A female pedestrian from Bellmore was struck and killed on Merrick Road late Saturday night.
According to police, a 7th Precinct officer was traveling eastbound on Merrick Road in his patrol car when he struck Sherry Lang, 63, at the intersection of Farmers Avenue.
Lang was transported to a nearby hospital where she was prounounced dead at 11:25 p.m.
The police officer was treated and released at a hospital for contusions to his knees.
According to Detective Lt. Kevin Smith of the Nassau County Police Department, weather was a contributing factor in the accident, as well as possible pedestrian error.
Lang was walking home to the Ocean Avenue area of Bellmore from the vicinity of Taco Bell in Merrick on Merrick Road, a total distance of approximately one-and-a-half miles. "[She] had crossed in the middle of the block just past Farmers Avenue," Smith said. "She crossed from north to south."
"The wind and rain were relentless. There were limited visual conditions," Smith said. "As this officer was on routine patrol at the last minute he saw [Lang] emerge."
According to Smith, the officer hit his breaks instantly, but wasn't able to bring the car to a stop and Lang was struck.
"It was just a terrible accident," Smith said.
An investigation is ongoing at this time.
On top of being a Bellmore resident, Lang was also a clerk typist at Shore Road School.
UPDATE
The following statement has been released by Bellmore Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph S. Famularo:
"We are deeply saddened over the loss of Sherry Lang and wish to extend our most
sincere condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. Sherry has been employed with the district for 18 years and was well-liked and respected by everyone. She started her career with the district as a monitor and worked her way to the position of clerk typist at Shore Road School. She will truly be missed."
"Grief counselors will be provided to students and staff as needed when school returns to session next week."
