Honda Odyssey struck woman who was then hit by Mini Cooper in passing lane near Exit 9
January 03, 2026 | Clarkstown, NY
A 70-year-old woman from New Jersey lost her life in a devastating pedestrian incident in Clarkstown.
Minette Brown, 70, of New Jersey, died after being struck by a Honda Odyssey and then a Mini Cooper on the Palisades Parkway in Clarkstown.
Minette Brown was hit by a Honda Odyssey shortly after 6 p.m. on the northbound Palisades Parkway near Exit 9. The collision propelled her into the passing lane, where a Mini Cooper then struck her. She was transported to Nyack Hospital with critical injuries and succumbed to them there.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details from the incident include:
- Date and Time: Jan. 3, around 6 p.m.
- Location: Northbound Palisades Parkway near Exit 9, Clarkstown, NY
- Vehicles Involved: Honda Odyssey and Mini Cooper
- Victim: Minette Brown, 70, from New Jersey
- Outcome: Fatal injuries leading to death at Nyack Hospital
The New York State Police reported the sequence of events, highlighting the tragic chain of impacts.
How Is the Fatal Pedestrian Accident Being Investigated?
The State Police's Haverstraw Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the probe into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Pedestrian deaths have surged across the U.S., outpacing other traffic fatalities. Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows an estimated 6,590 pedestrian fatalities in 2019, marking the highest in over three decades.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
2019 |
6,590 |
Governors Highway Safety Association |
Trend |
Substantial increase over 30 years |
Federal Highway Administration |
Investigators are examining factors like road conditions, signage, and lighting to determine contributing elements.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents like motor vehicle crashes involving vulnerable road users.
“In cases such as this, securing the right resources is crucial to probe a pedestrian accident and establish negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways include:
- Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting must be assessed thoroughly.
- These evaluations aid families seeking accountability after losing a loved one.
“Drivers generally have a duty to yield to pedestrians,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “Families may pursue damages for lost income, companionship, pain, suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress in wrongful death scenarios.”
An advocate can support families during grief, safeguarding their interests against insurance pressures for low settlements.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Continue to Rise?
Rising pedestrian fatalities underscore broader safety challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), urban design and driver behavior play significant roles. Newsline emphasizes the need for enhanced infrastructure and awareness to curb these trends.
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure accurate reporting, backed by our Corrections Policy that guarantees a 24-hour review for any concerns.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).