Kelly Killian, pictured, was fatally struck by an e-bike in Astoria Friday (Photo Courtesy of Chris Killian)
June 1, 2021 By Christina Santucci
A 54-year-old real estate agent named Kelly Killian was struck and killed by an e-bike in Astoria Friday night – around the corner from where she lived.
Police said they received a 911 call just after 8:30 p.m., and when emergency responders arrived at 31st Street and 21st Avenue, they found the injured woman lying in the road.
Killian had suffered severe trauma to her head. Medics brought her to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was initially listed in critical condition, the NYPD said.
She later died from her injuries, her family said.
An initial investigation by the NYPD Highway Unit’s Collision Investigation Squad found that a 26-year-old man on an e-bike had been headed east on 21st Avenue and struck Killian, who had been walking in the crosswalk.
Her brother, Chris Killian, said his sister had been en route to get dinner with a friend at the time.
The e-bike driver – who the NY Daily News reported was a delivery worker – stayed at the scene and had not been charged as of Tuesday, police said.
Killian’s family said that they are awaiting the results of the NYPD’s final investigation but do not blame the e-bike driver.
“It clearly was an accident. I’m sure the guy feels terrible,” Chris Killian told the Queens Post. “It’s not something that I would want to live with myself.”
Since her death, he has discovered that Killian had made many friends throughout her life.
“There are all of these people everywhere that loved her. She was a really nice person who was outgoing and energetic,” he said.
Killian grew up in Delaware. After college she lived in Panama, Puerto Rico and Florida before moving to Astoria about 10 years ago.
She was the cool aunt to Chris Killian’s three children – planning adventures and taking the kids for dumplings when they visited the city.
The intersection of 31st Street and 21st Avenue where Killian was fatally struck (Photo: Christina Santucci)
Killian loved animals, and her family has since arranged for a friend to take in the two kittens she had adopted during the pandemic. “That would be super important to her,” Chris Killian said.
She was also a strong believer in organ donation – a conviction that she developed following the death of her and Chris Killian’s father. “She gave what she could,” her brother said.
Killian’s bio page on the real estate site, Zillow, described how she became a full-time residential real estate agent in 2008 following a 13-year career in international marketing.
She had worked as a packaged goods marketer for Procter and Gamble and PepsiCo, according to her biography on the real estate site, R New York.
Killian also opened her own brokerage, Kelly NYC, in 2013.
On the Zillow page, she had received more than 30 glowing reviews from past clients who praised her dedication, determination and professionalism.
“Kelly Killian is a joy and a gem. She is knowledgeable, funny, intelligent and clear,” one person posted.
Another former client wrote, “If I had to use one word to describe Kelly, it would be INCREDIBLE.”
Chris Killian said his sister had stayed friends with some of her clients – long after the real estate deals had finished.
“That’s the kind of person she was,” he said.
Featured Events
15 Comments
I didn’t know Ms. Killian, but my deepest sympathies to her family and friends. What a senseless loss. I add my voice though to those who’ve said that these e-bike drivers are out of control. When I exit the courtyard of my building now, I always look in both directions even though I’m not crossing the street. These drivers think nothing of speeding down sidewalks as if they’re highways and I’ve had some whiz right past me while walking on the sidewalk. And if there is no traffic light at this intersection (I’m not familiar with it myself), then obviously there needs to be one. Not that it does much good though – I rarely see e-bike drivers and even regular cyclists obey traffic lights. But it still might help prevent more needless tragedies like this one.
My players go out to The Killian family. I lost a sister to a similar accident only it was a car that struck my sister. She sounded like an incredible, loving and caring person. It seems to affect every one when someone like Kelly Killian. R.i.p Kelly.
Very sorry to hear of this sad incident. Deepest condolences to Kelly’s family and friends.
I did a few deals with Kelly and am crying over this tragic loss. Accident or not, she’s gone, and everyone who knew her is left with a hole in his or her heart.
May she rest in peace.
They should get rid of those stupid e-bikes. I almost hit one while he was heading in the opposite side of traffic.
I knew her, she was a friendly person
and good neighbor.
I’ll miss her.
Family, so sorry for your loss.
They need to do something
about that intersection,
and put in a traffic light on the intersection of
29th Street and 21st. Avenue.
I’ve petitioned our local politicians
And DOT,
But my words have fallen on deaf ears.
Kellie enjoy your next journey we will all miss you. Love and light
So sad to read this. I remember her as a real estate colleague with no airs about her. Friendly and professional. May her friends and family have strength to heal through this difficult time.
How many more deaths will there be? Scooters, E-Bikes, motorized everythings riding on sidewalks, running stop signs and red lights and our politicians don’t care a bit. They even encourage it. Sad, sad indeed!
Not causing damage to people?
Oh where is Sir Jimmy now?
But yeah bikes are too blame somehow ?
Compare fatality per car to fatality per bike. Nobody’s blaming the bikes. The problem is the riders disobeying the traffic rules. Human life is way more valuable than making money and a stupid food order. I worked in the delivery business. The only reason these delivery bikes ride like a rabid is greed. There is a “delivery driver line” at every restaurant. The faster you finish a delivery and go back to the restaurant the more front you are on the “delivery driver line”, and the more money you make. Remember that every time you see a delivery guy jeopardizing someone’s safety, he is doing it for greed, for extra money and doesn’t care about else.
So sad….RIP
They ride these e-bikes, scooters on sidewalks full speed and expect you to stay aside and yield to them on the sidewalks. I would not be surprised to see more fatal hits. Good luck walking your kids, elderly..
Kelly was my real estate agent. She was incredible at her job and made home-buying for the first time an easy experience. I always knew that she had my back throughout the process. I am incredibly shocked and deeply saddened that she is no longer with us. My thoughts and condolences to the Killian family.