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Bill Harris: Storm likely a factor in his death

Bill Harris, a  63-year-old former prison guard from Slidell, La., didn't have a chance to rebuild his life after Hurricane Katrina. He  died on Nov. 21 from gastro-intestinal bleeding, a condition likely exacerbated by his terrifying three-day ordeal during the storm.
Bill Harris is shown holding Miss Kitty after being reunited with his beloved cat, Miss Kitty, in September.
Bill Harris is shown holding Miss Kitty after being reunited with his beloved cat, Miss Kitty, in September.Joe Brunksac / Special to MSNBC.com file
/ Source: msnbc.com

Bill Harris didn't live long enough to rebuild his life.

The 63-year-old former prison guard from Slidell, La., died on Nov. 21, 2005, from gastro-intestinal bleeding, a condition likely exacerbated by his terrifying three-day ordeal during Hurricane Katrina, when he stood on a chair in his flooded condominium, clutching his beloved cat, Miss Kitty, to his chest.

Miss Kitty, the "miracle cat" that Harris credited with saving his life, is now living in Canada with Donna Wackerbauer, a volunteer with the animal rescue organization Noah’s Wish who was instrumental in briefly reuniting pet and master.