From First Coast News:
Esther Ohayon, 57, and her daughter Orly Ohayan, 16, were struck by a car while they were walking at the intersection of San Jose Boulevard and Haley Road on their way to the Etz Chaim Synagogue in Jacksonville on September 13, 2013. Sadly, Ms. Ohayan was killed in the incident, and her daughter Orly is still at UF-Jacksonville Hospital in critical condition as of this writing. Neighbors in the surrounding community are outraged at this incident, and are demanding justice for the victims. According to First Coast News, the Florida Times-Union spoke with Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, Rabbi of Etz Chaim Synagogue and Fisch noted the dangers of crossing the street, particularly for the Orthodox Jewish faithful who are prohibited from using any form of technology on the Sabbath.
The driver, Michael Fortunato, 62, of Jacksonville, has a history of traffic incidents, and FHP is investigating whether alcohol may have been involved.
While incidents such as this are thankfully rare, it may serve as a reminder to always be aware and cautious when crossing any streets, and that one simply never knows who might be around the next corner.
All of us at the Law Offices of Paul J. Healy join the Etz Chaim Synagogue and greater Jacksonville communities in offering our deepest sympathies and prayers for the victims and their loved ones.
