A 22-year-old ballroom dancer who was jogging with her two brothers has died after a vehicle struck the trio in Long Island.
Ilona Kaydanov was walking with her two younger brothers on the side of the road on Harned Road in Commack, Suffolk County, when they were hit Thursday morning.
Suffolk County police said the siblings were struck by a 2022 Chrysler Voyager, requiring the three to be hospitalized.
Tragically, Kaydanov was pronounced dead after being taken to South Shore University Hospital.
Her two brothers, Dennis, 20, and Joseph Kaydanov, 13, were taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Ilona Kaydanov, pictured here, was pronounced dead Thursday morning after being admitted to South Shore University Hospital
The driver of the Chrysler, 44-year-old Francis Floyd, was not injured, nor were their two adult passengers, a 44-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man
Authorities did not announce charges, but the driver’s car was impounded for a safety inspection and the accident is under investigation
The driver of the Chrysler, 44-year-old Francis Floyd, was not injured, nor were their two adult passengers, a 44-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man.
Video captured by ABC7 shows the black vehicle with the side door open and several police officers on scene.
Authorities did not announce charges, but the driver’s car was impounded for a safety inspection and the accident is under investigation.
Kaydanov was a member of the Dance With Us Long Island studio and is considered dedicated and talented.
Studio owner Stephanie Falciano told the New York Post, “She was like a daughter to me and just the most incredible, beautiful creature inside and out.”
“The hardest worker, smart, talented and beautiful.” “The world lost today.”
Her grandmother, Lubov Kaydanov, told ABC7: “I don’t feel anything.” God has to take me, I’m old. She’s young.’
According to her website, Kaydanov worked in communications and recently completed an MBA in marketing from Stony Brook University.
Ilona is pictured here with her two young brothers, Dennis (centre) and Joseph (right), who were also involved in the incident
Kaydanov was a member of the Dance With Us Long Island studio and is considered dedicated and talented
On social media, friends began paying tribute to Kaydanov, who was described as “ambitious and kind.”
Residents also told the outlet that they often saw cars driving at high speeds toward the car, which is not designed for pedestrians.
It remains unclear at this time whether speeding was a cause of the fatal collision.
Her brother Joseph is said to have suffered a broken leg and collarbone and will require surgery, ABC7 reported.
On social media, friends began paying tribute to Kaydanov, who has been described as “ambitious and kind.”
Her grandmother Lubov Kaydanov, pictured here, said she wished she were dying rather than her granddaughter
According to her website, Kaydanov has worked in communications and recently earned an MBA in marketing from Stony Brook University. She is pictured here with her brother Joseph
One person wrote: “I am so devastated by this news.” Ilona Kaydanov was extremely smart, talented, ambitious and kind.
“She was my right hand at our last job and it wouldn’t have been the same without her.”
“I was always impressed by her academic and professional achievements at the young age of 20, and now, at 22, she had so much more to achieve.”
“We went through a lot together in the short time we knew each other. “You will be sorely missed, Ilona, and I will always cherish our bond.”
Another commented: “Absolutely tragic…she is a beautiful soul who will be missed dearly. “May God bless her and her family at this time.”