Yisroel R.

A new development has emerged in the ongoing legal aftermath of the Ocean Parkway tragedy that claimed the lives of a mother and her two young daughters on Shabbos afternoon last March.

The crash occurred as the family was walking home, when a vehicle traveling at a high speed went through a red light and struck them. The mother and her two daughters were tragically killed, while her 4-year-old son was seriously injured and required extended hospitalization.

In the criminal case, the driver pleaded guilty and was sentenced to between three and nine years in prison, and she took full responsibility in an emotional appearance in court.

Now, in a separate civil lawsuit filed by the family, the driver is claiming that she suffered a sudden medical episode moments before the incident, which she says caused her to lose consciousness. The claim was made in a sworn court filing.

The attorney representing the victims’ family pushed back strongly on the new claim, arguing that no mention of a medical emergency was made at the scene or during the criminal case, and calling the argument an attempt to avoid financial responsibility.

The civil case is expected to proceed in court this week as the family continues to seek accountability following the devastating loss.