Community mourns woman killed at intersection

Esther Ohayon killed on way to Yom Kippur services

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Candles were lit, prayers were said, and at times, some shared personal stories about Esther Ohayon, the woman killed three weeks ago as she crossed San Jose Boulvard, heading to Yom Kippur services.

By the sight of the packed room at the Chabad Center in Mandarin, it's clear she was deeply loved.

"She touched everyone. She touched all spectrums of the community. She was a mother of everyone, not just me. She touched everyone," said Ohayon's oldest daughter Simy Ohayon.

Esther's teenage daughter Orly was crossing the street with her the night she died, and is now recovering from her injuries. Those closest to the mother and daughter spoke of Esther's kindness and Orly's bravery.

"Absolutely amazing. She is amazing. We are so proud of her. It's a miracle," family friend Rivkie Kahanov said.

Even though Orly's road to recovery will no doubt be a rocky one, Esther's family says there is no way they'd get through such a challenging time without the community 's support.

"They helped us know that we are not alone," said Simy. "The support they are giving us, to lose a parent, we've lost both our parents, they're not here anymore. But now we know that we have a community that's strong, who's backing us, behind us and we're very happy with that."

Doctors have not set a timetable for Orly Ohayon's recovery, but said she could be walking and out of her wheelchair in six months.