New Heartbreak: Mom Of Woman Dragged, Killed In Hit-And-Run Dying

EAST QUOGUE, NY — In a heartbreaking new blow to a family already overwhelmed by grief, the mother of a woman who was dragged and killed in a hit-and-run is now dying.

A GoFundMe page, "Final Arrangements for Donna Christina," was created by Gina Christina in East Quogue.

"Our mother, Donna Christina, the matriarch of our family, has been battling for almost three years with multiple severe health issues," the page said.

She has survived two-and-a-half years, stays at Southampton Hospital and other hospitals and nursing homes, as well as numerous surgeries — some of which were life threatening — but she always pulled through, her family said.

"She always remained strong, not only for herself, but I believe mainly for her beloved grandchildren, Alexa and Aidan and her four daughters, Lori, Gina, Annmarie and Jillienne," the page said.

Then tragedy struck.

"On July 29, 2019, she lost her daughter Annmarie in a tragic accident and since then, she's been on a rapid decline," the page said. "My sisters and I were called up to the hospital today and it is evident that she has accepted her fate, and it now lies in God's hands. After losing our sister only a few weeks ago, it seems surreal that this is where we find ourselves, preparing to lose our most dear mother. But, true love does not bind, love sets one free. We don't wish to see her suffer anymore; we believe her spirit will transcend to eternal life as God has promised. It is our strong faith in God, and the love and support from family and friends that gives us peace and keeps us whole."

However, Christina said, the family is concerned about the financial demands they will soon be facing.

"Since my mother was hospitalized for so long, it put a great deal of financial stress on my immediate family," she said. "If we had other means we'd never take this route. We're simply a family in need. Whatever support you can manage would be so greatly appreciated. And if you're unable to help us financially, your prayers for my mom and my family would be so greatly appreciated."

Annemarie Christina died after an AutoZone deliveryman struck two pedestrians before fleeing the scene in North Babylon, Suffolk Police said.

According to police, 26-year-old Donnell Hicks was driving a 2017 Dodge Ram work van when he struck Christina and Eric Krems in front of the AutoZone located at 1295 Deer Park Ave. at 1:04 p.m.

Hicks did not stop and continued traveling northbound on Deer Park Avenue while dragging Christina, who was caught underneath the vehicle, police said.

(GoFundMe)

The family also created a GoFundMe to help bury their sister.

"Yesterday, July 29th, 2019, my parents lost a beloved daughter, my sisters and I lost a beloved sister, her friends lost a confidante, and two young and wonderful children lost their mother," Christina's sister Gina wrote on the GoFundMe page "Burial Arrangements."

"My sister Annmarie was a beautiful, quick-witted and strong young lady; she could accomplish anything she set her mind to," Gina wrote. "Her sudden death follows two years of chronic illness of our mother, which has been very hard on the family, to say the least. Our mother's medical bills have taken a severe toll on our financial stability."

The GoFundMe page was created, she said, to help with funeral arrangements as well as to provide financial support for Annmarie's two young children Aidan, 11, and Alexa, 7.

Hicks made a right hand turn onto Shade Street in Deer Park where Christina became dislodged from the van and came to rest in the roadway, police said. Hicks continued on his route.

Christina, 38, of East Quogue, was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where she was pronounced dead. Krems, 40, was treated and released from Good Samaritan.

An investigation revealed Hicks might be at the AutoZone located at 595 Portion Road in Lake Ronkonkoma, police said. Police responded to the location and found Hicks at 1:57 p.m. Hicks, of Springfield Gardens in Queens, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.