East Hartford Community Grieves the Loss of Beloved Resident Pearl Lukas, 80, in Tragic Pedestrian Accident
East Hartford, CT – October 17, 2025
A wave of shock and sorrow has swept over the town of East Hartford following the tragic death of 80-year-old Pearl Lukas, a longtime resident whose life was cut short in a pedestrian accident early Thursday morning. The heartbreaking incident occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. at the intersection of Silver Lane and Forbes Street — a typically calm and residential area that is now the focus of mourning, reflection, and growing concerns over pedestrian safety.
According to East Hartford Police, officers responded to a 911 call reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle while crossing the intersection in the pre-dawn darkness. Emergency personnel arrived within minutes and found Pearl Lukas with critical injuries. She was transported to Hartford Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and is said to be cooperating fully with investigators. As of Friday afternoon, no charges have been filed, though the investigation remains active. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether speed, visibility, or weather conditions played a role in the fatal incident.
A Cherished Member of the Community
Pearl Lukas, known to many simply as “Miss Pearl,” was a beloved figure in East Hartford. Having lived in the town for over five decades, she was regarded as a warm, kind-hearted woman who dedicated her life to her family, neighbors, and community.
“She was the kind of person who never passed you without a smile or a kind word,” said longtime neighbor Marlene Hill. “She had this quiet strength — always offering help, always asking about your kids or your health. She was truly one of the good ones.”
A retired elementary school librarian, Pearl was remembered by former colleagues and students for her gentle nature and her love of books and learning. “She had a gift for making every child feel special,” said Donna Klein, a former teacher at Sunset Ridge School. “So many students grew up loving reading because of her.”
Even in retirement, Pearl remained active in the community. She volunteered at the local food pantry, was a regular attendee at church events, and often took morning walks around her neighborhood — the very routine that would tragically place her at the intersection on Thursday morning.
A Community in Mourning
In the hours following the news of Pearl’s passing, flowers, candles, and handwritten notes began appearing at the intersection of Silver Lane and Forbes Street — a spontaneous memorial growing with each passing hour. Residents gathered Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil, where friends, family members, and local leaders shared prayers and stories in her honor.
“Pearl was one of those people who helped define what it means to be part of East Hartford,” said Mayor Michael Walsh, who spoke at the vigil. “Her loss is not just her family’s loss, but a loss for all of us.”
Town Council members and community activists have already begun raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the area, calling for increased signage, better lighting, and possible traffic-calming measures at the Silver Lane and Forbes intersection — a location that, while not previously known for accidents, is frequented by early-morning walkers like Pearl.
Growing Calls for Change
Pearl Lukas’s tragic death has ignited urgent discussions around pedestrian safety, especially for elderly residents. Local groups are pushing for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” said Rosa Jimenez, an East Hartford resident and founder of the advocacy group “Safe Streets Now.” “We cannot wait until another person is hurt or killed before taking real steps to protect our neighbors.”
The East Hartford Police Department confirmed that it is working closely with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic safety review of the area. Preliminary reports indicate that while crosswalks are present at the intersection, lighting may be inadequate during early morning hours, particularly in fall and winter months.
Remembering a Life Well Lived
Amid the calls for reform and the grief that has settled over East Hartford, those who knew Pearl Lukas are focused on remembering her for the life she lived and the love she gave.
“She lived with purpose, and she loved without condition,” said her niece, Karen Lukas. “We are devastated by her loss, but we are also incredibly proud of the life she led. She showed us what it meant to be generous, loyal, and graceful.”
Funeral arrangements are currently being made and will be announced by the family in the coming days. The Lukas family has also shared that they are establishing a memorial fund in Pearl’s honor, with proceeds going toward pedestrian safety improvements and senior services in East Hartford.
A Time to Mourn — And a Time to Act
As the town of East Hartford grieves the loss of one of its most cherished citizens, there is a growing sense that Pearl Lukas’s death must become a catalyst for positive change.
In the words of Pastor Denise Carter, who led Thursday night’s vigil: “Miss Pearl walked through this town with grace and love for 80 years. If we truly want to honor her memory, we must make sure every street in East Hartford is safe for others to do the same.”
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