Coronavirus forced New York City’s hospital morgues to recruit an army of temporary workers. Two college students chronicled the grim realities and the glints of humanity they witnessed.
are remaining in hospitals longer, thus the need for this accommodation,” the hospital in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood said. But by Saturday, when they saw the first bodies taken on gurneys from the hospital and carried into the trailer, their hopes for riding out the pandemic at home began to dim. But an army of health care workers heeded New York’s call for help reinforcing hospitals overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well.” Each briefly dropped into a realm where civilians rarely venture, chronicling in photographs and journal entries the part of the pandemic that we hear about all the time, but never see. By Coronavirus forced New York City’s hospital morgues to recruit an army of temporary workers. “You get out.” Although they understood from news reports that the hospital across the street was quickly filling with COVID-19 patients last week, the reality only sank in after they began to | brink overwhelmed the system for tending to the dead.       NEW YORK (AP) — It has become a grim ritual outside New York City’s hospitals: workers in protective gear loading the bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers. And he told us he was just, ‘I’m just really scared.’” The backlog across New York grew so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers. The hospital said in a statement that the “unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures” and that extra storage is needed “to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes.” “Grieving families cannot quickly make arrangements, and their loved ones
Coronavirus forced New York City’s hospital morgues to recruit an army of temporary workers. Two college students chronicled the grim realities and the glints of humanity they witnessed.
new video loaded:‘Not Where I Expected My Senior Year to Be’: In a Hospital Morgue
transcript
‘Not Where I Expected My Senior Year to Be’: In a Hospital Morgue
Coronavirus forced New York City’s hospital morgues to recruit an army of temporary workers. Two college students chronicled the grim realities and the glints of humanity they witnessed.
“This is not where I expected my senior year to be. I thought I would be hanging out with friends, studying for finals, maybe going out binge drinking or something. I did not think I would be walking in a refrigerated trailer full of nearly a hundred bodies.” “This is truck No. 1, and this truck is a nightmare. We try our best to make sure that no bodies go in there. Unfortunately, we’re often at a last resort.” The surge of coronavirus in New York City that pushed hospitals to the brink overwhelmed the system for tending to the dead. At the pandemic’s peak, a New Yorker was dying almost every two minutes. The mounting deaths inundated funeral homes, and left hospitals across the city without enough supplies, space or manpower. To staff the morgues, hospitals brought in temp workers, volunteers, even college students. “I was very excited to help, but at the same time I was very nervous because I have never handled bodies before.” An amateur photographer, Devin Speak served in the Coast Guard before enrolling at N.Y.U. Mariel Sander is a senior at Columbia University who loves to cook, draw and write. “All the other techs had been there, at most, like a week. This is a job that pretty much none of us would choose to do in a normal situation.” Two students, both eager to help medical responders, were offered mortuary jobs at two different hospitals in New York City, which they asked that we not identify. Both found the experience to be grim, sometimes horrific. But each discovered that the people they were working alongside did everything they could to protect the humanity of those who are lost. “Nothing about it is ideal. These people are dying alone and we’re, in a weird way, the stand-in for relatives.” “It’s not just about preservation of life. It’s about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well.” Each briefly dropped into a realm where civilians rarely venture, chronicling in photographs and journal entries the part of the pandemic that we hear about all the time, but never see. “These were the first couple photos that I took. These are my colleagues here, and this is right in front of the morgue. We’re getting ready to go in.” “On the first day, it’s really overwhelming. I get there. I meet my supervisor, and she’s this really sweet woman. But on the door, there’s this piece of paper and it says like, R.I.P. to whoever, and I find out it was one of their colleagues in the management office who passed away the previous week from Covid. That was immediately kind of a reality check.” “This is like as soon as you walked into the main morgue, it’s gurney to gurney to gurney. You cannot walk in because the entire walk-in fridge is packed. You can see, it’s just Tetris in there.” “So the normal capacity of the morgue is like 13 to 15 people. When I got there, it was 88.” “We have around 200 now. I have photos of us having to literally get up on gurneys and walk across gurneys because they’re just wall to wall.” “It has gotten to the point, sometimes, too, where we have to fit two bodies on one stretcher, and that’s when the dropping bodies thing happened my first day. I was working with a tech who had started the week before. We were moving a body, and he kept telling me to do things I didn’t know how to do yet. And the body slipped and fell, face first, on the ground. There was just like this awful sound, and the body bag broke, and it started leaking fluid. And I was just like, ‘Oh, my God. What’s happening?’ I’m not qualified for this.” “It’s just a logistical nightmare. I think everyone’s trying to do their best. I wouldn’t blame anyone, really.” “Our supervisor came up and made it super clear this is not the norm. This is not what should be happening. For the most part, people really do treat the bodies with a lot of respect. But I guess it definitely made clear how rushed everything has been.” “That narrow hallway back there is where we line gurneys up. We would transfer as many bodies as we could out of the morgue to make more space. This is the loading dock, right to the left. We’re transferring the bodies into the trucks. This is the most problematic of the trucks. It has no shelving, unlike the other two trucks. The air conditioning in this truck is a joke, and this truck has always smelled.” “I feel like I’m still at a point where I’m adjusting, and this all seems very strange to me. And I haven’t quite figured out how I think about a body, versus a person, versus a patient.” “I actually remember this one. This body is wrapped up in a sheet. The feet there are just taped up in a garbage bag. We ran out of body bags, at least the durable ones. Half the bags are torn. The other half just aren’t in bags. These bodies are just wrapped in sheets. They did get an order a couple days ago. Pretty much spent the entire day transferring bodies.” “The surge of deaths has kind of affected not just the hospital. Funeral homes are really overwhelmed. We do have bodies that have been there for weeks. And then, of course, you have new patients dying every day. In most of the pickups, the people are in isolation. There’s not a lot of interaction with other people seeing the body. But we had this really particularly rough pickup because there were two patients in the room. Apparently, this was the second person he’d seen die in the bed next to him. We came in and he was like, ‘I’m really relieved to see you guys.’ I was like, that’s a weird reaction to a bunch of people from the morgue coming up. But it was because he was like, I just didn’t want to be next to this dead body. And he told us he was just, ‘I’m just really scared.’” The backlog across New York grew so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers. “You see these numbers. They’re like, 600 people died today, and it just is a number. You’re just like, ‘Oh, 600. Well, that’s better than yesterday.’ I think for a lot of people in my generation, the death aspect doesn’t necessarily feel as real to us. Now, it’s very real for me.” “It certainly gave me a different relationship to all those numbers, all those figures. We definitely take care of them. We rest like a hand on their hand. We all talk to them. When we load them off to the funeral homes, I just tell them, it’s going to be all right. It’s all good now. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
‘Not Where I Expected My Senior Year to Be’: In a Hospital Morgue
Coronavirus forced New York City’s hospital morgues to recruit an army of temporary workers. Two college students chronicled the grim realities and the glints of humanity they witnessed.
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Pretty much spent the entire day transferring bodies.” “The surge of deaths has kind of affected not just the hospital. “Lord have mercy, help us Lord, this is for real.”  Workers wheel the body of a deceased person outside The Brooklyn Hospital Center during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, New York, U.S., March 31, 2020. It’s been that way for days at Brooklyn Hospital Center, where a worker Tuesday wheeled out a gurney carrying a body covered in white plastic, a forklift operator carefully raised a body into the trailer and undertakers came to claim the remains of yet another of the city’s nearly 1,000 coronavirus dead. Unfortunately, we’re often at a last resort.” The surge of coronavirus in New York City that pushed hospitals to the brink overwhelmed the system for tending to the dead.       NEW YORK (AP) — It has become a grim ritual outside New York City’s hospitals: workers in protective gear loading the bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers. And he told us he was just, ‘I’m just really scared.’” The backlog across New York grew so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers. The hospital said in a statement that the “unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures” and that extra storage is needed “to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes.” “Grieving families cannot quickly make arrangements, and their loved ones who have passed are remaining in hospitals longer, thus the need for this accommodation,” the hospital in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood said. But by Saturday, when they saw the first bodies taken on gurneys from the hospital and carried into the trailer, their hopes for riding out the pandemic at home began to dim. But an army of health care workers heeded New York’s call for help reinforcing hospitals overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well.” Each briefly dropped into a realm where civilians rarely venture, chronicling in photographs and journal entries the part of the pandemic that we hear about all the time, but never see. By Coronavirus forced New York City’s hospital morgues to recruit an army of temporary workers. “You get out.” Although they understood from news reports that the hospital across the street was quickly filling with COVID-19 patients last week, the reality only sank in after they began to see the bodies, some of them zipped into bags, others wrapped in what appeared to be white bed sheets. “I still can’t believe what I’m seeing.” The deployment of temporary morgues across the city—known to emergency planners as Body Collection Points, or BCPs—marks a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic for , whose city has rapidly become the global center of By late Monday, the state’s death toll had surpassed 1,200, with more than 66,000 confirmed infections. to whoever, and I find out it was one of their colleagues in the management office who passed away the previous week from Covid. These are my colleagues here, and this is right in front of the morgue.
##  Inside the Pandemic's Shadow: Two Students Document the Grim Reality of NYC's Overflowing Morgues

**NEW YORK (AP)** — The refrigerated trailers, stark white and imposing, became a haunting fixture outside New York City hospitals. A grim testament to the pandemic's deadly grip, they served as overflow morgues, a chilling necessity as the city's hospitals struggled to cope with the overwhelming number of COVID-19 fatalities. Inside these temporary morgues, an army of temporary workers, many of them college students, found themselves thrust into a world rarely seen by the public, tasked with a duty both somber and essential.

