New Crowdfunding Campaign Organized for Sag Harbor Fire Survivor, Left With Nothing

SAG HARBOR, NY — Once again, caring members of the Sag Harbor community are opening their hearts to help a victim of a massive fire that ripped through the village Friday.

A Crowdrise page, "Help Michael Lynch, Displaced By Sag Harbor Fire," created by Michael Lynch's sister Maura, raised $5,875 in a few hours Monday.

"Michael Lynch was caught in the horrible Sag Harbor Fire last Friday. He had just moved in to the apartment above Compass Realty, and his possessions were just moved in only three days before the fire. He lost everything: clothes, computer, his phone, shoes, wallet, and left into the freezing cold with only a coat, pants and slippers. He was saved by the bravery of Sag Harbor Police Officer Randy Steyert, who banged on his door till he awoke. We are grateful to you for helping him rebuild his life! and any amount is appreciated," the page read.

Lynch spoke to Patch about his harrowing escape Monday, and said he ran from the house with nothing more than the clothes on his back.

In his pocket, he found a precious keychain, with the words "Love, Mom", written in his mother's handwriting; his mother died last year.

Although he was praying that his mother's rosary beads would be found in the rubble before the building was razed Monday, the rosary beads were never found.

In a moving reunion, Lynch was able to meet the hero police officer who saved his life, with only minutes to spare. Steyert and Lynch met Monday afternoon at the Sag Harbor Police Department. Lynch, with tears in his eyes, thanked Steyert for saving him.

"He's my angel on earth," Lynch said, of Steyert.

To donate to Michael Lynch's fundraising page, click here.

A fundraiser set up earlier for Lynch's roommate, Fred Kumwenda, who was not home at the time of the fire, has raised $42,530 so far.

Photo courtesy of the Lynch family.