Tragedy Strikes NY Newlyweds: Killed in Greece Explosion

Ian Alexander Kirkpatrick and Florida Hoxha, a couple who relatives described as having become “one” in just over two years, tragically lost their lives along with four others in an apparent gas explosion in Greece on September 26. This devastating event occurred merely twenty-five days after they recited their marriage vows before approximately 300 guests at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, and just hours before they were scheduled to return to New York. Ian was 37 and Florida was 34. Among the other victims were Florida’s brother, Florin Hoxha, and his pregnant wife, Eris Cani. The couple's families mourned a "monumental" loss, remembering Ian and Florida as sweet, kind, loving, and giving individuals who called each other “zemër,” an Albanian term of endearment meaning heart.

Florida Hoxha, born in Albania on July 18, 1992, grew up in a hardworking family that later settled in the Bronx and then Eastchester. She pursued her education with determination, attending Emory University on scholarship and later New York Law School. Florida dedicated her legal career to helping vulnerable populations, volunteering with incarcerated women and successfully securing a commutation for a man's prison sentence. As a senior staff attorney at the New York Legal Assistance Group, she worked on the Homeownership Protection and Preservation Project, assisting immigrants in avoiding foreclosure. Her colleagues and clients lauded her as a "bright light of hope" and a fierce advocate against predatory scams. Her commitment to helping others was evident even on Christmas Eve, when her phone rang continuously with calls from those she had assisted, expressing their gratitude.

Ian Kirkpatrick, born on June 23, 1989, in Stony Brook, moved to Huntington at age two. From a young age, he exhibited an "intense curiosity," described by his family as a bit nerdy, often seen in corduroy pants and plaid shirts, carrying a briefcase to junior high. His artistic talents were apparent early on, with his artwork still adorning his mother's home. Ian encouraged his brother, Keith, to play the French horn, a passion Keith pursued through college. Ian was known as the cousin who made everyone feel welcome. After graduating from Huntington High School in 2007, he studied economics and Chinese at The College of William & Mary. His interest in Chinese was sparked by a Chinese roommate during his first year. He spent three years working at a startup in China before returning to the U.S. Most recently, he worked as a regulatory and compliance officer at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

The couple's paths converged after meeting on the online dating app Hinge, leading to a first date at the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant in Manhattan. Initially, Florida was unsure about a second date when Ian agreed to split the bill, but her brother encouraged her to reconsider. Their second date at the Met Cloisters proved pivotal; Florida playfully took a bite of a quince from a tree, to which Ian responded, "OK, that's my girl." They soon moved into a Manhattan apartment that Ian renovated, sharing passions for gardening, spending time with relatives, and browsing and bidding on AuctionNinja, an online platform. Olivia Carroll, Ian's cousin, fondly described them as "two gorgeous flowers who together flourished into the most incredible two human beings I'd ever met."

Ian is survived by his mother and stepfather, Suzanne and Richard Nelson, and his stepsiblings and brothers Colin and Keith. His father, Steven Kirkpatrick, predeceased him. Florida is survived by her mother, Sabrije Nezaj, father, Medi Hoxha, brother Clyde Hoxha, and grandmother Shkurte Hoxha, along with other family members. A wake was scheduled for Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Yorktown Funeral Home in Westchester County. A funeral Mass for the four victims was to be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick in Huntington. Ian Kirkpatrick, Florida Hoxha, and Florin Hoxha were to be buried at Kensico Cemetery in Westchester's Valhalla, while Eris Cani would be laid to rest near her family in Philadelphia. John Valenti of Newsday contributed to this story.