Bellmore woman struck and killed by police officer

A Shore Road School secretary was struck and killed by a Nassau County Police Department vehicle Saturday night while she was walking at the intersection of Merrick Road and Farmers Avenue in Bellmore. According to Nassau County police, a 7th Precinct officer was driving eastbound on Merrick Road when he struck Bellmorite Sherry Lang, 63.

According to reports, the officer was operating his radio when he struck Lang. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

After police investigated the incident, Detective Lt. Kevin Smith said that Saturday night’s severe weather was a deciding factor. According to reports, Lang and her husband, Howard, were eating at a Taco Bell on Merrick Road in Merrick when she decided to walk home. She made the nearly 1½-mile walk alone in the downpour.

“It could have been anything, nevertheless, she decided to walk home,” Smith said.

Investigations concluded that Lang crossed the street not at the intersection of Merrick Road and Farmers Avenue, but approximately 30 feet east of the intersection and the traffic light. The officer was on routine patrol on Merrick Road, having gone through the green light at Farmer’s Avenue, when, according to Smith, the officer said Lang “just appeared” in front of his vehicle. Smith added that visibility was poor due to “very heavy torrential downpours and heavy winds.”

Lang also had the hood of her jacket up, likely limiting her vision. “She probably shouldn’t have crossed in those conditions,” Smith said. The officer slammed on his brakes and tried to swerve to avoid Lang. “It’s just a tragic accident,” Smith said.

The officer was also transported to the hospital, where he was treated for contusions to his knees and later released.

Lang worked in the Bellmore School District for 18 years. “We are deeply saddened over the loss of Sherry Lang and wish to extend our most sincere condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph S. Famularo said. He described Lang as well liked and respected by all who knew her. She began her career in Bellmore as a monitor, and she was eventually promoted to clerk typist. “She will truly be missed,” Famularo added.

Grief counselors will be on hand for students and staff when school resumes on Tuesday.