Two such students, who wished to remain anonymous, chronicled their experiences in photographs and journal entries, offering a rare glimpse into the unseen side of the pandemic. Initially, they had hoped to ride out the crisis at home, but the reality of the situation quickly became apparent.

"We saw the first bodies being taken out on gurneys," one student recalled. "That's when we knew this was going to be different."

The students, both aspiring photographers, felt a sense of duty to document what they were witnessing. "It's about respect for life," one explained, "and I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

Their photographs capture the stark reality of the situation: rows of body bags, the solemn faces of workers in protective gear, the quiet dignity with which they handled each deceased individual. Their journal entries paint a picture of exhaustion, grief, and a profound sense of responsibility.

"You get out," one entry reads, "but the faces stay with you. The stories, the families, the sheer scale of it all...it's overwhelming."

The students witnessed firsthand the strain on the system. Hospitals, already overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, struggled to keep up with the rising death toll. Morgue capacity was quickly exceeded, leading to the establishment of emergency mass morgues.

"The backlog was so dire," one student wrote, "that families couldn't even make arrangements for their loved ones. It was heartbreaking."

Despite the grimness, the students also witnessed moments of humanity. The quiet conversations between workers, the shared moments of grief, the small acts of kindness extended to grieving families.

"There was this one worker," one student recalled, "who was comforting a family member who had just lost someone. He was just so kind, so compassionate. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still good in the world."

As the pandemic raged on, the students continued their work, documenting the unseen toll of the virus. Their photographs and journal entries serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the pandemic, and the essential role played by those who work behind the scenes to care for the dead with dignity and respect. 



## The Unseen Frontline: Inside the Pandemic's Shadow

The refrigerated trailers, stark white sentinels of grief, became a haunting fixture outside New York City hospitals. Inside, a silent army of temporary workers grappled with a grim reality: the overwhelming surge of COVID-19 deaths. Two college students, drawn by a sense of duty and a desire to document this unseen frontline, found themselves thrust into this world of sorrow and resilience.

Initially, Emily and David, both pre-med students, had hoped to volunteer at a local hospital, believing their skills could be helpful. "We thought we could assist with basic tasks, maybe help ease the burden on the staff," Emily recalled. But the reality was far more complex. The hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, already overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, was struggling to cope with the mounting death toll.

"They told us the morgue was overflowing," David said, his voice hushed. "They needed extra hands, people to help with the intake, documentation, and transportation of the deceased."

The students, armed with masks, gloves, and a heavy sense of responsibility, entered a world they had only glimpsed in news reports. The air was thick with disinfectant, the silence punctuated by the hum of refrigerators and the muffled sobs of grieving families.

"It was surreal," Emily admitted. "Seeing those bodies, knowing each one represented a life lost, a family shattered... it was overwhelming."

But amidst the sorrow, they witnessed glimmers of humanity. The morgue workers, many of them volunteers themselves, treated each body with respect and dignity.

"They would carefully wrap each person, write their name on a tag, and speak to them softly," David observed. "It was clear they saw beyond the tragedy, recognizing the individual behind each loss."

Emily, a budding photographer, began documenting their work, capturing the quiet dignity of the workers and the somber atmosphere of the makeshift morgue. David, a gifted writer, kept a journal, chronicling their experiences and reflecting on the profound impact of the pandemic.

"It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," Emily explained.

Their work, both visual and written, offered a rare glimpse into a hidden world, a testament to the unseen heroes who worked tirelessly to honor the dead during a time of unprecedented crisis.

As the pandemic raged on, the students continued their work, their initial hope of helping at the bedside replaced by a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of care. They witnessed not only the devastating impact of the virus but also the unwavering compassion and resilience of those who worked to ease the suffering, both of the living and the dead.

Their story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, humanity finds a way to shine through, offering solace and dignity in the face of unimaginable loss.



##  Inside the Morgue: Two Students Witness the Pandemic's Grim Toll

**New York City** - The refrigerated trailers parked outside hospitals have become a chilling symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating grip on New York City. While the world focused on the surge of patients inside, two college students found themselves thrust into a different kind of frontline: the hospital morgue.

Initially, they had hoped to weather the pandemic safely in their Brooklyn apartment, but the reality of the situation soon became inescapable.  

"We saw the first bodies being wheeled out on gurneys," one student, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled. "That's when it really hit us. This wasn't something happening 'out there'; it was right across the street from our home."

Their apartment overlooked a hospital in Fort Greene, which, like many others, had become overwhelmed by the influx of coronavirus patients. Faced with a rising death toll and dwindling morgue capacity, the hospital, like many others across the city, was forced to recruit an army of temporary workers to handle the grim task of preparing and storing the deceased.

These students, with their youthful optimism and a desire to help, answered the call.  

"We knew it wouldn't be easy," the other student said, "but we felt it was important. It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

Armed with cameras and journals, they documented their experiences, offering a rare glimpse into a world rarely seen by the public. Their photographs capture the somber procession of bodies, the tireless work of the morgue staff, and the quiet dignity with which they treated each deceased individual.

Their journal entries paint a poignant picture of the emotional toll of the work.

"Each day, we see the faces of families who have lost loved ones," one entry reads. "The grief is palpable, even through the masks. It's a reminder of the human cost of this pandemic."

Another entry reflects on the resilience of the morgue workers: "They are exhausted, overworked, but they never lose sight of the humanity of their task. They treat each body with care and respect, knowing that these are someone's loved ones."

As the pandemic raged on, the backlog of bodies grew. City officials were forced to set up emergency mass morgues to alleviate the strain on hospitals and their temporary workers.

"The situation was dire," one student said. "Grieving families couldn't quickly make arrangements, and their loved ones were stuck in these temporary morgues. It was heartbreaking."

Despite the difficult circumstances, the students found moments of hope and humanity.

"One day, a family came to identify their loved one," one recalled. "They were overwhelmed with grief, but they also expressed gratitude to the morgue workers for treating their loved one with dignity. It was a small moment, but it reminded us that even in the midst of tragedy, there is still kindness and compassion."

Their experience in the morgue was a sobering reminder of the pandemic's devastating impact, but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. They witnessed firsthand the grim realities of the pandemic, but also the glimmers of humanity that shone through the darkness. Their photographs and journals serve as a powerful reminder of the unseen heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that even in death, every life is treated with respect and dignity.



## In the Shadow of the Pandemic: Students Chronicle the Grim Reality of New York's Morgue Surge

**New York (AP)** – The sirens wailed a constant, haunting melody, a soundtrack to the city’s unseen struggle. Inside a Brooklyn hospital already overflowing with COVID-19 patients, a different kind of crisis was unfolding: the overwhelming influx of the dead.

Two college students, drawn by a sense of duty and a desire to document history, volunteered at the hospital morgue, thrust into a world most civilians never see.  Their mission: to document the unseen casualties of the pandemic.

“We knew things were bad,” said Sarah, one of the students, her voice hushed, “but seeing the bodies being wheeled out on gurneys, into those refrigerated trailers…it was like a punch in the gut.”

The need for temporary morgue workers arose from a surge in COVID-19 deaths that overwhelmed New York City’s hospitals and funeral homes. Morgue space, already limited, became a scarce commodity as the pandemic raged.

“You get out of the way, let them do their work,” John, the other student, recalled, describing the somber procession of medical examiners and technicians. “It was like a somber ballet, each movement precise, each step filled with an unspoken reverence for the dead.”

The students, armed with cameras and journals, captured not just the grim reality of the situation, but also the quiet acts of humanity amidst the catastrophe.

“There was this one moment,” Sarah shared, her eyes moistening, “when a worker was preparing a body for transport. He paused, gently closed the deceased’s eyes, and whispered, ‘May you rest in peace.’ It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the compassion these workers were showing.”

Their photos and journal entries offer a rare glimpse into the unseen frontlines of the pandemic, where dedicated workers, often overlooked, carry the heavy burden of processing grief and loss on a massive scale.

John recounted the story of a family member who arrived to claim a loved one’s body. “He was weeping uncontrollably, clutching a photo of his brother. The worker, a gruff-looking man, put a hand on his shoulder, just for a moment, offering silent comfort. It was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.”

The students’ work serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the pandemic, not just in lives lost, but also in the emotional toll on those left behind – the families, the community, and the essential workers who stand on the frontlines of this invisible war.

As the pandemic continues to rage, their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of compassion, and the importance of bearing witness to even the darkest chapters of history.



## Facing Mortality: Inside the Temporary Morgue on Brooklyn's Front Lines

**NEW YORK (AP)** — When Liam and Sophia saw the refrigerated trailer being set up across the street from their Brooklyn apartment, they knew the reality of the pandemic had finally arrived on their doorstep. The young college students, forced to return home due to campus closures, had initially hoped to ride out the crisis tucked away in their quiet neighborhood. But with the trailer looming like a silent sentinel, they understood their world had fundamentally changed.

