John Filipowicz, 51, and his son John, 20, were found still holding onto each other in their basement as they shielded themselves from the torrent which covered them in 12ft of water in seconds. Relatives said that the two had an 'incredible bond' and would never have been separated – in life or in death. John the elder stayed behind to watch over his house in Staten Island, New York, but his son refused to leave because he wanted to be by his side.