Police reports Brooklyn pastor struck by car after tripping on street

A renowned pastor from Brooklyn was walking down the street when she tripped and was killed by an SUV, according to the police. (Photo by Michael Jin from Unsplash)

Aracely Courtenay, a renowned pastor from Brooklyn, was walking down the street when she tripped and was killed by an SUV, according to the police.

Police Report

According to the NY Post, the victim was recognized as Courtenay, a 50-year-old married mother of three who served as the 'first lady' at Emmanuel Church of God.

Courtenay was reportedly attempting to cross East 21st Street in Flatbush shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday when she stepped into a depression in the asphalt and fell to the ground, according to the police.

The investigators said that she was struck by a Toyota Highlander model year 2015 traveling north on East 21st St. and making a right turn onto Ditmas Ave.

According to the police, a man in his 58th year was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident and remained at the scene after that.

After sustaining significant head injuries, Courtenay was transported to the Kings County Medical Center, but doctors there could not save her. She was then pronounced dead.

Moreover, per Daily News, the SUV driver stayed at the scene after the accident. According to the police, he is not expected to be charged with crimes.

The church announced the news of Courtenay's death on Facebook on Sunday, writing, "Emmanuel Family, it is with a sad heart that we share with you the untimely and unexpected passing of our dear Pastor Aracely Courtenay, our 1st Lady."

Remembering Pastor Aracely Courtenay

Based on Emmanuel Church of God, Pastor Courtenay, born and raised in the Republic of Panama, is an energetic and passionate woman who has made it her life's work to support the women in her neighborhood.

Along with her husband, Bishop Curt Courtenay, who serves as the Senior Pastor of the Emmanuel Church of God in Brooklyn, New York, she serves as a pastor there.

Pastor Courtenay is in charge of the Talitha Cumi Women's Ministry, a ministry geared specifically toward women. Talitha Cumi means "Damsel Awake."

It exemplifies her goals and aspirations for women. For eight years, she has worked in property management and coordinated housing for low- and moderate-income families, focusing on housing for single moms.

She first developed an interest in issues affecting women during her time as a property manager. Her message is meant for ladies worldwide: regardless of the challenges that may appear in one's life, that person can triumph over them.

Pastor Courtenay is a preacher who works full-time, and she has devoted her life to empowering, guiding, and aiding women of all ages to emerge from the circumstances in which they find themselves. She is a source of motivation.

In addition, due to her variety of experiences and perspectives not shared by most others, she can empathize with folks who come to her for guidance and aid.

When fear and uncertainty about the future are pervasive, her expertise is essential to turning up-and-coming clergy into community-conscious individuals.

She coordinates food and clothing drives locally and internationally and a back-to-school campaign annually. She also provides free school supplies to the community she serves.