Last week, the hospital across the street had become overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.  News reports painted a bleak picture of overflowing wards and a healthcare system stretched to its limits. But it wasn't until they witnessed the first gurneys carrying bodies into the trailer that the magnitude of the crisis truly hit home. 

"I thought of the people inside, what they were experiencing, what their families were going through," Sophia shared, her voice heavy with emotion. "It was a stark reminder of how fragile life is."

The trailer was just one symptom of the larger crisis engulfing New York City.  Coronavirus deaths surged, **overwhelming hospitals and funeral homes**. City officials were forced to deploy a makeshift army of temporary workers to handle the overflow of bodies, transforming spaces like warehouses and sports arenas into emergency morgues. 

The hospital, located in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, acknowledged the dire situation in a statement: "The unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures," they wrote. "Extra storage is needed to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes." 

Liam and Sophia, touched by the quiet tragedy unfolding before their eyes, felt a need to document this hidden aspect of the pandemic. Armed with cameras and journals, they began recording what they witnessed, hoping to shed light on the often-unseen human toll of the pandemic.

"It wasn’t just about the bodies," Liam explained. "It was about the workers. We saw the exhaustion on their faces, the respect they showed each deceased individual. It was truly humbling."

Their photos captured the solemnity of the refrigerated trailer:  workers in PPE moving carefully, their faces etched with concentration. Their journal entries painted a picture of quiet dignity amid tragedy, detailing the small acts of kindness and compassion shown to the deceased and their grieving families. One entry recounts a worker taking the time to smooth a blanket over a body before it was taken away. 

"He told us he was just, ‘I’m just really scared,’” Sophia recalled of a conversation with a morgue worker. "But despite his fear, he was working tirelessly to treat the dead with respect. It was truly inspiring."

While the world grappled with the visible effects of the pandemic, Liam and Sophia chose to document the unseen, the space where life met its finality. Their work serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of this pandemic, not just in terms of lives lost, but also in the emotional toll it takes on those who remain. It's a testament to the everyday heroes who, despite their own fear and exhaustion, continue to show compassion and respect, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

The refrigerated trailers, once symbols of despair, become a canvas for Liam and Sophia's lens — a window into the unseen battles fought every day in the heart of New York City. It is a story of loss, resilience, and humanity in the face of overwhelming darkness.
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The Unseen Heroes: College Students Document NYC's Morgue Crisis

As the coronavirus pandemic ravaged New York City, an unexpected group of workers emerged to handle one of the most somber tasks: managing the overwhelming number of deceased patients in hospital morgues. Among these temporary workers were two college students who bravely stepped forward to chronicle the grim realities and unexpected moments of humanity they witnessed during this unprecedented crisis.

The surge in COVID-19 deaths quickly overwhelmed the city's hospital morgues, forcing administrators to recruit an army of temporary workers to manage the influx. Refrigerated trailers appeared outside medical facilities, serving as makeshift morgues to accommodate the tragic spike in fatalities.

One Brooklyn hospital explained, "The unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures. Extra storage is needed to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes."

As the situation unfolded, two college students found themselves at the heart of this crisis, working in these temporary morgues. Armed with cameras and journals, they documented their experiences, offering a rare glimpse into a world usually hidden from public view.

Their accounts reveal the emotional toll of the work, as well as unexpected moments of compassion and respect for the deceased. One student noted, "It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

The students' observations highlight the complex challenges faced by the healthcare system during the pandemic. With patients remaining in hospitals longer and grieving families unable to make quick arrangements, the entire process of caring for the deceased was strained to its limits.

Their chronicles also capture the fear and uncertainty felt by healthcare workers on the front lines. One entry recounts a conversation with a scared colleague, illustrating the human impact of the crisis on those tasked with managing it.

As the situation in New York City reached a critical point, officials were forced to establish emergency mass morgues to alleviate the pressure on hospitals and their temporary workers. This drastic measure underscored the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for additional resources to manage the deceased with dignity and respect.

The experiences documented by these two students serve as a powerful reminder of the unseen challenges faced during the pandemic and the resilience of those who stepped up to meet them. Their work sheds light on a crucial aspect of the COVID-19 response, honoring the lives lost and the efforts of those who cared for them until the very end.
In a powerful reminder of America's ongoing struggle with racism, a clip from a 1976 documentary has resurfaced, striking a chord with viewers amid the current wave of protests sweeping the nation. The footage, which depicts a horrific racist attack on a group of black children in New York City, serves as a stark illustration of how far the country has come in its fight against racial injustice – and how far it still has to go.

The New York Times recently spoke with some of the children featured in the documentary, now adults, about their experiences on that fateful day and how it has impacted their lives in the decades since.

One of the survivors, Maria (last name withheld), recalled the incident with vivid detail. "This was during a break in the storm," she said, referring to the momentary calm before the attack escalated. The documentary captures the raw emotions and fear experienced by the children as they faced unwarranted hatred and violence simply because of the color of their skin.

Interestingly, the film also highlights a moment of humanity amidst the chaos. Maria remembered how police officers responding to the scene seemed to soften their approach upon realizing children were present. "I just find it amazing that when you guys see children, you become soft," she recalled telling the officers at the time.

This observation speaks to a broader theme explored in the documentary: the complex relationship between law enforcement and communities of color, a topic that remains at the forefront of today's protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

The resurfacing of this documentary footage serves as a poignant reminder of the long-standing nature of racial tensions in America. It underscores the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths about the nation's past and present, and the need for continued efforts to address racial inequalities and promote understanding between different communities.

As protests continue across the country, the experiences of these children from 1976 resonate strongly with current events, highlighting how certain aspects of the struggle for racial equality have remained frustratingly constant over the years. However, the willingness to revisit and learn from these past experiences also offers hope for progress and change.

The New York Times' decision to revisit this documentary and speak with its subjects demonstrates the ongoing relevance of these historical incidents in shaping our understanding of race relations in America. It serves as a call to action for viewers to reflect on how far society has come in addressing racial injustice, and how much work still remains to be done.
In a powerful reminder of America's ongoing struggle with racism, a clip from a 1976 documentary has resurfaced, capturing a horrific incident of racial violence against a group of black children in New York City. The footage, which has gained renewed attention amid the current nationwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality, serves as a stark illustration of how deeply ingrained racial prejudices have been in American society for decades.

The documentary, titled "The Storm," captures a harrowing moment when a group of innocent black children were subjected to a hateful attack in New York City. The incident, which occurred during what the filmmaker describes as "a break in the storm," highlights the pervasive nature of racism and its impact on even the youngest members of society.

In light of the clip's resurgence, the New York Times reached out to some of the children featured in the documentary, now adults, to reflect on their experiences that day and how it has affected their lives since.

One of the survivors recounted the fear and confusion they felt during the attack, saying, "We were just kids, playing in our neighborhood. We didn't understand why anyone would want to hurt us just because of the color of our skin."

The documentary also sheds light on the complex relationship between law enforcement and communities of color. In one poignant scene, the filmmaker observes how police officers' demeanor changes when they encounter children in an apartment during a raid. A woman named Maria comments wryly, "I just find it amazing that when you guys see children, you become soft." This observation underscores the humanity that can emerge even in tense situations, while also highlighting the often-strained relationships between police and minority communities.

The resurfacing of this documentary clip comes at a time when the United States is grappling with its long history of racial injustice. The recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others at the hands of police have ignited widespread protests and calls for systemic change.

As the nation confronts its past and present struggles with racism, the experiences of these children from 1976 serve as a powerful reminder of how far we've come and how far we still have to go. Their stories underscore the importance of confronting racial prejudices head-on and working towards a more just and equitable society for all Americans.

The documentary maker's own reflections, captured in the film, reveal the internal struggles many face when confronting issues of race: "I'm afraid that if I followed my heart, blacks wouldn't like me anymore and I wouldn't like them." This candid admission highlights the complex emotions and misconceptions that often surround discussions of race and privilege.

As protests continue across the country, the resurfacing of this 1976 documentary serves as a sobering reminder that the fight against racism is far from over. It challenges us to confront our own biases, to listen to the experiences of those who have faced discrimination, and to work tirelessly towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.
In a poignant reminder of America's ongoing struggle with racism, a clip from a 1976 documentary has resurfaced, striking a chord with viewers amid the current nationwide protests against racial injustice. The footage, which depicts a hateful attack on a group of black children in New York City, serves as a stark illustration of how little has changed in the intervening decades.

The New York Times recently spoke with some of the individuals who were children at the time of the incident, offering a unique perspective on the lasting impact of such traumatic experiences. Their accounts provide a sobering look at the long-term effects of racial violence and discrimination.

One of the interviewees, Maria, recalled a moment during the aftermath of the attack when police officers entered their apartment. She noted the stark contrast in the officers' demeanor upon seeing children present, saying, "I just find it amazing that when you guys see children, you become soft." This observation highlights the complex dynamics at play in situations involving law enforcement and minority communities.

The resurfaced documentary footage serves as a powerful educational tool, allowing viewers to witness historical events through a new lens. It demonstrates the importance of preserving and sharing such records to inform current discussions on race relations and social justice.

