By: Richard L. Smith
A 92-year-old woman was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking near a rehabilitation facility in Maplewood, authorities confirmed.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday in the parking lot of Winchester Gardens Rehabilitation Facility on Elmwood Avenue.
Investigators said the driver of a 2011 Toyota Corolla was attempting to park when they drove over a landscaped area separating the lot from the roadway and struck the victim as she re-entered the roadway.
The vehicle then came to rest partially mounted on the opposite side of the parking lot entrance.
The pedestrian, identified as Juli Towell of Maplewood, was using a walker at the time of the crash. Emergency responders transported her to Newark Beth Israel Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:43 p.m.
The driver remained at the scene and was not injured. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.