A Street Co-Naming for Ava

On Saturday August 3, on what would have been her 21st birthday, the corner of Beach 108th and Rockaway Beach Boulevard, where her life was cut short, will be renamed Ava Conklin Way.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, all are welcome to join the family and friends of Ava Conklin for the street co-naming ceremony. Ava Conklin was a daughter, sister, niece and friend to many. On June 24, 2023, after her shift at the Rockaway Hotel, 19-year-old Ava was waiting at the bus stop for her little sister, so they could meet up to take the ferry into Manhattan for an afternoon of fun. Those plans never happened, as Ava was struck by a car that jumped the curb and hit her.
As someone that was remembered for her love for life and living it to the fullest, the friends and family hope to celebrate Ava’s life and let her memory live on not only in their hearts and minds, but in the neighborhood, as all who pass by that corner will see her name above them. Since Conklin’s passing, a memorial with photos, flowers and candles has grown as the site.
Driver Daniel Sails, who says he fell asleep at the wheel, has been charged with a misdemeanor reckless driving charge, which could result in up to 30 days in jail if found guilty. The next court date is August 29 at Queens Supreme Criminal Court.