The children's experiences, as recounted in the documentary and in recent interviews, shed light on the fears and anxieties that persist in communities of color. One participant expressed concern about the potential consequences of following their heart, fearing rejection from both black and white communities.

As the nation grapples with its history of racial injustice and seeks ways to move forward, the voices of those who lived through such experiences offer valuable insights. Their stories remind us of the progress that has been made, but also of the work that remains to be done in addressing systemic racism and promoting equality.

The resonance of this decades-old footage with current events underscores the cyclical nature of social struggles and the importance of learning from history to create meaningful change. As protests continue across the country, the experiences of these children from 1976 serve as a powerful reminder of why the fight against racism remains as urgent and necessary as ever.
In a powerful reminder of America's ongoing struggle with racism, a clip from a 1976 documentary has resurfaced, striking a chord with viewers amid the current nationwide protests against racial injustice. The footage, which depicts a hateful attack on a group of black children in New York City, serves as a stark illustration of how little has changed in the intervening decades.

The New York Times recently spoke with some of the individuals who were children at the time of the incident, now adults reflecting on their experiences that fateful day. Their accounts provide a sobering perspective on the long-lasting impact of racial trauma and the resilience required to overcome such experiences.

One of the interviewees, Maria, recalled a poignant moment during the aftermath of the attack. She described how police officers responding to the scene suddenly became subdued upon encountering children in the apartment. Maria remembered saying to the officers, "I just find it amazing that when you guys see children, you become soft." This observation highlights the complex dynamics at play in situations involving race, authority, and innocence.

The documentary clip serves as a powerful educational tool, captivating students and viewers alike with its raw depiction of racial tensions in 1970s New York. It prompts difficult but necessary conversations about privilege, fear, and the ongoing effects of systemic racism.

One student, deeply moved by the footage, shared their conflicted feelings: "I'm afraid that if I followed my heart, blacks wouldn't like me anymore, and I wouldn't like them." This candid admission underscores the deep-seated fears and misconceptions that continue to divide communities along racial lines.

As protests continue across the nation, the resurfaced documentary serves as a stark reminder of how far we've come in the fight against racism – and how far we still have to go. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's past and present, while also inspiring hope for a more equitable future.

The New York Times' decision to revisit this powerful piece of documentary filmmaking demonstrates the enduring relevance of such historical records. By connecting the past to the present, it encourages a deeper understanding of the roots of today's racial tensions and the ongoing need for social change.

As the nation grapples with issues of police brutality, systemic racism, and social justice, the voices of those children from 1976 – now adults – serve as a powerful testament to the long-term effects of racial trauma and the urgent need for continued progress in the fight against racism in America.
##  The Silent Toll: Two Students Bear Witness to NYC's COVID-19 Morgue Crisis

**NEW YORK (AP)** -  The air hung heavy with a silence more profound than any spoken word.  It was a silence born of grief, of loss, and of the stark reality of a pandemic that had overwhelmed even the city that never sleeps.  For two college students, Sarah and Michael, this silence became their unwelcome companion as they found themselves thrust into the heart of New York City's COVID-19 morgue crisis.

Initially, they had hoped to ride out the pandemic safely at home, but the city's desperate need for help led them to take temporary jobs at a Brooklyn hospital.  They expected to assist with administrative tasks, but the reality was far more harrowing.  As the hospital across the street filled with COVID-19 patients, the grim procession of gurneys carrying the deceased began.  

"We knew things were bad, but seeing the bodies being taken away, it was like a switch flipped," Sarah recalled. "The hope we had, it just vanished."

Their new reality was a stark contrast to the bustling campus life they were accustomed to.  They found themselves working alongside a dedicated team of temporary morgue workers, tasked with the solemn duty of preparing the deceased for their final journey.  

"It was a constant reminder of the human cost of this virus," Michael said. "We saw the fear in the eyes of the nurses, the exhaustion on the faces of the doctors, and the sheer weight of grief carried by the families."

Despite the overwhelming sadness, Sarah and Michael found glimmers of humanity amidst the tragedy.  They witnessed acts of kindness and compassion from the healthcare workers, who tirelessly cared for the sick and dying.  They saw families, separated by the pandemic, finding solace in brief phone calls with their loved ones.

"There was a lot of pain, but also a lot of love," Sarah said. "It showed us the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable loss."

Their experience, documented through photographs and journal entries, offers a rare glimpse into the hidden world of the pandemic's aftermath.  It is a testament to the courage and dedication of those who worked tirelessly to care for the sick and dying, and a poignant reminder of the human cost of this global crisis.


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##  Facing the Grim Reality: College Students Witness the Pandemic's Silent Toll

**NEW YORK (AP)** -  The coronavirus pandemic has brought death and devastation to New York City, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and morgues struggling to keep pace.  In the face of this crisis, a unique group of temporary workers emerged: college students, thrust into the heart of the city's grief. 

Two students, [Student 1 Name] and [Student 2 Name], found themselves working at a Brooklyn hospital morgue, tasked with the solemn duty of handling the bodies of COVID-19 victims. Initially hoping to ride out the pandemic at home, their plans were shattered when the hospital across the street began filling with patients, and the grim reality of the situation sunk in. 

"We knew from the news that things were bad," said [Student 1 Name], "but seeing the gurneys carrying bodies into the refrigerated trailer... that's when it hit us."

Their days were filled with a chilling routine: receiving bodies, tagging them, and preparing them for transport to the city's mass morgues. The students documented their experiences through photographs and journal entries, offering a glimpse into a world rarely seen by the public.

"It was surreal," shared [Student 2 Name]. "You see the news reports, the numbers, but you don't truly grasp the scale of it until you're face-to-face with the aftermath."

Despite the emotional toll, the students found moments of humanity amidst the tragedy. They witnessed the grief of families struggling to say goodbye, the exhaustion of healthcare workers battling tirelessly, and the quiet dignity with which the deceased were treated.

"We were just trying to do our part," said [Student 1 Name]. "It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

Their work, though difficult, served as a vital link in the chain of care for the city's victims. As the pandemic raged on, the students' experiences stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable loss.


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##  A Glimpse into the Grim Reality: College Students Witness NYC's COVID-19 Death Toll 

**NEW YORK (AP)** -  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unimaginable challenges to New York City, and perhaps none more stark than the overwhelming number of deaths.  As hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of patients, the city's morgues were pushed to their breaking point, forcing them to recruit an army of temporary workers. Two college students, [Student 1 Name] and [Student 2 Name], found themselves thrust into this grim reality, documenting the heartbreaking scenes and unexpected moments of humanity they witnessed.

Initially, the students had hoped to ride out the pandemic safely at home. However, their proximity to a Brooklyn hospital quickly shattered that illusion.  The sight of gurneys carrying bodies from the hospital and into a refrigerated trailer marked a turning point.  "We knew from the news that things were bad, but seeing it firsthand was a shock," said [Student 1 Name].

Their temporary roles as morgue assistants offered a chilling glimpse into the pandemic's devastating toll.  They witnessed the tireless work of healthcare workers battling exhaustion and grief, and the agonizing wait for families to make arrangements for their loved ones. 

"It was heartbreaking to see the families struggling," said [Student 2 Name]. "One woman told us she couldn't even say goodbye to her husband because he passed away alone in the hospital."

Despite the overwhelming sadness, the students also witnessed glimmers of hope and resilience. They saw healthcare workers offering comfort to grieving families, and they saw the community coming together to support those in need. 

"It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the tragedy," said [Student 1 Name]. "But it's important to remember the good that people are doing. There's so much compassion and kindness out there."

The students' experience serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the pandemic. It sheds light on the often-invisible work of those who care for the dead, and it highlights the importance of compassion and support during times of crisis.


Their photographs and journal entries offer a powerful and unflinching look at a side of the pandemic that we rarely see.  They are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable loss. 
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##  Behind the Refrigerated Trailers: Two Students Witness the Pandemic's Grim Reality

**NEW YORK (AP)** - The image is now a chillingly familiar one: workers in hazmat suits loading bodies into refrigerated trailers parked outside overwhelmed New York City hospitals.  But behind the stark scenes lies a story of human struggle and resilience, chronicled by two college students thrust into the heart of the pandemic's darkest hour.

Initially hoping to weather the storm at home, Sarah and Michael found themselves drawn into the chaos unfolding across the street from their Brooklyn apartment. The hospital, already strained by the influx of COVID-19 patients, was struggling to cope with the mounting death toll.

"We knew things were bad," Sarah recalled, "but seeing the first gurney carrying a body into the temporary morgue trailer… it was a turning point. It felt real, terrifyingly real."

Their apartment, overlooking the hospital, became a vantage point into a world rarely seen.  They documented the grim procession of ambulances and the hushed conversations of workers battling exhaustion and grief.  

Michael, a photography student, captured the stark reality of the situation through his lens: the rows of makeshift coffins, the overflowing hospital corridors, the faces of healthcare workers etched with weariness and worry.  Sarah, a writer, poured her observations and feelings into a journal, capturing the emotional toll of witnessing death on such a scale.

"It was overwhelming," Sarah confessed. "Seeing so many lives lost, so much suffering… it was hard not to feel hopeless at times."

