A tragic incident occurred on a Thursday afternoon in Brooklyn, where a senior citizen lost her life after being struck by a cargo van while crossing the street. Mayya Gil, aged 95, was accompanied by her health aide when they were hit by the vehicle making a left turn. The health aide suffered leg injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. However, Gil sustained a severe head injury and was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Gil's remarkable life spanned several significant historical events. Born in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, she fled with her family to Kyiv at the age of 12 to escape the Nazi invasion. There, she met her husband Vilyam, and together they had twin daughters. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster prompted one of their daughters to move to New York City, eventually leading the entire family to relocate to Brooklyn's Bensonhurst neighborhood in 1992. They became active members of the local Jewish Community Center, contributing significantly to the community.

Gil's resilience and love for her family remained unwavering throughout her life. She faced numerous challenges, including the loss of her husband in 2020 due to COVID-19. Despite these hardships, she was remembered fondly as a pillar of strength and kindness within her community. Her granddaughter Natasha Famighetti shared that Gil took immense joy in spending time with her family. Gil's legacy will be cherished not only by her loved ones but also by all those whose lives she touched through her generosity and warmth. Her story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and community in the face of adversity.