1DECEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 7, 2017 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP hold vigil for
Sunset teen killed while biking
BY JAIME DEJESUS
JDEJESUS@BROOKLYNREPORTER.COM
Mourning the death of a Sunset
teen.
On Monday, November
27, local elected officials held a vigil in
memory of 14-year-old Edwin Ajacalon,
who was killed after being struck
by a car while riding his bike at Fifth
Avenue and 23rd Street on Saturday,
November 25 at around 5:43 p.m.
Reports claimed that Ajacalon, who
came to the states from Guatemala
and who was delivering food when he
was struck, was dragged half a block
before the vehicle that hit him stopped.
Councilmember Carlos Menchaca
moment,” Adams said. “Here was a
that people can use the roadways in a
and Borough President Eric Adams
young child, saving money to bring
safe fashion.”
hosted the event along with Transportation
back to his family in Guatemala, believing
Adams contended that precautions
Alternatives and Families
the streets here are paved with
could be taken to ensure these deaths
for Safe Streets at the corner where
opportunity, not death. Some would
are limited. “We understand the NYPD
the youth died as a community vigil
look at the video and ask if he was following
is looking at the cameras to make a
to mourn the teen’s loss and to demand
every bicycle rule on the road.
determination if the operator of the
action that saves lives.
Mistakes should not end in death. Our
vehicle was speeding,” he said. “That
“This is just a truly heartbreaking
streets need to become safer to ensure
is why we need more speed cameras
in the city. The state legislature cannot
continue to be in the way of this real
manner to decrease these deaths and
serious accidents.”
State Senator Jesse Hamilton agreed.
“In the last year, there have been three
deaths of young people in this community
due to traffic accidents,” he said.
“Whether you’re going to school or the
supermarket, you should not walk the
streets in fear. I and other colleagues
in the State Senate will fight hard to
make sure we get Edwin’s Law named
after Ajacalon passed next year so we
have speed cameras at intersections
that we know are hazardous to people
in our community. I pledge tonight to
pass legislation for Edwin’s Law. It’s
0Brooklynites time for Albany to step up.”
Ajacalon’s uncle Eduardo Vicente
attempted to say a few words to the
crowd but started to cry and couldn’t
speak.
Denise Felipe-Adams from Adams’
office spoke on his behalf. “He wants
everyone to know that Edwin was a
hard worker,” she said. “He came here
to provide for his family back in Guatemala.
He came here struggling. He
didn’t know English, but he knew he
wanted the American dream. His uncle
shared with me that anyone who wants
to contribute to the family, please contact
the borough president's office.”
Hank Miller of Families for Safe
Streets discussed his own experience.
“In a few weeks, we will mark a very
similar vigil that was held shortly
after my sister Victoria was killed not
far from here,” he said. “We face an
epidemic that kills hundreds every
year but there is a solution. Better
road design, using vision zero safety
standards and protected bike lanes
will save lives as will enforcing traffic
laws, because speed kills."
Following the statements, money
was collected to help bring Ajacalon’s
body back to Guatemala for a burial.
A ghost bike was on display near a
makeshift memorial with candles and
photos of the teen.
“With a heavy heart, I just want to
say that the death of Edwin today must
be responded to with unity in this
community and a continued effort to
change the law and bring safer streets
to every corner of this entire city,” said
Menchaca. “Right here in Sunset Park.
Edwin worked so hard. Let’s remember
him today as we continue to fight
for safer streets.”
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BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Jaime DeJesus
Members of Edwin Ajacalon’s family joined elected officials at
the podium during the vigil.
The memorial to Edwin Ajacalon.