EAST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The quiet town of East Hartford is grieving after tragedy struck early Thursday morning, claiming the life of 80-year-old Pearl Lukas. The heartbreaking incident unfolded around 5:15 a.m. at the intersection of Silver Lane and Forbes Street, an area typically calm at that hour, now transformed into a somber reminder of life’s fragility.

Pearl Lukas, a long-time resident of the community, was struck by a vehicle while crossing the intersection. Police said emergency services were called immediately after witnesses reported seeing a woman lying in the roadway. When first responders arrived, Lukas was found critically injured and unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, she was later pronounced dead, leaving behind a town shaken by her sudden and tragic passing.

According to the East Hartford Police Department, the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Preliminary reports indicate that speed or impairment does not appear to have been a factor, though the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. Authorities have not announced whether any citations or charges will be filed, pending further review and analysis of the evidence.

Residents who knew Lukas described her as a kind-hearted woman who had lived in East Hartford for decades. Neighbors said she often took early morning walks through the community, enjoying the quiet before sunrise. “She was gentle, caring, and always had a smile for everyone,” one neighbor shared. “It’s devastating to know that someone so beloved could be taken in such a way.”

The intersection where the incident occurred has since drawn renewed attention from both residents and local officials, who have long raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. Some community members have suggested adding brighter street lighting or more visible crosswalk markings to help prevent future tragedies. “We’ve had close calls before,” one local said. “It shouldn’t take a loss like this to make a change.”

Police have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. The department also confirmed that the Connecticut State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is aiding in the inquiry to ensure that all details surrounding the collision are thoroughly reviewed.

Friends and family of Pearl Lukas are now left to grapple with an overwhelming sense of grief. Loved ones recall her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend—someone who brought light and comfort into every space she entered. Her loss has not only left an emotional void but has also served as a sobering reminder of how fleeting life can be.

As the investigation continues, a small memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has begun to grow at the corner of Silver Lane and Forbes Street. Residents have gathered there to pay their respects, offering prayers and sharing memories of Lukas’s kindness and warmth.

Local officials have expressed condolences to Lukas’s family and promised to review traffic safety measures in the area. “Our hearts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time,” an East Hartford spokesperson said. “We are committed to doing everything possible to make our streets safer for all residents.”

What began as a quiet Thursday morning in East Hartford has now become a day of mourning—a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can change. The community stands united in sorrow, remembering Pearl Lukas not for the way she was lost, but for the kindness, compassion, and strength she shared throughout her life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, forever etched into the spirit of the town she called home.