Woman Out Walking Dog Killed After Car Jumps Curb On Long Island

EAST ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A young mother was killed Tuesday morning after a car jumped a curb and struck her in East Islip, Long Island.

As CBS2's Emily Smith reported, a mangled utility pole marked the spot where Skye Brunetti, 25, was killed. The accident happened around 9:15 a.m. on Union Boulevard west of Harwood Avenue in East Islip.

Brunetti, 25, had just put her son, Antonio, on the school bus and was walking her dog when a woman lost control of her white 2007 Chrysler and careened onto the sidewalk, CBS2's Smith reported.

The driver – identified as Barbara Cottone, 50 – went on to hit a utility pole and split it in two, Suffolk County police said.

Brunetti was pronounced dead at the scene along with her dog, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

The victim's friends came to the scene to mourn her loss.

"Everyone's heartbroken – her boyfriend especially," said Nicole Carroll, who recently rented a home with Brunetti. "I don't know how anyone's going to handle it."

Brunetti's brother, TJ Lindner, spoke briefly about his sister.

"She was the best person you could ever think of -- beautiful person -- and I loved her a lot," Lindner said.

Brunetti, CBS2 was told, lived with her five year old son and her boyfriend, who recently moved in.

A steady stream of grieving friends and family brought flowers to the Brunetti family on Tuesday. They said they are all dealing with the sudden loss of a young woman who they say epitomized being a good daughter, sister, friend, and above all, mother.

"She loved her kid and like, she would do anything for him," one woman said. "And I don't even know how he is going to take it. He's only 5."

Driver Cottone, of East Islip, was being treated at Northwell Health Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, as 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported. She suffered minor injuries, police said.

CBS2 was told by officials on the scene that Cottone may have had a medical condition causing her to veer off the road.

Meanwhile, neighbors said Union Boulevard, a residential street, is known for speeding drivers.

Cottone's vehicle was impounded for a safety check, police said.

The investigation continued late Tuesday. Anyone with information was asked to call the Suffolk County Third Squad at (631) 854-8352.