Relatives question safety of intersection
Neetika Prabhakar doesn't want what happened to her grandfather to happen to anyone else.
Baij Nath Sharma, 80, was out for his daily 6 a.m. walk on Wednesday, Aug. 29 when he was struck and killed by a van at the intersection of Merrick Road and Harrison Avenue, less than a block from his home.
"It wasn't his time," said Prabhakar. "He had many good years left."
Pamela Yarmosh, a 38-year-old Baldwin resident, was apparently blinded by the sun as she was traveling east on Merrick Road and did not see Sharma cross the street, police said. She was traveling 35 mph and had a green light, she told police. She also told police Sharma was crossing against the light. No charges were filed.
But Prabhakar said she and her family believe that the intersection where the accident occurred is dangerous. The area is congested and cars travel too fast, they say.
"My uncle would tell him to be careful at that intersection," said Prabhakar.
There have been 51 accidents and 24 injuries at the intersection from January 1997 to September 2000, according to traffic safety unit records.
"There is a concern about the intersection at certain times and days of the week," said Det. William Lanoue. In this case, though, a witness confirmed that Yarmosh had a green light, Lanoue said.
Still, Prabhakar said her family has a hard time believing her grandfather, whom she described as "extremely careful and cautious," would cross against a red light.
In 1987, Sharma came to the United States from India, where he worked as an accounting officer for the government for many years.
"All of his children lived in America. He came here to live among his children and grandchildren," said Prabhakar.
Sharma is survived his wife of 55 years, Savitri. Sharma had been caring for his wife since she underwent triple bypass surgery several weeks ago. "She was in shock," said Prabhakar of her grandmother. "She couldn't believe it at first. They were so close."
The couple had two sons, two daughters and five grandchildren. Three of the Sharma's children are doctors and the other an entrepreneur.
A retiree, Sharma became an avid gardener and lavished careful attention on his many plants. His family said he was not only disciplined and orderly, but the "kindest, most helpful and concerned man."
"He was always there for his family," said his granddaughter.
The family held a memorial service at the Maloney Lake Funeral Home in Lake Ronkonkoma on Friday, Aug. 31.
Prabhakar said her family will take their concerns about the intersection at Merrick and Harrison, which is right near the First Precinct, to the police and community leaders.
"We really think this is an important community issue," said Prabhakar. "Today it's my grandfather. Tomorrow it could be your father."
