Injured East Village Farm and Grocery Florist Akkas Ali Dies
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Photo: EV Grieve
Former East Village Farm and Grocery worker Akkas Ali, fighting for his life since the summertime, passed away two weeks ago. The 63-year-old had suffered massive brain injuries after the car accident, losing his memory and recognition of loved ones. The sad news was revealed by CB3 board member Chad Marlow before the transportation subcommittee meeting last night, followed by a moment of silence. He had been intimately involved in the aftermath of the incident.
During the early morning rush of June 19, a drunk 32-year-old from Queens named Shaun Martin jumped the curb on Second Avenue, and smashed his car into the corner bodega. Akkas Ali was critically injured after the vehicle barreled into his flower stand. Marlow quickly set up an internet crowd-funding to help pay for medical expenses. The campaign was a success, netting $18,047.32 for the family.
As for Martin, the DA charged him with the following:
-Aggravated Vehicular Assault, a class C felony, 2 counts
-Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, 2 counts
-Driving While Ability Impaired By Combination of Drugs and Alcohol, a class E felony, 1 count
-Driving While Impaired by the Use of a Drug, a class E felony, 1 count
-Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a class A misdemeanor, 1 count
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