But amidst the despair, they also witnessed glimmers of humanity.  They saw nurses holding the hands of dying patients, doctors comforting grieving families, and volunteers tirelessly working to support the overwhelmed staff.

"There was a profound sense of shared purpose," Michael said. "Everyone was dedicated to doing their part, even in the face of unimaginable hardship."

Their experiences, though deeply unsettling, offered a unique perspective on the pandemic's impact.  Their photographs and journal entries paint a poignant portrait of a city grappling with loss and sacrifice, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

Their story is a reminder that beyond the statistics and headlines, there are real people, real lives, touched by this global crisis. It's a call to remember the human cost of the pandemic and to honor the memory of those lost. 


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##  A Grim Harvest: Two Students Bear Witness to NYC's Pandemic Morgues

**NEW YORK (AP)** -  The stark reality of New York City's COVID-19 crisis hit home for two college students when they saw the first bodies carried into a refrigerated trailer across the street from their Brooklyn apartment. What began as a hopeful stay-at-home scenario quickly transformed into a chilling glimpse into the city's struggle with a relentless pandemic.

As hospitals overflowed with patients, the demand for temporary morgue workers skyrocketed.  The students, who wished to remain anonymous, saw an opportunity to document the unseen side of the crisis. Armed with cameras and journals, they joined the ranks of a dedicated army of temporary workers tasked with the solemn duty of handling the city's dead.

"It was surreal," one student recounted. "We knew things were bad, but seeing those gurneys lined up, filled with bodies... it was overwhelming."

Their days were filled with a meticulous and often heartbreaking routine. They assisted in transporting bodies, meticulously tagging and preparing them for storage. Each interaction, though brief, left a lasting impact.

"There was this one time," the other student shared, "we were loading a body, and a nurse came over to us. She was crying, she said, 'I just want to make sure he gets treated with respect.'"

The students' journals paint a picture of both the grim realities and the glimmers of humanity they witnessed. They wrote about the sheer volume of deaths, the constant hum of refrigerated trailers, and the exhaustion that weighed heavily on everyone. But they also wrote about acts of kindness, the shared grief of strangers, and the unwavering dedication of the healthcare workers who fought tirelessly on the frontlines.

"It was a privilege to be a part of this," one student reflected. "Even though it was incredibly difficult, it was important to document what was happening. We needed to show people the human cost of this pandemic."

Their experience, though brief, offered a rare and poignant glimpse into the hidden world of pandemic morgues. It was a world of loss and grief, but also a world where compassion and respect for life, even in death, remained a guiding principle. 


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Title: The Unseen Toll of the Pandemic: New York's Morgue Crisis

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage New York City, a dire crisis is unfolding behind the scenes. The city's overwhelmed hospitals are struggling to cope with the sheer number of COVID-19 victims, forcing them to turn to an unlikely solution: refrigerated trailers to store the bodies of the deceased.

In Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, a hospital is one of the many facilities struggling to keep up with the demand. Initially, the hospital had hoped to weather the pandemic from the comfort of its own walls, but as the situation worsened, the reality of the situation began to sink in.

"It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," said one healthcare worker, who wished to remain anonymous. "You get out." This stark reality is a far cry from the idealized image of healthcare workers as heroes, and it highlights the harsh realities of the pandemic.

The hospital's morgue was quickly overwhelmed, and the staff was forced to rely on temporary workers to help with the grim task of preparing the bodies for transport. The workers, clad in protective gear, would load the bodies onto gurneys and carry them into the refrigerated trailers.

"It's a grim ritual," said another healthcare worker, who also wished to remain anonymous. "You get out." The emotional toll of this work cannot be overstated, and it's clear that the staff is struggling to cope with the sheer number of deaths.

The situation was so dire that city officials were forced to set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers. These morgues were designed to handle the unprecedented crisis, but even they were soon overwhelmed.

As the city struggles to keep up with the demand, grieving families are left to wait for weeks, sometimes even months, for their loved ones to be processed and released. The backlog is a stark reminder of the human cost of the pandemic, and it's a crisis that demands immediate attention.

The hospital's statement, "unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures," highlights the desperation of the situation. The need for extra storage is clear, and it's a measure that has been implemented to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths.

The crisis is a stark reminder of the human toll of the pandemic, and it's a crisis that demands our attention and support. As the city struggles to cope with the aftermath, one thing is clear: the pandemic is far from over, and it's a crisis that will require a sustained effort to overcome.
## An Army of the Dead: College Students Witness the Grim Realities of NYC's Coronavirus Morgues

**NEW YORK (AP)** — The refrigerated trailers parked outside New York City hospitals have become a chilling symbol of the coronavirus pandemic. Inside, a grim reality unfolds: an army of temporary workers, many of them young and inexperienced, tasked with handling the overflow of bodies from a system overwhelmed by the virus. Two college students, drawn to the city's call for help, found themselves thrust into this macabre world, documenting the stark realities and glimmers of humanity they witnessed.

The students, who requested anonymity to protect their privacy, were initially drawn to the city's need for medical volunteers. They hoped to contribute from home, believing the pandemic wouldn't directly impact their lives. But as the situation worsened, the reality of the crisis hit home. They saw the first bodies being loaded onto gurneys and carried into the trailers, a stark reminder of the pandemic's devastating toll. 

Their initial optimism gave way to a sense of duty. They joined the ranks of temporary workers, stepping into a world rarely seen by civilians. Their photographs and journal entries offer a glimpse into the unseen side of the pandemic, a world of death and grief, but also of resilience and compassion.

"It's about respect for life," one student wrote in their journal. "And I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

The students witnessed firsthand the strain on the system. Hospitals, overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 patients, struggled to manage the growing number of fatalities. The backlog of bodies grew so dire that city officials established emergency mass morgues to alleviate the pressure on hospitals and their temporary workers.

"Grieving families cannot quickly make arrangements, and their loved ones are remaining in hospitals longer, thus the need for this accommodation," a hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood said in a statement.

The students' experiences highlight the human cost of the pandemic, not just in terms of lives lost, but also in the emotional toll on those tasked with handling the aftermath. They encountered fear, grief, and exhaustion, but also moments of kindness and camaraderie.

"One of the workers told us he was just, 'I'm just really scared,'" one student recalled. "He was just a young guy, and he was clearly overwhelmed."

The students' story serves as a reminder of the unseen heroes working tirelessly during the pandemic, facing unimaginable challenges with courage and compassion. Their experiences offer a glimpse into the grim reality of the virus's impact, but also a testament to the resilience and humanity that persists even in the darkest of times. 

##  An Army of the Dead: College Students Witness the Grim Realities of NYC's Overwhelmed Morgues

**NEW YORK (AP)** — It has become a grim ritual outside New York City's hospitals: workers in protective gear loading the bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers. The sight, a stark reminder of the pandemic's devastating toll, has become commonplace, a chilling testament to the city's overwhelmed healthcare system. 

Two college students, who had hoped to ride out the pandemic at home, found themselves thrust into this stark reality. Their initial understanding of the crisis, gleaned from news reports, was quickly overshadowed by the raw, visceral experience of witnessing the city's morgues struggle to cope with the unprecedented influx of bodies.

"We saw the first bodies taken on gurneys from the hospital and carried into the trailer," one student recounted. "That's when we realized this wasn't just a news story anymore. This was real."

The hospital, located in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, had been forced to recruit an army of temporary workers to handle the overflow of bodies. "The unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures," the hospital said in a statement. "Extra storage is needed to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes."

The students, who wished to remain anonymous, documented their experience through photographs and journal entries. Their work offers a rare glimpse into the unseen side of the pandemic, a side often overshadowed by the focus on the living. 

"It's about respect for life," one student said. "And I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

The backlog of bodies across New York grew so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers. Grieving families, unable to quickly make arrangements, were left waiting for the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones.

The students, who briefly stepped into a realm rarely visited by civilians, encountered a range of emotions among the temporary workers. Some were driven by a sense of duty, while others were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the tragedy.

"One worker told us he was just, 'I'm just really scared,'" one student recalled.

Their experience, though harrowing, also revealed moments of humanity amidst the grim reality. The students witnessed acts of kindness and compassion from the temporary workers, who treated the deceased with dignity and respect.

"They were doing their best in a very difficult situation," one student said. "They were just trying to do their job, and they were doing it with a lot of care."

The students' work serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the pandemic. It highlights the unseen struggles of those working tirelessly to manage the crisis, and the profound impact it has on families and communities. Their story, captured in photographs and journal entries, offers a glimpse into the grim reality of a city grappling with the pandemic's devastating aftermath. 

##  An Army of the Dead: College Students Witness the Grim Realities of NYC's Overwhelmed Morgues

**NEW YORK (AP)** - The refrigerated trailers parked outside New York City hospitals have become a chilling symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inside, a grim reality unfolds: an army of temporary workers, many of them college students, tasked with the somber duty of handling the bodies of coronavirus victims. 

Two such students, whose names are being withheld for privacy, found themselves thrust into this unfamiliar world last week. They were initially hopeful of riding out the pandemic at home, but the stark reality of the situation quickly set in. "You get out," one student recalled, describing the moment they saw the first bodies being loaded into a trailer. "It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," the other student added. 

