An 85-year-old woman from West Palm Beach lost her life on Friday afternoon when she was struck by an SUV, according to deputies.
The incident occurred a little after 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Okeechobee Boulevard and Church Street.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigators reported that the victim, Maria Hortencia Affortunato, was walking westbound on the sidewalk on the south side of Okeechobee Boulevard, nearing the exit to Cricket Wireless.
Simultaneously, a 2017 Ford Escape was leaving the Cricket Wireless parking lot and turning right to head east on Okeechobee Boulevard.
As the driver initiated the right turn, the SUV’s side collided with Affortunato, pulling her beneath the vehicle.
The SUV continued for a short distance, dragging the elderly woman before coming to a stop, according to the sheriff’s office.
Affortunato was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center by West Palm Beach Fire Rescue, where she succumbed to her injuries.
This tragic incident follows the death of an 87-year-old woman who was fatally struck while crossing Haverhill Road just three days prior.
