By David Greene
Bronx Voice
September 22, 2022
BRONX - Days after a Department of Transportation (DOT) subcontracting crew finished the re-pavement and redesign of the areas parking spaces--an apparent out-of-control vehicle jumped the curb, striking and killing Paulina Nrecaj, 59, a beloved resident who had lived in the community for more than 40-years.
According to police officials and family members, Nrecaj had just stepped out of her building when the driver jumped the curb and slammed into Nrecaj, pinning her between the vehicle and the building.
One police official stated that the crash was reported at 6:31 p.m. on September 9, at the corner of Bronxdale Avenue and Cruger Avenue. The official confirmed, "Police responded to a call of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian."
The official continued, "After a preliminary investigation it was determined that a 45-year-old male was traveling on Bronxdale Avenue in a 2016 Lexus LX570 SUV, when the vehicle operator, in an attempt to avoid striking a van stopped at the intersection, swerved to the left turning lane, traveled through the intersection, mounted the curb.”
One police official stated that the crash was reported at 6:31 p.m. on September 9, at the corner of Bronxdale Avenue and Cruger Avenue. The official confirmed, "Police responded to a call of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian."
The official continued, "After a preliminary investigation it was determined that a 45-year-old male was traveling on Bronxdale Avenue in a 2016 Lexus LX570 SUV, when the vehicle operator, in an attempt to avoid striking a van stopped at the intersection, swerved to the left turning lane, traveled through the intersection, mounted the curb.”
One of the victim's seven sisters, who declined to be identified, told the Bronx Voice, "It's not something you post, she was stuck in the gate, her heart... It was a video that someone took from the street... that wasn't right that they posted that. I can't even look at it as a family member."
The sister continued, "I want justice for my sister who was mowed down like a piece of garbage."
Regarding the new parking configuration along Bronxdale Avenue, the sister fumed, "We don't like these lanes, these lanes caused my sister's death." She continued, "I was driving the other day, past that green light, I wanted to make that right turn. A motor scooter came quick, but because a van was parked there, I didn't see him, I almost... this is dangerous."
“The death of Paulina Nrecaj is an unacceptable tragedy. We all grieve individually and collectively for every life lost on our roads. This administration is investing a historic $900 million to reclaim space from vehicles and support safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation options while also working to redesign 1,000 intersections each year to help end the reckless driving we have seen on our streets and across the country,” said Mona Bruno, a DOT spokesperson.
Nrecaj, who immigrated from Montenegro as a child, leaves behind her husband of 41-years as well as two boys, a girl and one granddaughter. She also leaves behind seven sisters and three brothers.
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