CORTLAND, NY — The city of Cortland is grieving the tragic loss of 63-year-old Kyong Searle, who was killed Thursday afternoon in a downtown crosswalk. Authorities say the incident occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m., when Searle was struck by a minivan while walking in the crosswalk.
The driver, 23-year-old Victor Pagola Armesto of Syracuse, was delivering packages for an Amazon.com subcontractor at the time. Police reports indicate that a combination of human error and environmental factors, including sun glare, contributed to the deadly crash. Pagola Armesto was making a left turn from Court Street onto Main Street when Searle was crossing.
According to the Cortland Police Department, surveillance footage from downtown cameras captured the collision. Police confirmed there are no indications that the driver was impaired. Pagola Armesto has been issued a traffic ticket for Failure to Yield the Right of Way to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk, in violation of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1151-A. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Friends, neighbors, and the Cortland community are mourning Searle’s sudden and heartbreaking death. She was remembered as a beloved member of the community, and her loss has left a profound impact on those who knew her.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers pedestrians can face, even in familiar areas, and the importance of vigilance for both drivers and those on foot.