The Brooklyn church community is mourning the tragic death of a popular pastor killed in a traffic accident last month.
The clergywoman tripped in a dip in the street and fell and then was struck by an SUV. Now, the church is grieving for one of its spiritual leaders who took care of so many during her life.
The New York Police Department said on Feb. 18, Aracely Courtenay, 50, was attempting to cross East 21st St in Flatbush at 7 p.m. when she was hit by a 2015 Toyota Highlander heading north on that street and turned right onto Ditmas Avenue.
Courtenay, the wife of Bishop Curt Courtenay, the overseeing pastor of the church, suffered head trauma from the accident. Emergency workers transported her to the Kings County Hospital Center. Upon arrival, doctors pronounced the mother of three dead.
The 58-year-old man driving the SUV stayed at the scene of the accident until officers arrived. He was not charged with her death. The NYPD did not respond to questions about the probability of charges in the case or why the driver was exempted from charges. However, a spokesperson for the department said nothing criminal occurred.
The church posted a tribute to the woman and on its Facebook shared how the bereaved community is coping with the loss.
“Emmanuel Family, it is with a heavy heart that we share with you the untimely and unexpected passing of our beloved Pastor Aracely Courtenay, our 1st Lady. Family at this time we must keep our 1st family in our prayers,” the note said.
“Our Bishop, her children Gesai, Curt Jr., and Kayris will need our prayers and strength even more at this time,” it continued. “We ask that you respectfully give them time to process this news and we will ensure we communicate all needed memorial information to you as a family in due time.”
The church concluded, “Again, your prayers are most needed at this time for God’s strength and as a family, we will support and love on each other through…
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