Senator Sanders Sends Condolences to Family of Far Rockaway Woman Killed by SUV

FAR ROCKAWAY – Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens) sends his condolences to the family of Valerie Razack, 63, who lost her life after being struck by an SUV, and dragged several feet near the intersection of Beach 73 Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard.

“I was saddened to hear of the loss of Valerie Razack and I want to express my sincere condolences to her family for their loss,” said Senator Sanders. “No loss of life is ever easy to bear, but I know it can be especially difficult when a life is suddenly taken in this manner.”

According to news and police reports, the Wednesday accident happened when Peter Lopez, 40, was operating a 2009 Dodge Durango, trying to turn left onto Beach 73 Street when he hit Razack in the crosswalk. A preliminary investigation found that Razack had entered the crosswalk with the pedestrian signal green light in her favor.

Medics rushed Razack to St. John’s Hospital where she could not be saved. Lopez was arrested and charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care, according to reports.

Senator Sanders reminds motorists and pedestrians to be cautious on City streets, and to be mindful of one another at all times.