By Paul Nelson
The Times-Union
GUILDERLAND, N.Y. — A woman was struck and killed by a semi truck after dashing into traffic along Western Avenue late Wednesday afternoon in an attempt to catch her pet dog, police said.
Jeannie Neumann, 58, of Western Avenue, was crossing the roadway, also known as Route 20, about 5 p.m. near Okara Drive, police said.
After being hit, she was transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital by paramedics and pronounced dead there, police said.
Police say it does not appear that the truck driver, whose name has not been released, was speeding or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Wendy Murray was working in nearby Chico’s BBQ & Restaurant at the time of the crash when she looked out the window and saw “a yellow truck spin.” She grabbed a CPR kit and bolted outside to find the badly injured woman lying facedown in the roadway.
She said she and another Good Samaritan attempted to revive Neumann and twice felt for her pulse as they worked on her.
“She was gasping for breath and then we didn’t hear anything,” said Murray who manages Chico’s. “It felt like forever but it was only a few minutes.” She said paramedic quickly arrived and were able to stabilize the woman. Murray said the woman “religiously walked that doggie up and down Western Ave” She said the dog named Lucky was a light colored Pomeranian mix breed, and was not injured.
Tom Fogarty, 54, who lived next door to Neumann at the Governors Inn & Suites described his neighbor as a “pleasant person who loved her dog.” He said he frequently saw her helping the managers of the motel clean rooms and take care of the place.
One of those managers, Nick Mehta, a native of India, recounted Wednesday night how Neumann helped him with his English.
He said she had just celebrated a birthday on Dec. 5, had two daughters and a son, and had lived at the Inn for the past two months.
Fogarty said crossing that stretch of Western Avenue can be a risky proposition during rush hour.
“To give your life up four your dog is quite a bit,” said Fogarty. “It’s just a shame to see that happen.”
The accident forced authorities to shut down Western Avenue between Route 146 and Hague Drive in both directions for hours before reopening first one lane and then the rest later.
Paul Nelson can be reached at 454-5347 or by e-mail at pnelson@timesunion.com
Copyright 2009 The Hearst Corporation