Elderly woman's family speaks after deadly crash

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The family of a South Florida elderly woman who was killed in a deadly crash is speaking out for the first time.

Mary Elizabeth Smith's daughter said her mother lived a life of faith. Smith, 83-year-old, was on her way to a Bible study class on Tuesday. "She always said she made peace with her God," said the victim's daughter, Heddie Smith Vereen. "My God, she made peace with him. The peace that she made with him, she always told us. She don't want to be in pain."

Smith was struck and killed by a car while waiting at a bus stop at Northwest 199th Street and Second Avenue. Six people were treated on the scene, four were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Smith was the only person transported who lost her life. "We can't question," said Vereen. "It's questioning God, and it's not to question him. Whatever happened, it shouldn't have happened. Oh, we know it shouldn't have happened. We know that if she waited, we know all of this. But why question it when it's not going to bring her back?"

According to Miami Gardens Police, the car involved in the crash was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck a black Nissan Altima. The impact sent the driver's car in to the bus stop.

Good Samaritans rushed in and were able to lift the vehicle off of one victim. "The guy under the car was screaming, 'Get me out from under the car!'" said Austin Hines. "That's why you see the car like that cause me and my brother and like eight other people lifted it."

Police questioned the driver and released him. The investigation continues, as a family copes with the sudden loss of their matriarch. "She's with the Lord," said Vereen. "When the Lord takes her home with him, all the angels in heaven will be ringing bells. Because a soldier, one of his soldiers, has come in."

Smith leaves behind over 20 grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family said they do not have any regrets and said they cannot question that she's at peace.

The victims of the accident are still being treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital and remain in critical condition.

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