Pedestrian seriously injured in crash is longtime Annandale advocate
Updated – The four pedestrians struck by a vehicle in Annandale on May 20 were with the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee (ACBDPC).
One of the victims, Eileen Garnett, 82, is hospitalized in the intensive care unit with life-threatening injuries, including brain bleeds and multiple broken bones. [May 25 update – Garnett was taken off life support and has died.]
Garnett, is a longtime advocate for revitalizing Annandale and a member of the ACBDPC. At the time of the accident, the group was touring the community to make note of needed infrastructure improvements, an activity Garnett has been involved in for years. The other pedestrians were county and VDOT employees.
“She has worked for the betterment and beautification of Annandale for well over 40 years,” says longtime friend Fran Tunick. “Everybody loves her. It’s such a horrible thing to happen to someone as wonderful as her.”
The pedestrians were in a parking lot at 7263 Maple Place at 11 a.m. when the driver of a silver 2008 Nissan Sentra heading north on Maple Place struck them, says Fairfax County Police spokesperson 2nd Lt. James Curry.
“The driver dropped food and spilled a drink inside her Nissan,” Curry says. “As she attempted to recover the dropped items, she lost control of the vehicle crossing the center median. The driver left the roadway onto the south sidewalk of Maple Place.” She continued into the parking lot where the four pedestrians were struck. She then crashed into a nearby metal fence and stopped.
The other three pedestrians – two adult women and an adult man – are in the hospital being treated for injuries not considered life threatening. The driver and passenger – two adult women – were also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Praying for Eileen Garnett. She is a really nice lady who has been an active part of our community for many years. Cannot believe a driver can be so careless.
Sending you lots of love and prayers from New Zealand, Mrs. G! I miss being in the hood with you. Please get well soon so I can come back and make cookies and have a cranberry and orange juice with you. <3
praying in Alexandria – Parkfairfax.
Eileen Garnett is a community treasure. Praying for full recovery.
Such a lovely person and dedicated to our community in so many ways. Eileen is also a tireless volunteer with the ACCA organization.
So sorry to hear of this tragic accident. Sending prayers.
God bless you, Eileen.
Praying for Eileen’s recovery!
Everyone in the Kansas City area who know and love Eileen are praying for her and her family. We are all hoping and praying for a full recovery. All our love to everyone.
What is the status of the driver of the car, that took her eyes off the road, and was more worried about her food that she dropped, and ran into 4 people? The person driving should be in jail.
Hi Mrs. Garnett, we are sending so many prayers to you, including prayers of thankfulness for your tireless work to make our town special and beautiful. Thinking of you too Megan. Hang in there, my childhood friend.
God Bless. I am praying for you.
Eileen is a wonderful person. I am praying for her.
Oh Eileen, praying for your speedy recovery. So sad, you are such a treasure❤️
I think she belongs to our church. We are praying for Eileen who was injured in a traffic accident.
Praying God for speedy recovery for Eileen. She is such a wonderful positive person. She made me smile every time I saw her.
She passed away last night. May she Rest In Peace
Its sad that Eileen passed away last night.
Heartbroken to hear of Eileen’s death. Love and prayers to her family. She was the spirit of community and an example to us all.
Eileen’s family in Kansas City are heartbroken. She did not deserve this horrific incident which took her away from us way to early. May all our tears turn into dancing & celebrate the wonderful life of Eileen
I am so sorry to learn of this. Eileen and husband Stan are wonderful people, showing their Christianity through their everyday works. My prayers now or for Stan, Megan, and the boys.
I am so sorry to hear about this horrific accident that took Eileen. I have known them in the neighborhood for over 40 years and she and Stan were some involved in the neighborhood and community. The entire family is in my prayers. God Bless !!!