A Late-Night Walk Turns to Tragedy
Bridgewater, New York — A quiet Monday night turned devastating when Ju Nine, a 50-year-old woman from Utica, lost her life after being struck by a minivan while walking along Mapledale Road near State Route 8. The fatal incident occurred shortly before midnight on August 11, 2025, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving loved ones heartbroken.
According to New York State Police, the crash happened at approximately 11:50 p.m. when a southbound 2018 Dodge Caravan, driven by 71-year-old Lysle A. Jones of Leonardsville, collided with Ju Nine, who was walking in the roadway. Emergency responders from the Bridgewater Fire Department rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Ju Nine was pronounced dead where she fell.
A Sudden Loss Felt Deeply by Many
Authorities have yet to determine all the circumstances that led to the tragedy, and the investigation remains ongoing. What is known is that the life of a vibrant, cherished woman ended in an instant, leaving a deep void in the hearts of family and friends.
Those who knew Ju Nine describe her as a compassionate, resilient woman who touched many lives through her kindness and strength. Her passing is not just a statistic — it is a devastating reminder of how fragile life is, especially for pedestrians who share the roads with fast-moving traffic.
For the driver, the night’s events will likely be etched in memory forever, a stark and sorrowful moment no one could have anticipated. As investigators work to piece together the facts, the community is left grappling with grief and searching for answers.
Remembering Ju Nine’s Life and Legacy
While her death is being investigated, those closest to Ju Nine are choosing to focus on the life she lived rather than solely on the tragedy that took her away. Friends recall her bright smile, her unwavering loyalty, and her ability to make others feel seen and valued. She was a woman who embraced both her struggles and her joys, inspiring others to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.
Vigils are expected to be held in her honor, allowing friends, family, and community members to gather, share memories, and find solace in one another. Her sudden loss serves as a somber reminder for drivers to remain vigilant at all times, especially at night, and for pedestrians to take every precaution to protect themselves on the road.
Ju Nine’s life, though tragically cut short, will be remembered not for the way she died, but for the love, laughter, and light she brought into the world. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her, even as the community waits for answers and closure in the days ahead.
