Mother of 10 Killed Remembered as Caring Employee

By Dwellie Striggles

Colleagues of Elourdes Ostagne, the woman who was killed in a two car crash while walking home recently, say she was a loving, caring and hardworking woman.

“Everybody absolutely adored her,” said Ashley Gombs, who worked with the 65-year-old mother of 10 at a local fast food restaurant. “She would come in and she’d say ‘Hi boss,’ and ‘Hi to everybody.’”

Ostagne became a widow a month ago after losing her husband to cancer. She was a great provider, family members said.

Gombs said Ostagne’s coworkers affectionately call her “mom” because of her caring nature.

Police said a Ford F-150, driven by Bryce Samartin, slammed into the back of a 2012 Nissan Altima in the 600 block of S. Federal Highway at about 10 p.m. Sunday.

The pickup truck was attempting to pass the Altima while approaching the intersection of East Camino Real, police said.

The Ford careened out of control and hit Ostagne, 65, who was walking on the sidewalk, police said. The pickup truck then smashed into a light pole and tree then came to final rest against the north wall of a local bank.

Samartino, 22, and his passenger, John Schafer, 23, both of Boca Raton received minor injuries. They were treated at the scene.

The driver of the Nissan, Lorena Hilel, 25, of Pompano Beach, was not injured.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Brian Pare 561-620-6168.