A New York community is mourning the tragic loss of a 12-year-old girl who died days after being struck by a vehicle outside her middle school. The devastating pedestrian accident has intensified concerns about school zone safety and traffic enforcement in the area.
On May 16, 2025, Ashley Bratcher shared an emotional tribute on Facebook honoring what would have been her daughter Aunamarie Mankhen’s 13th birthday. The post included the first and final photos ever taken of her daughter, capturing both the beginning and end of a life cut far too short.
“You would have turned 13 today,” Bratcher wrote. “This was the last photo you took before boarding the bus on the day of the accident, and the first photo I ever took of you. I miss you more than words can say. Nothing can ever fill the space you left in my heart.”
She added that she longs for one more embrace and looks forward to the day they will be reunited again, ending the message with a reminder of her endless love.
Hit by Vehicle Outside Middle School
The fatal auto accident occurred on March 31, 2025, as Aunamarie was leaving Central Square Middle School. She was attempting to cross U.S. Route 11, a heavily traveled roadway that runs directly in front of the school. The crash happened shortly after dismissal, during a period of heavy traffic.
New York State Police reported that Aunamarie was struck by a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Tyler Anthony Hanlon. Emergency responders arrived at approximately 2:44 p.m., and the child was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse in critical condition.
Despite intensive medical care, Aunamarie succumbed to her injuries on April 3. Authorities confirmed the driver remained at the scene, cooperated fully with investigators, and showed no signs of impairment. No charges have been filed, and the car crash investigation remains ongoing.
Remembered as Creative, Kind, and Full of Life
In her obituary, family members described Aunamarie as a bright, expressive child with a strong personality and a loving heart.
“Anyone who knew her loved her,” the tribute read. “She was confident, energetic, and always had music playing or was dancing. She was intelligent, creative, and beautiful inside and out.”
To celebrate her life, attendees at her funeral were asked to wear purple, her favorite color. The family also announced that her organs would be donated, allowing her legacy to live on by helping others in need.
Calls Grow for Improved School Zone Traffic Safety
Aunamarie’s death has renewed public demands for better pedestrian safety measures and stricter traffic enforcement near schools in the Central Square area.
Susan Bonnet, who operates a business directly across from the middle school, told Spectrum News 1 that speeding and reckless driving have long been concerns along Route 11.
“Drivers don’t seem to slow down in this stretch,” she said. “This is clearly a school zone, and children should be protected here.”
Bonnet witnessed the accident and stayed with Aunamarie until first responders arrived. She described urging the injured girl to keep fighting and reassuring her that she was not alone.
“This changes lives forever,” Bonnet said. “It’s devastating and incredibly frightening.”
A Father’s Grief
Months later, on Thanksgiving — his first holiday without his daughter — Aunamarie’s father, Paul Mahnken, shared his heartbreak in a social media post.
“I woke up missing you more than I can explain,” he wrote alongside photos of them together. “Nothing feels the same without you, and it’s hard to celebrate anything without you here. I hope you’re at peace. Daddy loves you always.”
Community Support and Ongoing Investigation
Central Square School District Superintendent Thomas J. Colabufo confirmed that multiple students witnessed the incident and that grief counseling services were made available to both students and staff.
Officials continue to review the circumstances surrounding the pedestrian accident. As of the latest update, no criminal charges have been announced, and law enforcement officials say the driver remains cooperative.