Brooklyn, NY – A 75-year-old woman was fatally struck by an SUV that ran a red light in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, leaving her at the scene and fleeing, authorities said Sunday.
Tragic Hit-and-Run on Seventh Avenue
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Seventh Avenue and 41st Street, where Judith Byron, 75, had the walk signal and was crossing the street when a silver SUV ignored the red light and hit her, according to Brooklyn police.
Byron was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center but died later that evening. The driver has not yet been apprehended.
Heartbroken Family Remembers Her
Byron’s daughter, Tomasina Byron, described her mother as her best friend and spoke about their last moments together. Just two hours before the crash, they FaceTimed with Tomasina’s 1-year-old daughter.
“I just wish I had been there to hold her hand and let her know everything was going to be OK,” Tomasina told The Post.
Judith Byron had adopted Tomasina from foster care, and the two shared a close bond. Tomasina described her mother as selfless, often volunteering in the community, including handing out food to first responders on 9/11. On the night of her death, she had been walking her granddaughter’s dog.
“My mom is so sweet, everybody loved her,” Tomasina said.
Hit-and-Run Investigation
Police are actively searching for the silver SUV driver. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the NYPD. Authorities have yet to release additional details regarding the vehicle or suspect.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Always use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing, especially at night.
- Wear reflective clothing when walking in low-light conditions.
- Avoid distractions, like phones or headphones, near traffic.
- Report hit-and-run incidents immediately to authorities and provide as much information as possible.
Staying alert and aware can help prevent tragedies like this from occurring.
Do you think stricter penalties for hit-and-run drivers are needed? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
