Having worked in hospice care, Alma Johnson has dealt with death and grief before.
But this is different.
“I’m devastated,” she said Thursday, less than a day after her 18-year-old daughter Zakaiyah Halley was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash in Palmer Township.
Zakaiyah Halley, 18, of Phillipsburg, was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash Feb. 8, 2017, near the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township. (Courtesy Facebook)
“I keep thinking that it’s not real,” Johnson said. “I keep thinking she’s going to come through the door, or call.”
Halley, of the 200 block of Washington Street in Phillipsburg, died in the crash about 9 p.m. Wednesday on Route 248 near the Palmer Park Mall, the Northampton County coroner said. Palmer Township police said late Wednesday that the victim was struck by a northbound vehicle as she was crossing Route 248, and the vehicle didn’t stop.
Hours later, police seized a black Mazda with front-end damage from a Phillipsburg neighborhood. Police questioned two men in the 200 block of Morris Street, placed them in handcuffs and took them to Phillipsburg police headquarters.
There has been no word so far on any charges in connection with the case. Phillipsburg police acting Chief Robert Stettner said no one has been detained or arrested, but deferred to Palmer police for more information.
Johnson said she didn’t know much about the circumstances, just that Halley had been out with her girlfriend.
Halley went to Phillipsburg High School but did not graduate. Like many 18-year-olds, she had different ideas about what she wanted to be, her mom said. Halley was funny and loved music, but more recently wanted to do makeup and hair styling.
“She was a loving, caring and happy person,” her mother said, adding that she had many friends. Several posted messages of mourning on social media.
Halley has four sisters and two brothers, Johnson said. Some watched cartoons at home around midday Thursday as others gathered in the house.
“I’m not good,” Johnson said softly but firmly. “I’m trying to stay as strong as I can.”
A GoFundMe online fundraiser has been launched to help Halley’s mother, who said it was set up by a colleague and supported by friends and coworkers who want to help.
“It means a whole lot,” she said.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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