A family has been left living a nightmare after two sisters were mowed down by a truck outside a school in Queens, killing one and leaving the other hospitalized.
Jael Zhinin, 16, and her 8-year-old sister, Leslie, were walking home from the last day of school when they were struck by a box truck at the intersection of 46th Street and 47th Avenue. The older sister tragically lost her life while the younger one sustained severe injuries but continues to bravely fight for her life in the hospital.
The incident took place at 3.30 pm on June 26 outside Woodside Intermediate School 125 in Woodside. It happened as the driver of a white Ford truck was making a right turn from westbound 47th Avenue onto 46th Street.
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Segundo, the father of the sisters expressed profound sorrow, stating that he has no tears left and that his family has been ripped apart. But the grieving father had a direct message for the driver, saying: "You don't know the pain you caused."
Following the tragic accident, the family's major concern is focused on the younger child who remains hospitalized and traumatized from the accident. They hope Leslie will be released from the hospital soon.
Shocked family and neighbors questioned how the driver failed to notice the girls while making a turn near the school. Their aunt says they crossed the street at the crosswalk when they had the light and did nothing wrong. Surveillance footage captured the driver as he turned the corner, he was stopped a couple of blocks away after the incident.
John Tacuri, Jael and Leslie's cousin, said: "You see on the video he never slowed down, never slowed down. Yo.u didn't see it, you didn't feel it, you see in the video that the driver go in like a bump, and that's exactly where she was. You are not gonna tell me you didn't see it. You did not feel it."
He went on to praise his cousin, calling her a good student who "knew exactly what she wanted for her future". The 16-year-old had hoped to go on to study at business school when she was older.
"She cared about all of us. She had her dreams, she knew exactly what she wanted at 16 years old," said John. Jason Zhinin said he wants his big sister to be remembered as "humble, with a big heart."
A funeral service was planned for Jael on Sunday, June 30, at the Rivera Funeral Home in Corona, Queens. During a vigil on Friday evening, friends and family not only placed flowers and lit candles in Jael's memory but also called for justice, urging the 28-year-old truck driver to take responsibility.
A GoFundMe has been created by Jenifer Quizhpi, and has raised $39,586 more than the target of $36,000. It reads: "Their family is now grappling with an unimaginable loss and the overwhelming costs associated with medical bills, funeral arrangements, and other unforeseen expenses. Your contribution will directly support Jael's family with funeral expenses and assist in Leslie's ongoing medical care and recovery.
"Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this tragedy. Together, we can provide crucial support and comfort to Jael's family as they navigate this heartbreaking loss and aid Leslie in her journey towards healing.
"Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and solidarity during this challenging time. Your support means everything to us and to the Zhinin family as they mourn Jael's passing and rally around Leslie's recovery."
Police confirmed that the driver has not been charged but the investigation is already underway.
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