Nearly two months later, a family is still searching for answers as to why Kenneth Burch was discovered dead on Coney Island Beach. Burch’s niece, Tameeka Kelly, said he was like a second father to her and actively involved in her children’s lives. “Yes, he was like a second dad,” Kelly said.
The family was devastated when they learned of Burch’s death. Kelly stated that they discovered he was shirtless on the beach after seeing a news story. “My uncle had no reason to be on the beach,” she said. Kelly said police informed her that Burch’s death was not suspicious.
However, the medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death, leaving the family frustrated and seeking closure. “A man was found washed ashore, dead, and there was nothing,” according to Kelly. Burch, who lived in Manhattan, was discovered at the beach around 7 a.m. on November 11.
Kelly said her family has no close ties to Brooklyn, which adds to their confusion about the situation. “I just don’t want his name to die with no answers,” she said.
“He washed up from the water. He was a person. He deserves answers. I want someone to give a damn. Kelly intends to keep asking questions and sharing her uncle’s story until she discovers what happened in his final days. ”