NEW YORK, July 19, 2026 — Attorney Ronald J. Katter of Katter Law Firm announced the passing of one of his clients — an 88-year-old man — from Legionnaires’ disease. He is the second person from the Upper East Side to die of this disease. Mr. Katter also said he plans to sue the building owners for their neglectful approach in keeping the cooling towers clean.

On July 2, the client, who lived in the Upper East Side’s Yorkville section, was admitted to the hospital with a sudden high fever after he became sick with what the hospital determined was Legionnaires’ disease. He was later transferred to the intensive care unit. On July 17, he passed away.

The resident, a retired businessman and Air Force veteran, leaves behind a widow.

According to the Health Department, the investigation now encompasses ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075, including portions of Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, and Lenox Hill. The outbreak has grown rapidly, increasing from two reported cases on July 2 to 72 confirmed cases and two deaths as of July 18. Nine people remain hospitalized, 50 have been discharged, and 12 did not require hospitalization.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in building water systems, including cooling towers. People who are older, smoke, or have underlying health conditions are generally at greater risk of serious illness.
Mr. Katter said he intends to hold the building owner responsible for his client’s death, citing the cooling towers as the source of the disease.

“This man was in perfect health before he was sickened by the disease,” Mr. Katter said. “Now, my client lost his life and his wife lost her husband. Both their lives were turned upside down because of the building owners’ willful negligence. The owners of the cooling towers that caused this outbreak poisoned the people, who have been sickened with Legionnaires' disease.”

If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as a result of Legionnaires’ Disease, contact the “Legionnaires’ Lawyer” — Ronald Katter. Mr. Katter and his firm will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at (212) 809-4293 or visit our contact page.

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About The Katter Law Firm
The Katter Law Firm is a premier New York City personal injury and medical malpractice law firm specializing in public health negligence and Legionella outbreak litigation. Founder Ronald J. Katter and his team are dedicated to holding negligent property owners and public entities accountable to secure just compensation for victims of preventable illnesses.