An SUV driver ran a red light, striking an elderly woman who was crossing the street in Brooklyn, then fled the scene, authorities reported on Sunday.
Judith Byron, aged 75, was legally crossing at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and 41st Street in Sunset Park around 9:30 p.m. Saturday when a silver SUV sped through the traffic signal and collided with her, witnesses stated.
Byron was transported to Maimonides Medical Center but tragically succumbed to her injuries later that night.
Tomasina Byron, her devastated daughter, expressed her sorrow, wishing she could have been present with her mother during her last moments.
“I feel no anger towards the driver,” Tomasina told The Post over the phone, as she was scheduled to return from Puerto Rico to see her mother on Sunday.
“I just wish I could have held her hand to reassure her that everything would be alright, that she wasn’t alone,” she added.
Judith was a mother who adopted Tomasina from foster care, and they shared a close bond, according to her daughter.
“We had conversations every day; she is my best friend,” Tomasina revealed.
Just two hours prior to her tragic passing, Byron had a video call with her daughter and her 1-year-old granddaughter from New York.
“She was so excited to see us, saying, ‘I can’t wait to see my girls, I miss you so much.’ I told her, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow!’” Tomasina recalled. “Those were the last words I spoke to my mom.”
Judith was known in the community as a kind-hearted individual, always helping out and volunteering. On the day of the incident, she was walking her daughter’s dog.
“My mom was so loving; everyone adored her,” said Tomasina.
As of Sunday evening, the driver responsible for the hit-and-run remained at large.
