74-year-old woman hit, killed outside of North Tonawanda Walmart

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — North Tonawanda Police Chief Keith Glass confirmed to WIVB News 4 that a female pedestrian was struck and killed Friday outside of the Walmart in North Tonawanda.

The 74-year-old woman, identified as Faye Haner of North Tonawanda, was walking on the crosswalk into the parking lot when she was hit by an SUV driven by a 56-year-old woman, who allegedly failed to yield the right of way, police said. The location was closed down as a result of the incident for a time on Friday.

According to police, upon arrival, responding officers located Haner pinned underneath the striking vehicle with fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The operator of the SUV is cooperating with the investigation, police said.

Tonawanda resident Daniel Lassiter, who frequents the Walmart, told News 4 that he has witnessed cars not stopping at the location before.

“Having to walk somewhere, even with this Walmart, it’s very very very crucial to look both ways,” he said. “You can’t necessarily always assume that a car is going to step back and let you go by.”

North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec said he spoke to the manager of the store. He said they have been cooperating in the investigation and that mental health resources are being provided for anyone who witnessed the incident.

“I can’t believe that this happened,” Lassiter said. “You would think being on a crosswalk, you’d be able to cross safely until, you know, this happens. It’s mind-boggling.”

Lassiter also said he hopes that Walmart will put added measures into the parking lot to avoid further incidents, like a stop sign.

Authorities said a full investigation into the incident is underway. No further information has been provided at this time.

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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