8-Year-Old Jadann Williams Killed By SUV Driver On E. 22nd Street

In an awful update to the news from last night, police say 8-year-old Jadann Williams died after being struck by a Toyota SUV on E. 22nd Street near Ditmas Avenue as she was trying to cross around 5pm Wednesday evening.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Jadann lying on the ground, suffering from severe head trauma.

Neighbor Robert Campbell told the Daily News that he tried to perform CPR on Jadann as they waited for an ambulance.

“I saw her laying there, no pulse, no heart rate, not breathing. That put me into emergency mode,” Campbell told the Daily News. “I started CPR and she regained a little bit of consciousness and her eyes opened.”

She was transported to Kings County Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, said authorities.

The driver of the SUV, a 35-year-old man, stayed at the scene and answered police questions. It is unclear whether charges will be filed.

During questioning, the girl’s brother came over and attacked the driver, who by then had emerged from his vehicle, according to the New York Post. He was tackled by police and taken into custody, and was charged with assault.

Several neighbors spoke with various news outlets and described Jadann as an adventurous, fun-loving child who enjoyed basketball, playing with other kids out on that block where the young girl lived.

Neighbor Tanisha Brown told NBC New York vehicles constantly speed through, and that children play on the dead-end street often because there is no playground nearby.

“We’ve been asking for a speed bump on this block, and this is what is has come to?” said Brown.

The Department of Transportation says it will review the street for possible safety improvements.

Our thoughts go out to Jadann’s family and friends. If anyone has information on how the neighborhood can help during this difficult time, please let us know in the comments below, or by emailing editor@ditmasparkcorner.com.