The influx of COVID-19 patients overwhelmed New York City’s hospitals, pushing their morgues to the brink. The backlog of bodies grew so dire that city officials were forced to set up emergency mass morgues, taking over the burden from the hospitals and their temporary workers. 

"The unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures," said a spokesperson for a Brooklyn hospital. "The tragic spike in deaths is placing a strain on the entire system of care, from hospitals to funeral homes." 

The students, armed with cameras and journals, documented their experiences, offering a glimpse into a part of the pandemic rarely seen. Their photographs capture the stark reality of the trailers, filled with rows of bodies, while their journal entries reveal the emotional toll of their work. 

"He told us he was just, 'I'm just really scared,'" one student wrote about a fellow worker, highlighting the fear and uncertainty that permeated their work environment. 

The students' stories underscore the human cost of the pandemic, not just in terms of lives lost, but also in the emotional burden placed on those tasked with caring for the dead. Their experiences serve as a stark reminder of the unseen sacrifices made by ordinary people in the face of extraordinary circumstances. 

The city is working to alleviate the strain on the system, but the influx of COVID-19 patients continues to put immense pressure on hospitals and morgues.  The refrigerated trailers remain a chilling reminder of the pandemic's impact, and the stories of the temporary workers highlight the human toll of this unprecedented crisis. 

##  An Army of the Dead: College Students Witness the Grim Reality of NYC's COVID Morgues

**NEW YORK (AP)** —  The refrigerated trailers outside New York City hospitals have become a chilling symbol of the pandemic. Inside, a silent army of temporary workers battles a grim reality: a backlog of bodies, the weight of grief, and a constant reminder of the devastating toll of COVID-19. 

Two college students, their names withheld to protect their privacy, found themselves thrust into this macabre world. Initially, they hoped to ride out the pandemic at home, but the sight of gurneys carrying bodies to the trailers outside their Brooklyn hospital shattered their illusions. 

“It was like a warzone,” one student said in a journal entry. “The air felt heavy, and the silence was deafening.” 

The students, both aspiring journalists, documented their experiences through photographs and journal entries. They witnessed firsthand the strain on the system, the overwhelming number of bodies, and the tireless work of the temporary workers who stepped up to handle the overflow.

“They’re doing a job that most people wouldn’t even think about,” the second student said. “But they’re doing it with dignity and respect. It’s about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well.”

The hospital, overwhelmed by the surge in COVID-19 patients, had to take extraordinary measures. In a statement, they explained the need for extra storage “to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes.” 

The strain on the system was evident in the stories the students heard. One worker, a father of two, confided in them his own fears: “You get out.” He told them he was scared, but he felt compelled to help.

The students’ photos, a stark reminder of the pandemic’s impact, captured the poignant reality of families unable to grieve properly due to the backlog. They saw the temporary workers meticulously preparing bodies, ensuring they were treated with dignity even in death. 

Their experiences, though harrowing, offered a glimpse of humanity amidst the tragedy. The temporary workers, many of whom were themselves grappling with fear and loss, found strength in their commitment to helping others. 

The students' story serves as a stark reminder of the invisible toll of the pandemic. The refrigerated trailers, the temporary workers, and the stories of grief and resilience paint a picture of a city grappling with a crisis that goes beyond the numbers, reminding us that behind every statistic is a life lost and a family grieving. 

## An Army of the Dead: College Students Witness the Grim Realities of NYC's Overwhelmed Morgues

**NEW YORK (AP)** - It has become a grim ritual outside New York City’s hospitals: workers in protective gear loading the bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers. For two college students, this chilling scene became their reality, a stark reminder of the pandemic's devastating impact. 

Initially, the students, who requested anonymity to protect their privacy, hoped to ride out the pandemic at home. But their hopes were dashed when they witnessed the first bodies being taken from the hospital across the street in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood and loaded into a trailer. The reality of the situation sank in, and they found themselves drawn to the front lines of the crisis.

The influx of COVID-19 patients overwhelmed the city's healthcare system, putting an extraordinary strain on hospital morgues. The hospital, in a statement, acknowledged the "unprecedented crisis" and the need for extra storage due to the "tragic spike in deaths." 

The students, who had been volunteering at the hospital, were recruited to assist in the morgues. They witnessed firsthand the immense pressure on the temporary workers, who were tasked with handling the surge of bodies. "The morgue was full," one student shared in their journal entry. "They just kept bringing in more bodies. It was like a conveyor belt."

The students, armed with cameras and notebooks, documented the grim realities they encountered. They captured the faces of grieving families struggling to make arrangements for their loved ones, the exhaustion of the temporary workers, and the heavy silence of the refrigerated trailers. 

Their journal entries, filled with raw emotion, shed light on the human toll of the pandemic. "The temporary workers were so young, barely older than me," one student wrote. "And they were so tired. I could see the fear in their eyes. One of them told us he was just really scared."

The students also witnessed glimpses of humanity amid the darkness. They observed the dedication and compassion of the temporary workers, who despite the overwhelming workload, treated every body with dignity and respect. 

"It’s about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," one student reflected. "Even though it was a tough job, I saw the workers doing their best to make it as humane as possible."

The students' experience serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden realities of the pandemic, a reality that many of us only see in news reports. It highlights the sacrifices of those on the frontlines, the pain of grieving families, and the extraordinary measures taken to cope with the overwhelming loss of life. 

As the city continues to battle the pandemic, the images captured by these two college students serve as a powerful testament to the resilience and compassion of the human spirit, even in the face of immense grief and loss. 

Title: "Chronicling the Grim Realities of NYC's Hospital Morgues During the Pandemic"

As the coronavirus pandemic swept through New York City, hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, and the need for temporary morgue workers became apparent. Two college students, armed with cameras and journals, documented the grim realities and moments of humanity they witnessed during their time working in the morgues.

The students, who wished to remain anonymous, were recruited to help manage the backlog of bodies that had overwhelmed the hospital's morgue system. They were assigned to a hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, where they saw firsthand the impact of the pandemic on the city's healthcare system.

At first, the students were hopeful that they could ride out the pandemic at home. However, their hopes began to dim when they saw the first bodies taken on gurneys from the hospital and carried into the trailer. The reality of the situation hit them hard, and they knew they were in for a difficult task.

The students worked long hours, often in protective gear, loading the bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers. They witnessed the strain on the healthcare system, as grieving families struggled to make arrangements for their loved ones. The backlog across New York grew so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers.

Despite the grim realities they faced, the students also witnessed moments of humanity. They spoke with healthcare workers who were risking their lives to care for patients, and they heard stories of patients who had fought valiantly against the virus. They also saw the respect for life that was evident in the care given to the bodies of the deceased.

The students' photographs and journal entries provide a glimpse into a part of the pandemic that we hear about all the time but never see. They remind us of the toll that the pandemic has taken on our healthcare system and the people who work within it. Their work is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In a statement, the hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood acknowledged the "unprecedented crisis" that had led to the need for extra storage. They stated that the "extraordinary measures" were necessary to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths and the strain on the entire system of care, from hospitals to funeral homes.

The students' work serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by healthcare workers and the temporary morgue workers who have helped manage the pandemic's impact on the city. It is a tribute to the human spirit and the resilience of New Yorkers in the face of a global crisis.
As the coronavirus pandemic raged through New York City, hospitals were overwhelmed with patients and the death toll climbed at an alarming rate. In response, the city's hospital morgues were forced to recruit an army of temporary workers to handle the influx of bodies. Among these workers were two college students who chronicled the grim realities and moments of humanity they witnessed during their time on the job.

The students, who wished to remain anonymous, were living across the street from a hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood when they began to see bodies being taken on gurneys from the hospital and loaded into refrigerated trailers. Their hopes for riding out the pandemic at home began to dim as they realized the severity of the situation.

But an army of health care workers heeded New York's call for help, reinforcing hospitals overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic. The students joined this army, briefly dropping into a realm where civilians rarely venture. They chronicled their experiences in photographs and journal entries, providing a glimpse into the part of the pandemic that we hear about all the time, but never see.

The students worked long hours, often in protective gear, loading bodies onto gurneys and into refrigerated trailers. They saw the toll the pandemic was taking on the city, with grieving families unable to quickly make arrangements for their loved ones. The backlog across New York grew so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers.

Despite the grim nature of their work, the students witnessed moments of humanity that gave them hope. They spoke with a man who had lost his wife to COVID-19 and was struggling to cope with the loss. He told them he was just "really scared." The students listened and offered words of comfort, a small act of kindness in the midst of tragedy.

The students' experiences highlight the toll the pandemic has taken on the city's health care system and the workers who have been on the front lines of the crisis. They also remind us of the importance of respecting life, even in death. As one of the students said, "It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

The hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood acknowledged the extraordinary measures needed to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths. In a statement, they said that the "unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures" and that extra storage is needed "to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes."

As the city continues to grapple with the pandemic, the students' experiences serve as a reminder of the human toll of the crisis and the importance of supporting those on the front lines.
Title: "Chronicling the Grim Realities: Two College Students Witness the Impact of COVID-19 on NYC Hospital Morgues"

In the heart of New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, hospitals have been pushed to the brink. As the virus continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, the city's hospital morgues have been overwhelmed, leading to the recruitment of an army of temporary workers to manage the grim realities of death. Among these workers, two college students have taken it upon themselves to document the harrowing scenes they have witnessed, providing a window into a world that few civilians have seen.

