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East Village Flower Stand Employee Killed By Driver On PCP & Meth
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jan 15, 2014
Modified Jan 15, 2014
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Scott Lynch
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jan 15, 2014
Modified Jan 15, 2014
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The East Village flower stand worker who was critically injured by a driver who jumped the curb and hit a bodega last June has died of his injuries.
Bowery Boogie reports that at a Community Board 3 meeting last night, boardmember Chad Marlow announced that 63-year-old Akkas Ali succumbed to his injuries two weeks ago. Ali had sustained "massive brain injuries" from the incident, and had lost his memory to the point that he could not recognize his family. After the crash, Marlow set up a crowdfunding site to raise $18,000 to pay for the family's medical expenses and lost income.
"Ali, I miss your shy smile," one donor writes. Another adds, "You don't know me but I have seen you for many years at your flower station. You are so much a part of the East Village and certainly were part of my everyday existence...My heart goes out to you and your family.”
Ali had worked at the East Village Farms & Grocery for 22 years, and is survived by his wife and three sons.
Police say that the driver of the car, 32-year-old Shaun Martin, had used PCP and meth shortly before he cut across three lanes of traffic and crashed his Nissan Altima into the store on the corner of Second Avenue and East 4th Street. Eight people were injured in the collision.
Martin was charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular assault, second degree assault, DWI, and possession of a controlled substance. His next court appearance is on the 21st.
A spokeswoman for the DA's office says that any additional charges filed against Martin due to Ali's death would be announced in court on the 21st.
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east village
manhattan da
pedestrian safety
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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