Brooklyn Boy’s Battle for Life After Devastating Crash with Wigmaker
A 12-year-old Brooklyn boy remains in critical condition after being struck by a speeding vehicle driven by a local wigmaker last Thursday evening. The collision, which occurred near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Parkside Avenue, left the child with life-threatening injuries and sparked outrage in the community. Witnesses report the driver failed to stop at a red light before plowing into the boy as he crossed the street with his bicycle.
Community Rallies Around Injured Child and Family
As young Jamal Carter fights for survival at NYU Langone Hospital, neighbors have organized vigils and fundraisers to support his single mother, Denise Carter. The family’s church, Mount Zion Baptist, has raised over $25,000 in medical expenses through a GoFundMe campaign that went viral across Brooklyn communities.
“This isn’t just about one child—it’s about all our children’s safety on these streets,” said community organizer Tyrone Williams, who helped coordinate the fundraising efforts. “We’ve seen six pedestrian accidents at this intersection just this year, yet the city hasn’t installed the promised speed bumps.”
Dangerous Intersection Under Scrutiny
Data from the NYC Department of Transportation reveals troubling patterns at the crash site:
- 27% increase in pedestrian incidents since 2020
- Only 2 of 4 planned crosswalk signals installed
- Average vehicle speed 12 mph above the 25 mph limit
The driver, identified as 38-year-old Miriam Feldstein of Feldstein Wigs & Beauty Supply, reportedly told police she “didn’t see the child” due to sun glare. However, surveillance footage shows Feldstein accelerating through the intersection while checking her phone.
Legal and Medical Challenges Ahead
Medical experts caution that Jamal’s traumatic brain injury could require years of rehabilitation. “Pedestrian accidents involving children often result in complex, long-term injuries,” explained Dr. Alicia Chen, pediatric neurologist at NYU Langone. “The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to impact trauma, and recovery timelines are unpredictable.”
Meanwhile, legal experts anticipate potential criminal charges against Feldstein. “Given the speed, traffic violations, and apparent distraction, this case likely meets the threshold for vehicular assault,” said former prosecutor Mark Richardson. “The DA’s office will need to weigh the evidence carefully.”
Broader Implications for Pedestrian Safety
The incident has reignited debates about street safety measures in Brooklyn’s residential areas. Local activists point to concerning citywide trends:
- Pedestrian fatalities up 17% citywide in 2023
- Brooklyn accounts for 34% of all traffic deaths
- Less than 40% of promised Vision Zero improvements completed
Transportation Committee Chairperson Lena Rodriguez acknowledged the concerns at a recent press conference: “We’re accelerating safety projects in high-risk corridors, but clearly, we need to move faster. No family should endure this pain.”
Road to Recovery and Reform
As Jamal undergoes his third surgery this week, the community continues its vigil. His mother shared a brief statement through hospital staff: “We’re taking this hour by hour. Please keep praying for my son.”
The tragedy has spurred immediate action from local officials:
- Temporary speed cameras installed at the crash site
- Emergency community safety meeting scheduled
- Proposed legislation to expand daylighting at intersections
For those wishing to support Jamal’s recovery, donations can be made through the verified #PrayForJamal campaign on major crowdfunding platforms. Community leaders urge residents to contact their council members about street safety improvements, emphasizing that meaningful change often follows tragedy.
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