Mourns
Kawam’s tragic death has left her family and community grappling with grief. Though her relatives have chosen to remain private, her legacy as a spirited and caring individual continues to resonate.
Seeking Justice
As the investigation unfolds, the community hopes for justice for Debrina Kawam and healing for her loved ones. Her story is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced in everyday life and the importance of addressing safety on public transit.
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