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Native Houstonian among those dead after Florida condo building collapse, police say

Manny Lafont, an alum of Sharpstown High School, was said to be among the missing in the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium.

HOUSTON — One of two Houston natives who were confirmed to be among those still unaccounted for in the condo building collapse in Surfside, Fla. has died.

Manny Lafont, an alumnus of Sharpstown High School, was identified as one of four victims who died in the collapse, Miami-Dade Police confirmed.

A 20-year-old man, also from Houston, is said to be among the 156 still missing in the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium, according to Lafont’s ex-wife, Adriana.

Lafont’s ex-wife said Manny called his son from his bed the night before the building collapse. They had not heard from Manny since then.

She asked for prayers on social media that her ex-husband be found soon.

Adriana Lafont described Manny as the best father and that he was very involved in his children's lives.

“These two kids have given me so much strength,” Adriana Lafont said. “We have faith.”

Unit 801 is the home where Manny Lafont and his family made countless memories.

Pictures from inside the Champlain Towers 8th floor condo show how much Manny and his family love to celebrate life and each other.

The Houston native made Surfside, Fla. his home.

On the phone from Miami, Adriana Lafont talked about the agony they’re living through since the tower Manny was in collapsed earlier this week.

“When I saw the building, I had the most horrendous feeling, sensation inside of me that I cannot even explain it to you," Adriana Lafont said.

She said she and her kids were staying strong and remaining hopeful that Manny will be found safe.

“I see so many people work on Manny’s side of the building,” Adriana Lafont said. “I know that the fire that they found this morning is not on Manny’s side.”

Sam Olivares, a friend of Manny Lafont and fellow Sharpstown alumnus, described him as jokester and fun to be around. He said he often would reach out to him and another Sharpstown alum whenever he was visiting in South Florida.

“I was talking to my friend Scott on the phone, and we just sat there in silence, there were no words we could come up with this tragic event, especially with somebody you know. And to have kids out there waiting to hear about their dad,” Olivares said. “It’s just overwhelming.”

Olivares said the last time he spoke with Lafont was about three years ago when he had hoped to meet up with him. He explained that he hopeful his friend is found soon.

“I’m keeping that faith, but fearing for the worst, trying to cope with that with other Sharpstown alumni,” he said.

He said he is still in shock along with their classmates.

“No words to explain right now,” he said.

The other Houston native was staying with Manny when the building came crashing down. His family is now in Miami as they wait for answers.

At the moment, all those with ties to possible victims of this tragedy continue hold out hope as recovery efforts continue.

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