Beloved Local Performer Tom “Lucky the Hobo” Brislin Dies After Tragic Accident on Route 23
Port Jervis Mourns: Beloved Local Performer Tom “Lucky the Hobo” Brislin Dies After Tragic Accident on Route 23
Port Jervis, NY — The communities of Port Jervis, New York, and the greater tri-state area are reeling from the tragic loss of a beloved local icon, Tom “Lucky the Hobo” Brislin, who died after being struck by a car along New Jersey’s Route 23 late Sunday evening. He was 58 years old.
Brislin, affectionately known by his stage name “Lucky the Hobo,” was more than just a street performer. He was a cherished community fixture whose colorful personality, joyful presence, and incredible talent brought light and laughter to children and adults alike. His sudden death has cast a heavy shadow over Port Jervis and beyond, as friends, fans, and fellow performers remember the man whose juggling pins and balloon creations brought smiles to countless faces.
A Local Legend With a National Soul
Tom Brislin grew up in Port Jervis, a small town nestled in the scenic Delaware River Valley. From a young age, he exhibited a flair for the theatrical and a heart for entertaining. After discovering a love for clowning, juggling, and balloon artistry in his early twenties, he embraced the hobo clown persona—adopting the moniker “Lucky the Hobo”—to reflect both his whimsical spirit and his belief that life, no matter how difficult, could always be lived with gratitude and grace.
Brislin was a regular fixture at festivals, street fairs, parades, children’s hospitals, and charity events across the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey. Often seen in his patchwork overalls, floppy shoes, red nose, and tattered top hat adorned with pins from various towns, he carried an old suitcase filled with balloon pumps, juggling pins, and well-worn magic props.
But what truly set Tom apart was his heart. Known for his gentle soul and deep compassion, he often performed for free, especially for struggling families, special-needs children, or communities affected by tragedy. “Lucky believed that everyone deserved a moment of joy, no matter their circumstances,” said longtime friend and fellow performer Michael “Blinky” Harrison. “He didn’t do this for fame or money. He did it for the magic in a child’s eyes.”
Tragedy on Route 23
The fatal incident occurred late Sunday night as Brislin was walking along Route 23 near West Milford, New Jersey. According to authorities, he was returning from a small community event where he had performed earlier in the day. It is believed that his vehicle had broken down, and he was on foot attempting to reach help when he was struck by an oncoming car in low-visibility conditions. Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle remained on-site and cooperated fully with investigators. As of now, no charges have been filed, and foul play is not suspected.
A Community Reflects
News of Brislin’s passing has ignited a wave of tributes across social media, with the hashtag #LuckyTheHobo trending in local circles. Dozens of community members have taken to Facebook and Instagram to share photos, videos, and fond memories of Brislin’s performances. One video, now circulating widely, shows him joyfully juggling flaming pins during a Fourth of July celebration, with children clapping and laughing in the background.
“He was the heartbeat of our town,” said Sarah Medina, a Port Jervis schoolteacher whose students had seen Brislin perform countless times. “No school event, no town fair, no Christmas parade felt complete without Lucky. He made everything feel magical.”
The Port Jervis City Council released an official statement expressing condolences to the Brislin family and recognizing Tom’s “unwavering commitment to joy, art, and community.”
Honoring a Legacy of Joy
Plans are already underway to honor Brislin’s memory. The Port Jervis Parks Department is organizing a “Celebration of Laughter” next month in Riverside Park, where families will be invited to bring their kids, share stories, and participate in a mass balloon release. Several local performers will be volunteering their time to do what Brislin loved most—make people smile.
Additionally, a GoFundMe page has been created to support funeral expenses and establish a memorial bench in his honor at the park where he frequently performed. The fundraiser has already surpassed its initial goal, with hundreds of small donations pouring in from those touched by his artistry.
Though his earthly journey has ended, Tom “Lucky the Hobo” Brislin leaves behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of Port Jervis: one of wonder, humor, compassion, and community spirit.
As one young child wrote in chalk outside the library where Brislin often performed: “We’ll never forget you, Lucky. You made the world happy.”
Rest in Peace, Tom Brislin. May your juggling pins spin forever in the sky. 🎈
