A Staten Island mother, Dana Foley, 39, was found dead from a fatal gunshot wound Thursday morning in a home on Garth Court, in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide. Her boyfriend, Dakota Suckstorff, 27, who resided in the home, was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head and later died at the hospital. A firearm was recovered at the scene near Suckstorff, according to law enforcement sources.
Foley, who lived in the Sunnyside neighborhood, was remembered by loved ones as a devoted mother whose primary focus was her son, Lennon. An online fundraiser described her as a loving parent whose "every hope she had for the future centered around Lennon."
"More than anything else in this world, Dana was Lennon’s mom," wrote the organizer of the GoFundMe page. "Lennon was her absolute pride and joy. Being his mother was the greatest purpose of her life and, without question, the thing she was most proud of."
Friends and colleagues also shared their grief. A friend whose child played soccer with Lennon noted that Foley had become like family. "Dana was one of us," the friend wrote. "From soccer parties, to cheering for our boys on the sidelines, to carpooling – we are collectively devastated."
The pizzeria where Foley was employed described her as a "special part of our family." In a Facebook post, the establishment stated, "Dana was deeply loved by all of us, and she will be missed more than words can express. She was a special part of our family, and we will always remember the kindness, warmth, and joy she brought into our lives."
Foley's father, Kevin Foley, posted a heartfelt tribute online, writing, "I’ll forever love you always and forever! My Dana, my first born, my NY Giants partner, my LOVE! Rest now, Rest now. We shall meet again. Love you so much!"
Another friend recalled Foley's infectious laugh and her ability to make others feel special. "She had an incredible way of making people feel special, and her presence made people feel welcomed, remembered, loved, and cared for," the friend wrote.