Pedestrian Struck in Sunset Park Crosswalk Dies

By Olin Ericksen
Staff Writer

October 3 -- Jeanette Hicks, the pedestrian who was critically injured last month when a car struck her in a cross walk on a heavily traveled stretch of Ocean Park Boulevard, has died.

The local woman was hit in a crosswalk at 25th Street on the evening of September 21 when the northbound vehicle turned westbound onto Ocean Park Boulevard, according to police. (see story)

She was rushed to the hospital, but never recovered from her injuries. It is unknown when she died.

Hicks’ death comes as several Sunset Park residents have increased their calls for City officials to slow traffic along Ocean Park Boulevard.

Hicks was hit one week after a nearly fatal head-on collision between 14th and 16th Streets, as nearby schools were letting out. (see story)

Consultants are currently drafting plans to redesign the road, but it will be months before any changes are made, according to officials.

Nicknamed “Silver” for the color of her hair, Hicks was an acquaintance and friend to many in the Sunset Park neighborhood, and news of her loss hit some residents hard.

“Jeanette always asked me how I was doing, and we would carry on long conversations about ourselves,” Jody Ezell wrote in an email to the members of Friends of Sunset Park. “We will all miss her.”

The tragedy, said Ezell, was not unexpected.

“This accident is not a surprise,” said Ezell, who recounted several instances where she has seen close calls on the stretch of road.

Ezell and others have called on City officials to slow down traffic on Ocean Park Boulevard between 14th street and 26th streets. The street is crossed on weekdays by hundreds of kids from pre-k to college.

“I have complained about this in the past and never received any response,” said Ezell. “Maybe this time something will be done in memory of Jeanette Hicks.”

In response to the recent accidents, police have increased speed traps along Ocean Park Boulevard, pulling over motorists who are going too fast.

Police have yet to release any information on the driver or any further information on Hicks’ death, while an investigation is on going.