By Kristy O’Connell
Munsey Park residents are rallying to support a local mailman, Kenny Aluska, after his wife was killed in an auto accident on Mother’s Day while managing to save her daughter’s life.
The Village of Munsey Park sent out an email statement last Wednesday informing residents how to support Aluska.
His wife, Diane Aluska, 55, and daughter Jenna, 16, of Lindenhurst, were walking home from Mass on Sunday, May 14, when they were suddenly struck by an 80-year-old driver who lost control of her vehicle, according to Suffolk County police officer James Murphy.
The driver had been parked in front of a bakery on Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst, and when she attempted to drive away from the space, she failed to put the car in drive and hit the gas, he said.
“The car jerked in reverse, she lost control, and the car swerved backward onto the sidewalk, hitting Diane and Jenna,” said Murphy.
He said he has no doubt that Diane saved her daughter’s life. He said that following an investigation, it was determined that Diane had pushed Jenna out of the way, so that Jenna was just clipped by the corner of the car and pushed down to the sidewalk, while Diane took the full brunt of the crash.
The two were sent to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, where Diane Aluska was later pronounced dead. Jenna was hospitalized with nonlife-threatening injuries.
“It’s a tragic accident,” said Murphy. “It definitely rattled this neighborhood.”
Now, those in the Munsey Park community who have gotten to know Kenny Aluska are looking for ways to assist him and his family in their time of need.
The statement sent by the village reads, “There has been an outpouring of love and support for Kenny — our prayers are with him and his family at this difficult time,” and offers a link to a crowdfunding page to assist with fundraising for expenses related to the accident.
The crowdfunding page has been organized by Hope Floats Long Island Inc., a not-for-profit group that helps families on the South Shore of Long Island. By Tuesday, more than $23,000 had been raised, according to the crowdfunding page.
Funds will go to “anything and everything” the family needs during this devastating time, said a statement on the page.
John Sullivan, a Munsey Park resident of 18 years, described Kenny as “a well-liked guy who people always felt comfortable with.”
Describing the tragedy as “absolutely heartbreaking,” he said that he and his wife, along with several other community members, have been trying to figure out ways they can help.
