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Agoura Hills Woman Pronounced Brain Dead After Being Struck by Car

Rachela Gorodenzik, 51, who was hit on Thousand Oaks Boulevard near Lake Lindero Drive on Tuesday afternoon, is to be removed from life support.

 

Rachela Gorodenzik, 51, of Agoura Hills, has been pronounced brain dead by doctors at UCLA Medical Center after being struck by a car Tuesday while walking eastbound on Thousand Oaks Boulevard near Lake Lindero Drive in Agoura Hills, according to officials from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.

Gorodenzik was to be removed from life support at the medical center, pending the arrival of family members, authorities said.

The alleged driver, Danuda Reczek, 58, also from Agoura, reportedly hit Gorodenzik, who was on her way to a local Pilates class, at about 4:30 p.m., said Sgt. Philip Brooks.

According to Brooks, Recsek said she felt the impact and immediately hit her brakes, but recalled no other details of the incident.

Gorodenzik was treated at the scene and airlifted to UCLA Medical Center, where she was listed in critical condition, authorities said.

Brooks and the collision team were investigating the possibility that Reczek may have accidentally driven onto the sidewalk, or that Gorodenzik may have stepped into the street to walk at some point. No arrest was immediately made.

Brooks was seeking the public's help in investigating the collision.

"If anyone happened to be in the area at 4:25 p.m. yesterday, we’d appreciate a call," he said. "We have one witness that saw the victim walking on the sidewalk in the direction of the Pilates studio. If she was in the street, we don’t know why."

Anyone with information can call Detective David Huelson at 818-878-5556.

Kim Tracy Prince

8:49 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

I'm pretty sure there is a sidewalk there. Why was she walking in the bicycle lane?!

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Michael Fitzharris

12:49 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

She might have just gotten off her bike!

Kim Gindera

1:56 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

More to the point, why was the motorist driving in the bike lane? My sincerest condolences to the family.

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mike cohen

4:29 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

kim Tracey before you make stupid comment like this go check if there is a side walk . plus what if she was on a bike?

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Susan Pascal

5:09 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Though the police are still investigating the incident, the victim was not on a bike. She was walking. They are still unsure if she was in the bicycle lane or on the sidewalk, which is why they are asking for the public's help.

Susan Jacobs

11:45 am on Thursday, December 8, 2011

Hope you are wrong about the cell phone. You shouldn't jump to conclusions...

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Susan Pascal

3:42 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011

A memorial service will be held for Rachela Gorodenzik tonight at 7 p.m. at the Chabad of Westlake, 2524 Townsgate Rd, Suite H, in Westlake Village.

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Lori

11:02 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2011

I just learned about Rachela's passing today. I had heard about an accident from a friend of mine in the Israeli community. Tonight I realized it was her. I bought a beautiful necklace from her and her business partner many years ago. I am so sorry about her sad tragic death. Just taking a walk....how strange.
My heartfelt condolences to her family and to her friend Hana.

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Mama's Gotta Bake

7:51 pm on Sunday, December 18, 2011

Rachela was my son's pre-school teacher many years ago, and I bought her beautiful jewelry. She was such a lovely and warm human being. What a tragic loss for her family and friends.

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