Brother, 11, Of Astoria Girl Killed By Driver Petitions For Stop Light

ASTORIA, QUEENS — The 11-year-old brother of the girl who was fatally struck by a driver in Astoria last month launched a petition asking the Department of Transportation to install a traffic light in the same intersection she was killed.

"With unexplainable sorrow, I am writing for my 7 year old sister, Dolma Naadhum, who was brutally killed by a ruthless driver on 45th Street and Newtown Road in Astoria, right in front of my eyes," reads the petition by Dolma's brother, Tsering Tashi Takgye.

Dolma died on Feb. 17 after she was struck by an SUV driver at the intersection of Newton Road and 45 Street. The 7-year-old was crossing the street when a 46-year-old woman driving a 2021 Ford Explorer ran past a stop sign and struck her, according to authorities.

The petition by Tsering, which has garnered more than 12,000 as of Friday, asks DOT to install a traffic light for the crosswalk of the intersection instead of keeping the stop sign.

The 11-year-old said he and his sister frequently used the crosswalk to go to Astoria Heights Playground, what he described as his sister's "favorite place in the world."

Tsering witnessed his sister's death when they were walking home after school with their mother, the petition reads.

"My family's mission is to make sure this horrible tragedy doesn't happen to any other family," Tsering said in the petition. "Installing a traffic light seems like such a small thing to do compared to the loss of my sister."

A candlelight vigil to honor Dolma took place on Thursday, where dozens of people showed up to the event organized by the 7-year-old's school P.S. 85Q.

The petition by Dolma's brother joins similar calls from lawmakers to install a traffic light.

Council Member Julie Won, Council Member Tiffany Cabán, and Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers sent a letter to DOT requesting a stop light at the intersection following Dolma's death, as well as better lighting, a speed bump, and larger signage.

Senator Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas made the same request earlier this week.

A fundraiser to support Dolma's family with the memorial and funeral services was started by Leah Lin, Chapter Leader of PS85Q in Astoria, last month. More than 1,2000 friends, family, and community members chipped in to collect over $55,000.