Driver turning at Flatbush intersection fatally struck Brooklyn pastor, police say.
First Lady
A 58-year-old driver turning right onto Ditmas Avenue struck Aracely Courtenay at East 21st Street in Brooklyn on February 18, 2023, according to police accounts reported by local news; the city crash record lists one pedestrian death in the crash at 6:59 p.m.
Location reported in Open Data.
What We Know
Police accounts reported by 1010 WINS and amNewYork say Courtenay fell after stepping into a roadway depression while crossing East 21st Street, and a northbound driver turning right onto Ditmas Avenue struck her. News reports say Courtenay, who led a women's ministry at Emmanuel Church of God, was taken to Kings County Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The driver remained at the scene; amNewYork reported no arrests on February 19, and the New York Post reported no charge as of February 20, 2023.
Police described a fall before the turn.
Police told 1010 WINS and amNewYork that Courtenay was crossing East 21st Street when she stepped into a depression in the roadway and fell. Their accounts say a northbound driver making a right turn onto Ditmas Avenue then struck her.
1010 WINS, amNewYork and the New York Post reported that Courtenay suffered severe head trauma, was taken to Kings County Hospital and was pronounced dead there.
Her work reached women and families.
The New York Post reported that Courtenay, 50, was married, had three children and served as first lady at Emmanuel Church of God, where she led a women's ministry. Her husband, Bishop Curt Courtenay, was the church's senior pastor.
El Diario, citing Courtenay's church biography, reported that she worked in property management for eight years, coordinating housing for low- and moderate-income families, especially single mothers. The biography also described her church work encouraging, counseling and helping women of all ages.
Reports described the vehicle differently.
News accounts citing police described a 2015 Toyota Highlander SUV. The city crash record lists a 2015 station wagon or sport utility vehicle.
The driver stayed at the scene.
Police reports said the driver remained at the scene. amNewYork reported no arrests on February 19, 2023; the New York Post reported on February 20 that the driver had not been charged, and 1010 WINS said the investigation was ongoing.
Where
EAST 21 STREET and DITMAS AVENUE