Easton woman dies from injuries suffered in December crash

By Michael Buck

Express-Times Photo | COLIN MCEVOY Emergency responders tend to Raphie Azzolina of Easton after she was struck by a pickup truck in Downtown Easton.

An 88-year-old Easton woman died Saturday from injuries she suffered in a Dec. 23 crash in which she was struck by a vehicle in Downtown Easton.

Raphie Azzolina was walking to her hairdresser about 11 a.m. when she was struck at Fourth and Ferry streets by Richard Johnson Jr. of Bethlehem, records say.

Azzolina spent about 30 days in the trauma and intensive care units of St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill before being transferred to a hospice about a week before she died, said George Marion, a lawyer for the Azzolina family.

Nick Azzolina, of Palmer Township, said he retained Marion's services after the crash because of the circumstances. Nick Azzolina declined to speak further and referred all questions to Marion.

Marion said there has not been a lawsuit filed against Johnson Jr. Marion said he is working with Johnson's insurance company.

"We're trying to pursue claims against the driver," Marion said.

Records say Johnson was issued a summary citation for failing to yield to pedestrians. He later pleaded guilty to the citation and paid the $135 fine, records say. Marion said police records indicate Johnson was inattentive while driving.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said Sunday night he was aware of no additional charges pending in the case. Easton police did not immediately return a phone message.