Ridgewood Native Killed By Cement Truck In Brooklyn: Police

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A village native and emerging artist died after she was hit by a cement truck in Brooklyn, police reported.

Authorities identified Devra Freelander, 28, as the victim, the New York City Police Department confirmed. She lived less than a mile from the where the crash occurred at the intersection of Boerum Street and Bushwick Avenue, police said.

Freelander, who was originally from Ridgewood, had a budding career as a sculptor, the New York Daily News reported. She was a graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio. She had a master's degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her sculptures have been displayed in Times Square in Manhattan and at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, according to the report.

The crash occurred on Monday at about 12:18 p.m. Freelander suffered severe head and body trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Freelander was the third cyclist killed on New York City's streets in the past week, and the 15th to lose their lives this year, renewing calls from activists for safer policies from the city.

The driver of the cement truck was not arrested, police said. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is continuing their investigation.

Those who knew Freelander expressed sadness over her death on her Instagram page.

"Devra, you are remembered for your compassion, your exuberance, and your devolution to your friends and to your art," Paul Rouphail said. "You will be truly missed. Rest in peace."

— With information by Anna Quinn, Patch staff

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com