The family of 66-year-old Gila Ivgi is mourning after she was killed in late May while crossing a street in a crosswalk near her home. Her husband, Aharon, told N12 in an exclusive interview, “She did not have to die.” He said, “I do not know what I will do without her, how I will live without her? She was my whole life and suddenly she is gone.” He added that the impact suggested the driver was speeding, saying the force threw her “dozens of meters.”
The suspect is an 18-year-old from Ma'ale Adumim who, according to the report, regularly posted videos on TikTok and Instagram showing reckless driving, filming himself behind the wheel and staging dangerous street races. Family members said the signs were obvious and that his friends knew he drove “like a madman.” Hours after the crash, he was released from the police station and removed the reckless-driving clips from his social media accounts.
Ivgi’s relatives said she was careful and had crossed that route with Aharon thousands of times. He said her body was found far from the point of impact, with rescue crews locating her dozens of meters away from the crosswalk. Their daughter Amit said even a friend who worked with the suspect at Aroma warned him, “You drive like a madman, do not drive like that,” but he dismissed the warning. Her sister Limor said she had heard disturbing reports that his friends had even called their parents about his speeding, and noted that he had filmed himself saying, “I almost ran over a child.”
The family says the tragedy has upended them, especially because Gila had been living with her daughter Yarden during maternity leave. Amit said her first child will be born without his grandmother, calling it unthinkable that the children will not know “this amazing grandmother.” She urged authorities to act quickly so there will not be another case, saying, “The next case is around the corner.” Her husband Shai asked, “Are likes worth a human life?” and said social-media views do not justify the destruction caused.
Police said officers from Ma'ale Adumim and traffic investigators arrived at the scene, collected evidence, questioned the suspect, seized his phone and impounded his car. Tests ruled out drugs or alcohol. His license was suspended for 90 days and he was released under restrictive conditions while the investigation continues, including review of vehicle cameras, witness statements and other technical evidence. Police said they take road bullying seriously and will act to bring such drivers to justice.
