Thomas Elsman, whose 18-year-old daughter Alyssa was killed Thursday when a speeding car plowed through Times Square, left a letter of gratitude thanking the city and citizens of New York at the site of the devastating crash.
In the letter, Elsman, whose 13-year-old daughter was also injured in the crash, writes about unity and describes his daughter as being full of life. He left the letter at the growing memorial in Times Square, WABC reported.
The letter was signed, “Dad.”
Here it is in full:
There is no words that can express our gratitude with the outpouring of love and support this city has shown us. Our medical staff, The NYPD and most of all YOU. This impromptu memorial dedicated to our daughter and seeing and talking to many of you has helped me cope with our loss. I have met so many people from different countries, religions, creeds.etc….. it doesn’t matter.. you have shown us that when you remove bias.. racism.. and ignorance.. WE ARE ALL ONE… Your condolences have been sincere and taken to heart. Please also remember there are 20 other families affected by this and please keep them in your thoughts too. Alyssa loved this city… she loved Times Square. She would appreciate all your kind words but she would also tell us all to get back up and continue. That’s how full of life my daughter was This city and our hearts are scarred, cut to the core, but in true New York City fashion.. We will heal.. We will prevail.. and we will never forget. Alyssa Lynn Elsman.. my beautiful 18 year old girl. I look at myself and will never understand how I could have made such an angel.. Im glad you got your mothers looks :)… .I don’t know anything currently.. I always have the answers.. but I am blank… I have a hole in my heart that can never be filled. My world changed when you came into it and it is unexplainable with you leaving it. I love you kid. Just no words
Dad
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Hundreds of people have signed a concrete barrier at the intersection of 45th Street and Seventh Avenue in Times Square, which has been converted into a makeshift memorial for the victims of the crash.
The 26-year-old Bronx resident accused in the crash, Richard Rojas, told the New York Post, “I just want to apologize to my mom.” He faces a second-degree murder charge and 20 counts of attempted murder, one for each of the pedestrians who were injured.
(H/T: WABC)
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