Fundraiser Launched To Help Family Of Beloved Woman Who Died In Pedestrian Crash

STAMFORD, CT — The community is rallying to help the family of a woman who was killed after she was hit by a pickup truck in Stamford last month.

A GoFundMe fundraiser started by Russell Pierre has raised $8,845 as of Monday afternoon for the family of Evelyn "Shorty" Aponte.

Aponte, 66, was struck by a pickup truck while trying to cross Colonial Road in a marked crosswalk on the afternoon of April 25, according to police.

Aponte was initially taken to Stamford Hospital in critical condition. She succumbed to her injuries in the early morning hours of April 26.

The driver of the pickup truck, 50, also a Stamford resident, was issued an infraction ticket at the scene for failure to grant the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, police said.

As of this time, no other charges have been filed. Police said they will conduct a further investigation and work with the Stamford State's Attorney's Office to determine if any further charges are warranted.

Pierre noted in the fundraiser's description that Aponte was walking home from a shift at work. He said she was "more than a colleague—she was family to so many of us."

"This loss is deeply felt. Evelyn wasn’t just part of our daily lives—she was someone we leaned on, laughed with, and cared about. Her absence leaves a space that can’t be filled, but her spirit, her love, and the way she showed up for others will stay with us always. She will never be forgotten," Pierre said.

"We are coming together to help cover funeral expenses for Evelyn’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Any support you can offer will help honor her memory and ease the financial burden on her loved ones."

Aponte's obituary says she was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, wife, relative, and friend.

"To the world, she was known as a loving and caring woman-but to her family, she was everything," her obituary said. "She was our hero."

View the GoFundMe fundraiser and Aponte's full obituary.