SUV Rams Into Bus Stop, Kills 1 In Lauderdale Lakes
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LAUDERDALE LAKES (CBSMiami) – An investigation is underway after an SUV slammed into Lauderdale Lakes bus stop, killing one person.
It all happened Thursday afternoon on the westbound lanes of Oakland Park Boulevard, just west of State Road 7.
Detectives have identified the driver of the tan-color Nissan Pathfinder as Jerdy Germain, 39.
According to investigators, Germain was driving westbound and, for some reason, she swerved and hit Nelita Ali-Barker, 45, who was standing by the bus stop.
"She was pinned against the column and was pronounced dead on the scene," said Keyla Concepcion of the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Barker's heartbroken husband talked to CBS4 News about the last time he saw his wife before she was killed.
"I barely got a glimpse of her as she got ready for work and went out the door, didn't even say bye. So that's going to make it even harder to deal with," said Shawn Barker, the victim's husband.
Chopper4 was over the scene as an SUV could be seen partially covered. A yellow tarp could also be seen on the ground.
The crash caused some major traffic tie ups in the area. Police were seen detouring traffic from the area. Traffic began flowing late Thursday afternoon after part of the area was closed off for about three hours while investigators gathered evidence.
Barker's husband said the mother of three, who's a nurse's assistant, may have been out job hunting when she was killed.
He added she loved her job and loved helping people.
"She loved her patients and was just a loving person," said Shawn Barker.
The husband said, ironically, his wife had a nightmare recently about an accident.
"She wasn't sure who died and she was telling me, 'Be careful.' That's two weeks ago. That's what makes this more overwhelming and shocking," said Shawn Barker.
BSO says neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors in the incident.
As Shawn Barker faces life raising the couple's 11-year-old son by himself, he says he holds no ill will towards the driver.
"They have to deal with they killed somebody. So I have to quarrel with them," he said. "I just gotta look toward the future. Raise my son, keep reminding him of his mom, how good she was..... You just gotta hope time and faith heal all wounds."
The driver of the SUV was transported by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue to Plantation General. Her condition is unknown.
Criminal charges are not pending. The investigation continues.
