NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Family members are remembering 78-year-old Josephine McClease, who they said was the victim in Thursday morning’s auto pedestran crash in the 5900 block of E. Virginia Beach Boulevard.
The family said the woman was just out taking a walk during her workday like she normally does when the crash happened at 11 a.m., and tragedy struck.
“We have a co-worker that always walks everywhere,” Adrionna Charles said. “She was on break and she always comes back on time.”
Charles said what started out as a normal Thursday at the daycare where she works quickly took a turn for the worst. She told 10 On Your Side her co worker, McClease went out for her usual break, but this time never returned.
“I looked over and I saw her shoe laying on the ground,” Charles said.
She saw the aftermath of the crash and quickly put the pieces together.
“I took a picture of the shoe and sent it to my mom because she’s the one who picks her up in the morning and brings her in and I was like, ‘Is this her shoe? And her mom was like, ‘Yeah that’s her shoe,” Charles said.
Cheryl King, niece of the woman who got hit, was one of the first witnesses.
“Me and another co-worker walked down and they were already doing CPR, and I didn’t know it was her at the time,” King said.
Family members then rushed to Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, and that’s where they found out she didn’t make it.
“Grandma Josie loved to walk, loved to get on the bus, and when I received that call I just can’t believe it,” said family member Nicole Clark.
Family and co-workers now wonder what led to the crash. Witnesses believe speed could’ve been a factor.
“It’s very hard, and with no health problems, and you die like this,” King said.
Said Clark: “I want justice for her, and I’m gonna stand on it.”
Norfolk Police are continuing to investigate.
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