Metro

Brooklyn girl killed by school bus driver was ‘funny and extremely smart,’ family says

By
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Published Feb. 25, 2020
Updated Feb. 25, 2020, 7:27 p.m. ET

The young girl who was struck and killed by a school bus driver in East New York Tuesday was “extremely smart” and loved by all, her family said during an emotional news conference.

Patience Albert, 10, was walking to school with her brother when she was hit by the yellow bus as they crossed Crescent Street and Wortman Avenue — where there are all-way stop signs.

“We fought sometimes but I loved her and I just wish she was still here,” said Patience’s brother, Merzae, 15, who watched the horrific scene unfold. “Any other brother and sisters out there, protect your sister and be careful.”

Albert’s parents, Tyrone Albert and Tasheema Robinson, broke down in tears and struggled to stand outside of their home Tuesday afternoon — just three blocks from the crash — as the family described Patience as a loving daughter and diligent fourth grader at the Achievement First Linden Elementary School.

Family members mourn the death of Patience Heaven Albert, who was fatally hit by a school bus.
Family members mourn the death of Patience Heaven Albert, who was fatally hit by a school bus.Paul Martinka

“Patience was a happy, beautiful 10-year-old girl,” said Nijia Li, her godmother. “Patience was funny and extremely smart. And she loved school and wanted to be a veterinarian.”

Her father was visibly devastated and needed assistance walking home from the makeshift memorial that was placed at the scene of the crash.

“I need to breathe; I need to breathe,” he repeated.

“Nobody should have to go through this,” Albert later told The Post. “This is the worst pain in the world.”

Child killed by school bus in Brooklyn. (Father in cap, mom in white, brother Merzai Albert 15, who was with sister now on crutches). Tuesday, February 25, 2020 before 7AM, 10 year old girl Patience Heaven Albert was fatally struck by yellow school bus while crossing the intersection of Crescent street and Wortman avenue in East NY section of Brooklyn. The child was rushed to Brookdale hospital where she was pronounced DOA. The girl, Patience Heaven Albert (10) was walking with her 15 year old brother Merzai Albert when she was struck by school bus. The older brother was injured and taken to local hospital with right leg injury. She attended the Achievement First Linden Elementary Charter school at 800 Van Siclen avenue. The bus driver remained at the scene, question and according to NYPD later arrested, pending charges. Family later made a statement outside their home at 1072 Bishop Clarence V. Keaton Boulevard in Brooklyn, about 3 blocks from the scene, and around 4PM about 30 relatives and friends walked to the scene to the makeshift memorial. Ongoing.
Paul Martinka

Police said the bus’s driver, Pedro Colon, 61, was turning right onto Wortman Avenue from Crescent Street when he collided into Patience.

Colon, who was driving an Education Department-contracted bus, remained on the scene and was later arrested on charges for failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care.

Merzae, who was walking on crutches with a leg fracture, said the driver was speeding through the intersection.

“I’m angry,” he said. “He was speeding, and he killed my sister.”

Colon was suspended pending the outcome the police investigation, according to officials.