As the virus spread across the city, hospitals like the one in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood found themselves inundated with COVID-19 patients. The influx was so severe that the hospital's morgue facilities were quickly overwhelmed, leading to the need for additional storage solutions. Refrigerated trailers were brought in to handle the backlog, a sight that has become synonymous with the pandemic's impact on New York City.

The two college students, who wished to remain anonymous, found themselves unexpectedly thrust into this world of death and despair. Initially, they had hoped to ride out the pandemic at home, but as they watched the first bodies being taken from the hospital on gurneys and loaded into the trailer, their hopes began to fade. They realized that they were witnessing history, a moment in time that would forever change the city they love.

Despite the fear and uncertainty that surrounded them, the students felt a sense of duty to document the events unfolding before their eyes. They began taking photographs and writing journal entries, capturing the raw emotions and the humanity that persisted amidst the chaos. Their work provides a glimpse into a side of the pandemic that is often discussed but rarely seen.

The students' experiences have been both harrowing and humbling. They have seen the toll that the virus has taken on the city's healthcare system and its workers. They have heard the stories of patients who were scared and alone, and of families who were unable to say goodbye to their loved ones. They have witnessed the compassion and resilience of the healthcare workers who continue to fight on the front lines, despite the overwhelming odds.

As the backlog of bodies grew, the city of New York took extraordinary measures to address the crisis. Emergency mass morgues were set up to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers, providing a temporary solution to the overwhelming need for storage. The hospital in Fort Greene released a statement acknowledging the strain on the system of care, from hospitals to funeral homes, and the need for extra storage to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths.

For the two college students, their experiences have been a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of respect for the deceased. They have seen firsthand the impact of the pandemic on the city's healthcare system and its workers, and they hope that their documentation will serve as a testament to the resilience and humanity that persists even in the darkest of times.

In the end, the students' work serves as a poignant reminder of the toll that COVID-19 has taken on New York City and its people. It is a chronicle of a time when the city's hospital morgues were forced to recruit an army of temporary workers, and two college students bore witness to the grim realities and glints of humanity that they encountered. Their work stands as a testament to the power of documentation and the importance of remembering the lives lost to the pandemic.
Title: "Chronicles of the Unseen Pandemic: College Students Document the Grim Reality of New York City's Morgues"

In the heart of the pandemic, New York City's hospitals, already stretched to their limits, faced another daunting challenge. With the coronavirus taking a heavy toll on the city, the morgues were overwhelmed, prompting the recruitment of a temporary army of workers. Among them were two college students who, armed with cameras and journals, chronicled the grim realities and the glints of humanity they witnessed.

The students, with their temporary assignment, found themselves in a realm where civilians rarely venture, documenting a part of the pandemic that, while often heard about, is rarely seen. The decision to document, while driven by curiosity and a need to bear witness, was also rooted in a profound respect for life. They believed that respect for life extended to the treatment of the deceased, and it was with this mindset that they began their solemn task.

As they chronicled the scene outside New York City's hospitals, the students captured the grim ritual of workers in protective gear loading the bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers. The images they captured and the stories they compiled paint a vivid picture of the city's desperate struggle against the pandemic.

A hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, grappling with the unprecedented crisis, issued a statement acknowledging the need for extraordinary measures. The statement highlighted the tragic spike in deaths and the strain it placed on the entire system of care, from hospitals to funeral homes. With grieving families unable to quickly make arrangements for their loved ones, the backlog across the city grew dire.

The hospital explained, "Extra storage is needed to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes." This strain led to the city officials setting up emergency mass morgues, taking over for the hospitals and relieving the burden on the temporary workers.

The students' documentation of these events served as a reminder of the human toll of the pandemic and the need for compassion, even in the face of death. In the words of one of the students, "It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well."

As the pandemic continues to ravage cities around the world, the experiences of these two college students serve as a poignant reminder of the unseen realities of the crisis. Their work ensures that the stories of the deceased, and the dedicated individuals who tend to them, are not forgotten.
Title: The Army of Temporary Workers Tending to New York's Covid Dead: A Glimpse into the Grim Realities

In the heart of Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, a hospital stands witness to New York City's unyielding battle against the novel coronavirus pandemic. As the virus tore through the city's dense population, hospitals were pushed to the brink, with patients filling beds and hallways, and the demand for care outpacing the system's capabilities. This overwhelming surge of cases left an often-overlooked part of the healthcare system grappling with its own crisis: the morgues.

The hospital's morgue, like many others across the city, was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of deceased, primarily due to coronavirus complications. As the death toll mounted, the demand for an army of additional workers became unavoidable. In response to this urgent need, two college students, driven by a sense of duty and an innate human compassion, stepped forward to chronicle the harrowing realities faced by these temporary mortuary workers amidst the pandemic.

These young volunteers found themselves in the midst of a landscape transformed by the virus, where the once familiar routines of urban life gave way to scenes of unprecedented sorrow. What started as a distant news story quickly became an all-too-present reality when bodies began to be transported on gurneys from the hospital to refrigerated trailers that now served as makeshift morgues. The stark contrast with their earlier anticipation of a seemingly 'normal' pandemic experience at home was jarring and immediate.

The temporary workers' experiences shed light on the often invisible yet crucial component of the pandemic's impact on the healthcare system. They were confronted with the harsh truth of a system designed for peace and healing, now grappling with the grim aftermath of widespread loss. The influx of deceased patients forced the students to grapple with their own mortality, to confront the fragility of human life amidst the relentless march of the virus.

The two students chronicled their experiences through photographs and journal entries, capturing a side of the pandemic that often remains hidden from public view. These accounts provide a poignant glimpse into the emotional toll taken on healthcare workers, as well as the extraordinary measures taken to cope with the unprecedented surge in fatalities.

The situation in New York's hospitals forced the city to take unprecedented steps by setting up emergency mass morgues to relieve the strain on hospital systems. The grim sight of refrigerated trucks lining hospital driveways is a testament to the staggering impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare infrastructure, further exacerbated by the challenges of processing bodies while grieving families cope with restrictions on funerals and last rites.

One of the students recalled a particularly poignant moment when speaking to a family member of a deceased patient. Their raw emotions—fear, bewilderment, and grief—served as a stark reminder of the human cost behind the statistical updates and rising death tolls. Such intimate encounters with loss and despair highlighted the need for compassion and dignity in handling the deceased, reaffirming the principle that respect for life extends beyond one's final breath.

In the face of overwhelming adversity, these temporary workers found glints of humanity in the darkest corners of the pandemic. Their actions and observations are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as well as a sobering reminder of the countless stories of loss that have shaped New York City's response to COVID-19.
**Coronavirus Overwhelms NYC Hospitals, Temporary Morgue Workers Bear Witness to Grim Reality**

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage New York City, hospitals are facing an unprecedented crisis. The sheer number of deaths has overwhelmed the system, forcing hospitals to recruit an army of temporary workers to manage the overflow of bodies. Two college students, who answered the call for help, have chronicled the grim realities and glints of humanity they witnessed while working in the temporary morgues.

The students, who wish to remain anonymous, were initially hesitant to take on the task. However, they felt a sense of duty to help during a time of crisis. "It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," one of the students explained.

Their experience began at a hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, where they were tasked with helping to manage the overflow of bodies. The hospital had set up a refrigerated trailer in the parking lot to store the deceased, but it quickly became clear that it would not be enough.

As the days passed, the students witnessed the reality of the pandemic firsthand. They saw families struggling to come to terms with the loss of loved ones, and healthcare workers fighting to save lives. They also saw the toll the pandemic was taking on the hospital staff, who were working tirelessly to care for the sick and the dying.

One of the students recalled a particularly poignant moment when a family member of a deceased patient came to the hospital to say goodbye. "He was just really scared," the student said. "He didn't know what to do, and he just wanted to be with his loved one."

The students' experience was not limited to the hospital. They also worked at one of the city's emergency mass morgues, which were set up to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers. The morgue was a somber and surreal place, filled with rows of bodies and the sound of refrigeration units humming in the background.

Despite the grim reality of their work, the students found moments of humanity and kindness. They saw healthcare workers going above and beyond to comfort grieving families, and they witnessed the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

The students' experience is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of the healthcare workers and temporary staff who are working tirelessly to manage the pandemic. It is also a reminder of the human cost of the crisis, and the need for compassion and empathy in the face of tragedy.

As the pandemic continues to ravage New York City, the students' story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting life, both in life and in death. "You get out," one of the students said, reflecting on their experience. "You realize that life is precious, and that every person deserves dignity and respect, no matter what."

The city's hospitals and healthcare workers are facing an unprecedented crisis, but they are not alone. The temporary workers, including the two college students, are bearing witness to the grim reality of the pandemic, and are working tirelessly to ensure that the deceased are treated with dignity and respect.
**"Behind the Scenes of New York City's Coronavirus Morgues: A Grim Reality and Glimpses of Humanity"**

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage New York City, the city's hospitals have been forced to recruit an army of temporary workers to help manage the overwhelming number of deceased patients. Two college students, who wished to remain anonymous, took on this daunting task, chronicling the grim realities and glints of humanity they witnessed in the hospital morgues.

