A 55-year-old dialysis specialist was killed while walking through a marked crosswalk in Astoria on Sunday after wrapping up an overnight shift, neighbors said. Paramedics rushed her to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, leaving co-workers and neighbors in shock as police sort through what happened.
According to New York Daily News, the victim was identified as 55-year-old Jihang Ortega, a dialysis specialist who often worked six days a week and had just finished a 13-hour shift at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. The outlet reports she was hit by a Chevrolet Malibu while crossing 38th Street at 34th Avenue, less than two blocks from her home, and that the 58-year-old driver stayed at the scene.
Neighbors Remember a Relentless Caregiver
Friends and neighbors described Ortega as a tireless caregiver who sent money to family in Korea and doted on a small dog named Brady. "Her face was mangled," neighbor Victoria Gordon told New York Daily News, adding that medics told her Ortega was already gone when she reached the hospital.
Crash Investigation Still Underway
NYPD traffic investigators are examining the collision to piece together how it unfolded, and the case remains open while detectives gather surveillance footage and speak with witnesses. Officials have not announced any criminal charges as the review of the scene and interviews continue.
Citywide Numbers, Local Grief
City data show traffic fatalities have dipped slightly this year. There were 42 traffic deaths in the first quarter of 2026, a 7% drop from the same period in 2025 and one of the lowest quarterly totals on record, according to NYC Vision Zero. Even so, advocates note that a single pedestrian death exposes lingering problems in street design and enforcement.
Queens Block Under Scrutiny
Neighbors said the intersection where Ortega was struck feels hectic, with drivers frequently speeding through the block. Some residents are urging city officials to increase enforcement and add safety measures around local hospitals and transit hubs. For hospital workers coming off long shifts, they said, even a short walk home can mean crossing busy, high-traffic routes late at night.
What Comes Next
Investigators are expected to turn their findings over to prosecutors, who will decide whether to pursue charges. Colleagues and friends at Flushing Hospital are planning a small memorial to honor Ortega and her years caring for patients.
Police are asking anyone with video or information about the collision to contact NYPD investigators. Neighbors have been leaving flowers at the site as the community mourns. Ortega's family has been notified, and community members say they hope to carry her legacy forward by supporting the frontline caregivers who live and work in Queens.
