Woman dies after being struck by SUV in Oakland Park

Victim's 14-year-old son remains in critical condition

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. – A woman has died after being struck by an SUV Monday in Oakland Park.

Broward Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion said Deborah Etienne, 55, died Wednesday morning at Broward Health North.

Etienne's son, Jameson, 14, remains hospitalized in critical condition at Broward Health Medical Center.

Detectives said the family was struck by an SUV driven by Joel Hamlar, 27, at about 9:30 a.m. while they were walking on the sidewalk in front of the Holy Cross HealthPlex.

Concepcion said the SUV was heading south on North Dixie Highway when it veered off the roadway near Northeast 56th Street and struck the family and a utility pole.

A witness told Local 10 News reporter Michael Seiden that the teen was screaming for help after getting pinned under the utility pole.

"I saw a pole dangling, bouncing and I saw a vehicle go right into the wall," Anthony Vessillo said. "Also, I see this woman in the street. I was in shock. I was just looking and all I could see was the pole dangling and wires coming down and there was smoke. Then I walked over and I saw a young kid pinned under the vehicle and a pole had hit him for a loop."

Hamlar was taken to Broward Health Medical Center with minor injuries and has since been released.

It's unclear whether he will face charges.

The crash remains under investigation.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.