A Brooklyn Street Tragedy: Unforgettable Life Cut Short
A tragic incident on a bustling Brooklyn street has left the community reeling, as a 95-year-old woman, Mayya Gil, who had defied the odds by surviving the Nazi occupation of Ukraine, the Chernobyl disaster, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, was struck and killed by a driver while crossing the road outside her Bensonhurst home. The heartbreaking accident occurred on Thursday around 12:40 p.m. as Gil was walking with her home health aide across Cropsey Avenue near 24th Avenue. The driver of a cargo van made a left turn, hitting both women. While the health aide, 54, was hospitalized in stable condition, Gil tragically succumbed to her injuries.
An Enduring Legacy: Remembering Mayya Gil
Gil’s family, devastated by the loss of their matriarch, fondly remembered her as a prominent figure in Bensonhurst’s Jewish community, with her daughter Irina Lizunova describing her as a “very active lady” who still had many years ahead of her. Gil’s resilience was evident from a young age, as she moved to Kyiv with her family to escape the Nazi invasion of their hometown when she was only 12 years old. In Kyiv, she met her husband Vilyam, and the couple raised twin daughters during the era of Soviet rule.
A Lifelong Commitment to Family and Community
Despite facing numerous hardships, including the Chernobyl disaster, Gil’s dedication to her family never wavered. After the nuclear meltdown in 1986 prompted one of her daughters to move to New York City, the rest of the family followed in 1992, settling in Bensonhurst. Gil, a beloved figure with seven great-grandchildren, played a vital role in raising not only her own grandchildren but also those of her late daughter Larisa, who passed away in 2013.
A Neighborhood Mourns the Loss of a Kind Soul
Neighbors and friends of Gil spoke warmly of her, describing her as a “good woman” who made a lasting impact on those around her. Galina Berbzhinskaya, a resident in Gil’s building, shared a special bond with her, as their shared experiences of loss brought them closer together. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband to COVID-19 in April 2020, Gil remained an active member of the Jewish Community Center of Bensonhurst until her untimely death.
A Heartbreaking Trend: Senior Pedestrian Fatalities
Gil’s tragic passing is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by elderly pedestrians in New York City. She was the second elderly individual to lose their life while crossing a Brooklyn street this year, following the death of 87-year-old Esther Sealy in January. Transportation advocacy group Transportation Alternatives revealed that 46 senior pedestrians lost their lives in car crashes across the city last year, underscoring the urgent need for safer streets and increased awareness of pedestrian safety.
As the community mourns the loss of Mayya Gil, her legacy of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family and community will undoubtedly live on. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and spirit that can endure even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
