Oneida, N.Y : Pedestrian killed in car accident in Oneida Wednesday evening, February 22, 2017

One person is dead after being struck by a car on Lenox Avenue in Oneida Wednesday evening.

No names were released Wednesday evening as the Oneida City Police worked to identify the victim and notify next-of-kin.

Thursday, the department revealed that Joyce L. Eberlein, 81, of Oneida, was walking northbound on Lenox Avenue and attempted to cross the street when she was struck by a 2010 Chevrolet operated by Richard Leahey, 68, also of Oneida.

Upon the arrival of OPD and the Oneida City Fire Department, passersby were on the scene administering first aid to Eberlein, who was seriously injured. She was subsequently treated by members of the OFD and Vineall Ambulance before being transported to the emergency room at Oneida Healthcare. Eberlein was pronounced dead a short time later.

One of the passersby, Kimberly Russell, said she arrived on scene seconds after the accident had taken place and immediately pulled her vehicle over, exiting to provide Eberlein with assistance.

“I didn’t even think twice,” Russell said. “I told her, ‘I’m not going to leave you’.”

Other witnesses pulled their vehicles over to direct traffic in order to protect both women, Russell added.

Russell, who has first aid training, proceeded to provide what aid she could until emergency responders arrived on scene, staying by Eberlein’s side the entire time.

Leahey, Russell said, pulled over following the incident, exiting his vehicle, saying, “I hit this woman. I hit this woman.”

At the time, Russell was not sure of Eberlein’s identity, but learned afterward. As fate would have it, the two were neighbors on Lenox Avenue for years prior to Russell moving away.

“Such an amazing woman,” Russell said.

The accident remains under investigation. No charges have been filed against the operator of the vehicle at this time; however, police did say charges may be pending upon completion of the accident investigation.

The OPD was assisted by members of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police accident reconstruction team.

A portion of Lenox Avenue was closed to traffic during the accident reconstruction and response.

The accident happened around 6:33 p.m. on Lenox Avenue near Byrne Dairy.

Source :
Pedestrian killed in car accident in Oneida (update)