The students, both in their early twenties, had been following the news reports of the pandemic's spread, but nothing could have prepared them for the reality of working in a hospital morgue. They were tasked with helping to manage the influx of bodies, many of whom had succumbed to the virus.

"It was like nothing I've ever experienced before," one of the students said in an interview. "You see the news reports, but it's not until you're face to face with it that it really hits you."

The students worked at a hospital in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, where a refrigerated trailer had been set up to accommodate the overflow of bodies. They described the scene as "surreal," with workers in protective gear loading the bodies into the trailer, often with little ceremony or fanfare.

"It was like a conveyor belt," the other student said. "Body after body, each one a reminder of the devastating impact of this virus."

Despite the grim reality of their work, the students said they were struck by the humanity they witnessed among the hospital staff and the families of the deceased. They recalled one particularly poignant moment when a grieving family member was allowed to say goodbye to their loved one in the morgue.

"It was a moment of raw emotion," one of the students said. "The family member was overcome with grief, but the hospital staff were so compassionate and understanding. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still humanity to be found."

The students' experience is a testament to the extraordinary measures being taken by New York City's hospitals to cope with the pandemic. The city's morgues have been overwhelmed, with many hospitals setting up temporary facilities to accommodate the influx of bodies.

The hospital where the students worked said in a statement that the "unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures" and that extra storage is needed "to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes."

The students' account is a sobering reminder of the human cost of the pandemic, but also of the resilience and compassion of those working on the front lines.

"It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," one of the students said. "We're not just dealing with numbers and statistics, we're dealing with people's lives."

As the pandemic continues to spread, the students' experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect for human life, even in the darkest of times.
**Temporary Morgue Workers Chronicle Grim Reality of COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City**

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage New York City, the city's hospitals have been forced to recruit an army of temporary workers to help manage the overwhelming number of deaths. Two college students, Alex Chen and Emily Patel, were among those who heeded the call, working at a hospital morgue in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood. Their experience has left them with a profound appreciation for the dignity of life and the importance of respecting the dead.

Chen and Patel, both 21, had been following the news about the pandemic, but nothing could have prepared them for the reality they witnessed firsthand. "We saw the first bodies being taken out of the hospital on gurneys and into the trailer, and it was like a punch to the gut," Chen said. "It was like, 'Oh, this is real.'"

The hospital, like many others in the city, had been struggling to keep up with the surge in deaths. The morgue was quickly filling up, and the hospital was forced to bring in refrigerated trailers to store the bodies. Chen and Patel were part of a team of temporary workers brought in to help manage the influx of deceased patients.

Their days were filled with the grim task of receiving, processing, and storing the bodies of those who had succumbed to the virus. They worked long hours, often in difficult conditions, but they were driven by a sense of duty and respect for the dead.

"It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," Patel said. "We're not just handling bodies, we're handling people's loved ones. We're handling someone's mother, father, sister, brother."

Despite the difficult nature of their work, Chen and Patel found moments of humanity and compassion in the midst of the chaos. They remembered a conversation with a nurse who had lost a patient and was overcome with emotion. "He just broke down and started crying," Chen said. "And he told us he was just, 'I'm just really scared.'"

Their experience also highlighted the strain on the entire system of care, from hospitals to funeral homes. Grieving families were unable to quickly make arrangements, and their loved ones were left to languish in the morgue. "It's not just the hospitals that are overwhelmed, it's the whole system," Patel said.

The backlog of bodies became so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers. Chen and Patel's hospital was one of those that benefited from the additional support.

As they reflected on their experience, Chen and Patel said they had gained a new appreciation for the dignity of life and the importance of respecting the dead. "It's a reminder that every person has a story, every person has a family, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect," Chen said.

Their experience has also left them with a newfound respect for the healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of the pandemic. "They're not just healthcare workers, they're heroes," Patel said.

As the pandemic continues to rage on, Chen and Patel's story serves as a reminder of the human cost of the crisis and the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, even in death.
**Coronavirus Forces New York City's Hospital Morgues to Recruit Temporary Workers, College Students Chronicle Grim Realities**

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage New York City, the city's hospitals have been forced to recruit an army of temporary workers to manage the overwhelming number of bodies of COVID-19 victims. Two college students, who wish to remain anonymous, were among those who answered the call, and their experiences offer a glimpse into the grim realities and glints of humanity they witnessed.

The students, who live in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood, initially thought the pandemic would pass them by. But as the hospital across the street from their apartment began to fill with COVID-19 patients, they realized the gravity of the situation. "We understood from news reports that the hospital was quickly filling up, but it didn't sink in until we saw the first bodies being taken out on gurneys and carried into the trailer," one of the students recalled.

The trailer, a refrigerated unit parked outside the hospital, was set up to accommodate the growing number of deceased patients. The hospital said in a statement that the "unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures" and that extra storage was needed "to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths, placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes."

The students, who were recruited to help with the temporary morgue, were tasked with assisting with the intake and processing of the deceased. They were given protective gear and trained on the proper procedures for handling the bodies. Despite the initial shock, they said they were motivated by a sense of respect for the dead and a desire to help.

"It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," one of the students explained. "We wanted to help in any way we could, even if it was just in this small way."

As they worked, the students chronicled their experiences through photographs and journal entries. They captured images of the makeshift morgue, the lines of refrigerated trailers, and the exhausted healthcare workers who were doing their best to cope with the crisis.

Their accounts also revealed moments of humanity amidst the chaos. They recalled conversations with families who had lost loved ones, and the emotional toll the pandemic had taken on them. "One family member told us he was just really scared," one of the students said. "It was heartbreaking to see people going through this."

The students' experiences also highlighted the strain the pandemic has placed on the city's morgues and funeral homes. The backlog of bodies grew so dire that city officials eventually set up emergency mass morgues to take over for the hospitals and their temporary workers.

"Grieving families cannot quickly make arrangements, and their loved ones are remaining in hospitals longer, thus the need for this accommodation," the hospital said in a statement.

The students' time in the temporary morgue was brief, but it left a lasting impact. They said they were grateful for the opportunity to help, but also acknowledged the trauma they experienced. "It's not something I'll ever forget," one of them said.

As the pandemic continues to rage on, the city's hospitals and morgues will likely continue to rely on temporary workers to help manage the crisis. The students' accounts serve as a reminder of the human cost of the pandemic and the importance of respecting the dignity of the deceased, even in the most trying of times.
**The Hidden Frontline: College Students Chronicle Life Inside New York City's Overwhelmed Hospital Morgues**

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, New York City's hospitals have been pushed to the brink, with a surge in COVID-19 cases overwhelming the system. The crisis has hit every aspect of healthcare, including the most solemn and unglamorized part of the process: handling the dead. To cope with the influx of bodies, hospitals have had to recruit an army of temporary workers, including two college students who documented their experiences in a series of photographs and journal entries.

The students, who wish to remain anonymous, were drawn to their temporary jobs at a Brooklyn hospital's morgue out of a sense of duty and curiosity. "It's about respect for life, and I think that includes the body and the dead as well," one of them explained. Little did they know that they were about to enter a world that few civilians ever experience.

The reality of the situation hit home on Saturday, when they watched as the first bodies were carried out of the hospital on gurneys and into a refrigerated trailer. The trailer, parked outside the hospital, was meant to serve as a temporary morgue, but it quickly became clear that it was not enough. The bodies kept coming, and the students soon found themselves working alongside a team of medical professionals, funeral home employees, and even National Guard troops to manage the overflow.

"It was like nothing we'd ever seen before," the other student said. "We were just trying to keep up, but it felt like the bodies were never-ending." The students worked tirelessly, often for 12 hours a day, to help identify the deceased, prepare them for families to say their final goodbyes, and eventually, transfer them to funeral homes or the city's emergency mass morgues.

Their experiences were marked by moments of intense sadness, but also humanity. They met grieving families, struggling to come to terms with the loss of loved ones, and hospital staff, working selflessly to care for the dying. One of the students recalled a particularly poignant moment when a young doctor, overcome with emotion, broke down in tears. "He told us he was just really scared," the student said.

As the days turned into weeks, the backlog of bodies continued to grow, putting a strain on the entire system of care. Funeral homes were overwhelmed, and the city's emergency services were stretched to the limit. The students watched as the hospital's temporary morgue became a makeshift hub, with bodies being transferred in and out at all hours of the day and night.

Despite the chaos and tragedy, the students found moments of beauty and resilience. They documented the small acts of kindness between hospital staff, the dignity with which the deceased were treated, and the glimmers of hope that even in the darkest of times, humanity can prevail.

Their photographs and journal entries offer a rare glimpse into the hidden frontline of the pandemic, a world that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. As the students looked out at the city, they knew that they had witnessed something extraordinary – a testament to the strength and compassion of those working to keep New York City running, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

"It's not just about the patients; it's about the families, the hospital staff, and everyone involved," one of the students said. "We just wanted to do our part, and we're proud to have played a small role in this incredible effort."