A woman hit by a car while crossing a midtown Omaha street earlier this week died Saturday morning.
Forty-one-year-old Mary Ryan was crossing near 39th and Dodge streets shortly before 3 a.m. Tuesday when she was hit by a westbound car. Police said Ryan was not crossing at a marked crosswalk when she was hit.
Ryan suffered multiple severe injuries, including a fractured skull, broken facial bones, arm and ribs. She also suffered bleeding in her brain.
“She's friends with anyone you could think of, she was the sweetest person I have ever met in my life.” Surrounded by friends, Alex Jegeris wanted to visit the memorial erected in her stepmother's honor hours after learning of Ryan's passing.
“I don't know which things aren't from us, but I know that there have been strangers coming up here for the last couple of days. Whenever I've driven by there have been complete strangers here reading her story."
It's a story of love. “She's known my dad since they were teenagers and she fell in love with him the moment she saw him." Robert and Mary tied that knot of love and were married two year ago. That also brought with it Mary's cooking.
“My dad hated Brussels sprouts and Mary was always getting on him to eat vegetables, particularly Brussels sprouts because they are supposed to be good for you."
Now, Alex says, Robert will move forward with a purpose, a mission. “My dad wants to make sure it doesn't happen again, that's why this is here. We are hoping that she is the last person that gets struck here, hoping that she's the last person that dies here."
Funeral arrangements are pending. Due to the severity of her injuries, Mary's husband and her extended family are seeking community support to assist with medical and funeral expenses.
You may bring donations to any U.S. Bank branch or mail them to:
U.S. Bank
Mary Ryan Donation Fund
1700 Farnam Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
