79-Year-Old Woman Struck by USPS Vehicle in East Aurora
On Sunday morning, tragedy struck the quiet village of East Aurora, New York, when 79-year-old Mary Kerwin lost her life after being hit by a United States Postal Service (USPS) delivery vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. at the busy intersection of Main Street and Olean Road. According to local authorities, Kerwin was crossing Main Street when the USPS vehicle, attempting a right turn from Olean Road, fatally struck her.
Kerwin, a long-time East Aurora resident, was known for her active involvement in the community. She had spent many years living in the area, contributing to various local activities and enjoying a peaceful life. The suddenness of the incident has sent shockwaves through her neighborhood, leaving friends and neighbors in mourning.
Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene of the accident, where Kerwin was found critically injured. She was quickly airlifted to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), where doctors attempted to save her life. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
East Aurora Police were on-site shortly after the accident and confirmed that the driver of the USPS vehicle stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with the authorities. No charges have been filed at this time, but an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the collision.
The investigation will explore whether factors such as visibility, traffic flow, or pedestrian right-of-way played a role in the tragic event. The intersection where the incident occurred is a bustling area, and while there are pedestrian crossings, the question of whether traffic conditions contributed to the accident remains central to the inquiry.
The USPS also issued a statement extending condolences to Kerwin’s family and stating that they are cooperating fully with the investigation. While it remains unclear if any negligence or error was involved on the part of the driver, the investigation’s findings could lead to further actions.
Mary Kerwin’s death has left the East Aurora community grappling with the loss of a familiar face. As news of the accident spread, neighbors and friends expressed their deep sorrow. Many knew Kerwin as an active and friendly member of the community, and her death has sparked renewed conversations about pedestrian safety, particularly for the elderly in busy intersections.
Local residents have begun voicing concerns about the safety of the Main Street and Olean Road intersection, where traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. According to several neighbors, the area has seen multiple near-misses in recent years, and Kerwin’s death may now prompt discussions about additional safety measures. These could include clearer signage, traffic lights, or dedicated pedestrian crossings to ensure that both drivers and pedestrians can navigate the area safely.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance for both drivers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 6,000 pedestrians die in traffic crashes annually in the U.S. While many factors can contribute to such accidents, including distracted driving, poor visibility, or simply the complexity of busy intersections, every pedestrian fatality is a call to action.
In cases involving elderly pedestrians, the risks can be even greater. Older adults may take longer to cross the road, or their slower reaction times can make them more vulnerable in traffic-heavy areas. East Aurora is now reflecting on how it can better protect its pedestrians—whether by introducing traffic-calming measures, enhancing pedestrian awareness campaigns, or re-examining high-traffic zones like Main Street and Olean Road.
As police continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the accident, they are urging witnesses or anyone with additional information to come forward. It is still unclear whether any changes will be made to the intersection where Kerwin was hit, but the community’s attention is now focused on ensuring such tragedies do not happen again.
The East Aurora Police Department has also indicated that the findings of the investigation could lead to safety improvements, whether through new signage, adjusting traffic patterns, or working with the USPS to ensure better training for their drivers in high-risk areas.
Mary Kerwin’s passing is a painful loss for the community, but it also serves as an urgent reminder of the need for constant awareness and precaution on the roads. Whether through better infrastructure or heightened vigilance from both drivers and pedestrians, East Aurora will need to reflect on how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As her friends, neighbors, and family mourn, one thing is certain: Mary Kerwin’s memory will endure, and her death will not be in vain if it spurs the changes necessary to make the streets of East Aurora safer for all.
