A 17-year-old boy accidentally killed his 75-year-old grandmother while reversing an SUV in the driveway of their Queens home on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Floral Park area as the teen was manoeuvring the vehicle closer to the house to assist his grandparents in getting into the car.
Police identified the teen as Jadesh, who lived with his grandparents and frequently helped them. Neighbours reported that the trio were dressed up to go out at the time. The grandmother, Chandrawati Lathan, was walking behind the car and was struck by the reversing vehicle.
Neighbour Basheer Ally, 56, said the teen was only trying to help. 'The grandson was backing up so the grandparents could more easily get into the car and the grandmother didn't notice. He didn't have time to see her,' Ally told NY 1.
Lathan was rushed to Northwell Health Long Island Jewish Medical Center but later died of her injuries. 'The family, of course, are devastated,' Ally said. 'The teen normally takes the grandparents out. It's not out of their normal routine. They were all headed out. They were dressed up to go somewhere. I've known the family for over 10 years. They're a very loving family.'
No charges have been filed as the incident appears to be a tragic accident.
