33°
Nora Kohlash was killed Wednesday on Thackery Road -- in what law enforcement authorities called a "tragic accident" -- five doors down from the Bethesda Lutheran Communities group home where she'd been living.
“A tragic accident – nothing criminal,” a law enforcement official told Daily Voice.
The woman and an aide were walking on the sidewalk in front of 18 Thackeray Road just before 9:45 a.m. when they were struck by the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
"The initial impact knocked the victim to the ground," Lt. Christian Eldridge said. "The driver subsequently pulled the vehicle forward and back into the driveway.
"The vehicle then rolled backwards out of the driveway and struck the victim again, this time pinning her beneath the vehicle," the lieutenant said.
Police who responded along with borough firefighters, First Aid Squad members and paramedics found the fatally injured victim beneath the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, he said.
The paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Founded in 1904, Bethesda Lutheran Communities works with local congregations throughout the country to provide support to people with developmental disabilities.
Besides Oakland, the non-profit organization has group homes in New Jersey in Dumont, Montville and Pompton Lakes.
Boyd A. Loving contributed to this story.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Northern Highlands and receive free news updates.
