Officials push for new bus stop near Volusia County homeless shelter after woman hit, killed crossing road

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 30-year-old woman living at a Volusia County homeless shelter was crossing the road to catch the bus for work when deputies said she was struck and killed by a car.

Investigators said the woman, named Ashley, stopped to pick up something she dropped in the road when she was hit.

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“Everybody here including the staff have been devastated,” First Step Shelter Executive Director Victoria Fahlberg said.

Officials at the shelter are now pushing to have a bus stop put in closer to the facility so it doesn’t happen again.

There are no crosswalks or sidewalks on the stretch of U.S. 92 near Red John Road. There is a bus stop on the same side of the road as the shelter, but it’s a half a mile away. The closest stop is across the street just 600 feet away.

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Fahlberg said Ashley was focused on saving up enough money to get her own place so her 10 year-old-daughter had somewhere to stay when she visited.

“She had a really strong desire to change her life,” Fahlberg said.

She said Ashley was going to take her bike to work but could not get it unlocked, so she decided to catch the bus.

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County officials said they are open to working with the city and shelter on transportation options. County Chair Jeff Brower said he wants to get the issue on the agenda for next Tuesday’s meeting.

“I’m not trying to throw blame on the county or the city or anybody, I just want the problem to be solved,” Fahlberg said.