Mayor Eric Adams embraces the daughter of Krystyna Naprawa — the school crossing guard who was struck and killed by a dump truck driver— at her vigil on Monday, Oct. 23.
Photo by Anthony Medina
Numerous flower bouquets and candles were placed at the street post at the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue where many remembered seeing school crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa on the job. The 63-year-old school crossing guard died on Friday, Oct. 20, when a dump truck driver who was making a right-hand turn from Woodhaven Boulevard and onto Atlantic Avenue struck Naprawa.
On Monday, Oct. 23, four days after her death, members of the Woodhaven and Ozone Park communities joined elected officials, friends and family members for a candlelight vigil in memory of Naprawa and her service to the community.
“My heart goes out to the family. Words can not really take away the pain, but our presence can do a lot to give the assurance that we celebrate a life that was committed, a life that was servant, a life that was well respected and a life that we’re going to miss,” said Mayor Eric Adams, who shared his condolences with Naprawa’s family.
The Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol, alongside Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, Council Member Joann Ariola and state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., paid their respects at the organized vigil and expounded on the 13-year-long crossing guard’s legacy.
Members of Community Board 9 and 10 and from the office of U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez and The Woodhaven Residents Block Association also came out in support of the family and to highlight Naprawa’s legacy.
“She was a beacon of safety, a symbol of community and a guardian for our young ones. This evening, we gather under this somber sky lit by the gentle candles to remember and honor this brave and selfless soul,” said Rajkumar. “We’re here at the very intersection, where day after day, Krystyna stood tall, ensuring the safety of our children. The…
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