James Zawalich Obituary, Death; – The 56-year-old individual who was fatally struck near 17 Washington St. (Route 20) on November 30 has been identified by his family as James Zawalich.
Zawalich was known as “Jimmy,” as stated on a GoFundMe page created by his sister, Beth Zawalich.
As reported by Auburn Police Chief Scott Mills, it seems that Zawalich was attempting to cross the street to return to the mobile home park community where he lived when he was hit shortly before 10 p.m. on November 30. Authorities were called to the location, where Zawalich was declared deceased.
“His loss was a tragic accident, but Jimmy is more than an accident,” the GoFundMe page states.
According to his sister’s message on the crowdfunding platform, James had lived with a disability due to two separate motorcycle accidents that made mobility challenging for him.
“He moved slowly, utilized a cane, and navigated a world that wasn’t designed for him. The road he lived on was perilous, and despite our warnings, he did what he needed to do to survive as accessibility was a daily challenge. He lived on his own terms,” the message indicates.
Zawalich did not have any children or a partner, as per his sister’s account.
“Now, we wish to provide him with the dignity he deserves by commemorating his memory and the joyful moments,” Beth Zawalich expressed.
The driver, a 52-year-old woman from Webster, remained at the scene and was cooperative with law enforcement, Mills previously informed the Telegram & Gazette.
According to Mills, the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
The collision is still under investigation.
