Liz Padilla: 2005-06-09
5th Ave & Warren St (map)

28-year old Liz Padilla was killed June 9, 2005 in Park Slope. One VR member came across the scene during his morning bike commute. Liz’s was the first ghost bike we installed. A few weeks later, her sister wrote to us:

“This past weekend we traveled to Brooklyn to collect Liz’s things and mourn, again, together, at the site of the Ghost Bike memorial for Liz. What a beautiful, tragic tribute to my sister. I thought I would never want to leave that site. Thank you so much for taking such care and demonstrating such kindness to a woman, and now another man, that you did not know. I also read about Brandie Bailey, killed in May while riding her bike in New York. My heart goes out to Brandie and Andrew’s families.”

“It is shameful that the authorities in New York, including the Mayor, have responded to these tragedies in such a heartless way. We will never ‘get over’ these losses. They represent not only loss to their families but to all who knew them. I only hope one day to regain the peace and love for life that Liz had for 28 years and to be able to honor her by living life in the best way I can.”