Two killed in windstorm; one identified as Chambers Bay official

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. -- The powerful storms proved to be deadly in Western Washington this weekend. In the South Sound, two families are grieving the loss of their loved ones after falling trees killed a 10-year old Burien girl and a 36-year old Gig Harbor man.

The staff at Chambers Bay, Pierce County leaders, and family members met Sunday afternoon to mourn the loss of Chambers Bay Assistant General Manager, Jamie Fay, killed in the height of Saturday’s storm.

The peace and quiet at the Chambers Bay Golf Course is in stark contrast to what mother nature sent Western Washington Saturday. It was a storm so violent, it led to the death of 10-year old Samara Iereneo in Federal Way, when a branch struck and killed her.

“It's just hard when you have to get that phone call at work knowing that your baby girl is gone,” said Florence Iereneo, Samara’s mother.

At Chambers Bay, the golf community is hurting from the loss of Jamie Fay, who died after a tree fell on his Subaru. His three-year old daughter was inside but unharmed.

Tacoma City Councilman Ryan Mello said he saw Fay’s impact on the community firsthand, as the 36-year old helped coordinate the U.S. Open, but the two also had a personal connection. They were roommates while attending the University of Puget Sound.

“It was pretty tough last night, and I got the call today and was really in denial and really flabbergasted that something like this could happen,” said Mello.

An outpouring of love and support is coming in for Fay on social media, including from U.S. Open winner Jordan Spieth’s caddie Michael Greller, who tweeted “RIP Jamie, your love and joy was always felt by all... “

County Executive Pat McCarthy said Fay had strong ties with Pierce County and played an integral role in the success of the U.S. Open.