Tragedy strikes in The Bronx, as 53-year-old mother killed in hit-and-run
Lourdes Camilo, a 53-year-old mother of four and manager at a Manhattan Starbucks, tragically lost her life after being hit by a driver in The Bronx. The incident occurred just steps away from Camilo’s home, as she was crossing Melrose Ave. near E. 157st St. around 7:10 p.m. Saturday. The driver of a white Jeep Grand Cherokee struck her and then fled the scene, leaving Camilo stranded on the road. In a horrifying turn of events, she was then hit by a second vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler, and died at the scene.
“The whole family felt very sorry for her,” said Camilo’s mother in Spanish. “She called everyone her friends. She was very special, always with a smile even if she had a problem.”
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, a 53-year-old man, stayed at the scene and cooperated with the police. However, the driver of the Grand Cherokee, who initially hit Camilo, fled and is currently being sought.
Neighbors and community members are calling for the responsible party to come forward and turn themselves in. “I want the person to just turn himself in so the family can be calm,” said Lasheena Mcfadzean, Camilo’s neighbor. “This way we can be calm. Because we can’t cross that street right now.”
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of traffic accidents and hit-and-runs in New York City, despite efforts to improve road safety. The “Vision Zero” road safety plan, implemented in 2014 by Mayor Bill de Blasio, aimed to eliminate traffic deaths by 2024. However, according to the NYPD, cyclist deaths have increased significantly since the plan’s implementation. In response to these challenges, Governor Hochul recently signed the “Angelic Law”, which aims to keep repeat traffic offenders off the road by charging them with a felony if they continue to operate vehicles after multiple suspensions or revocations.
The NYPD is urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run incident to come forward. They can call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Information can also be submitted through the website crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or via text message to 274637 (CRIMES), followed by TIP577. All communications will be kept strictly confidential.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Lourdes Camilo and hopes for justice to be served.